80 NATIVES OF GREENLAND. 



and viewing them, as he does, as the perfection of human 

 art, he pities the ignorance of any one who is unable to 

 manage a kaiak, or use the hand-board in discharging the 

 spear or lighter dart. It is dangerous for a European to 

 venture into one of those canoes, as he is almost certain of 

 being instantly upset, in which case the buoyancy of the 

 little bark would certainly keep him immersed, and drown 

 him. 



In Plate VI. is represented, from the life, a young Uskee 

 in the act of striking a seal ; and scarcely can there be any 

 thino; more amusins; than to see what manoeuvres are re- 

 quisite to avoid the watchfulness of the animal. The seal 

 himself, mischievous in the extreme towards every creature 

 weaker than himself, entertains a sovereign dread of the 

 Uskee-me, and flies from every quarter where he discovers 

 a kaiak ; but his precaution seldom avails. The instant a 

 seal is seen by a Greenlander, he whispers " pussee " 

 (seal) along the surface of the water to the nearest of his 

 companions, who telegraphs the signal until all the boats 

 are engaged in the chase, and it is seldom possible for 

 their prey to escape. The seal is impetuous in disposition, 

 and, having once observed his pursuers, he dives re- 

 peatedly, and in different directions, to confound them ; but 

 becomes at length so short-winded by his hurry, that he 

 cannot remain long out of sight ; and as the Uskees are 

 around in various points watching the favourable moment. 



