29 NOTES ON SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 
wreck. They are small, but strong and active, and show a 
power of endurance almost swrprisiny ; withstanding the incle- 
mency of winter without other shelter than that afforded by 
the hillocks of sand. 
The English rabbit has at different periods been very numer- 
ous, and threatened at one time to over-run the Island. But, to 
their misfortune, the Norway vat landed from an old vessel, and 
in a short time became so numerous that they nearly annihilated 
the rabbits, and then turned their attention to the stores of the 
Island, so that during one winter the staff were without bread 
for some months. In the spring the Government sent a detach- 
ment of cats to look after the rats. The cats killed the rats and 
then finished the remaining rabbits. In a short time the cats 
became so wild and nwmerous as to be a source of danger, when 
dogs were sent to hunt the cats, and with the assistance of shot 
guns in the hands of the staff, the cats were finally extirpated. 
Again the Island was stocked with rabbits, when a snowy 
owl found his way thither, and being so delighted at his find, 
disappeared, and in a few days returned with his friends, who 
remained long after the rabbits were extinct, and still shows his 
kind remembrances by making periodical visits. 
Until 1814, herds of said hogs roamed the Island, wie 
became exceedingly fierce, often attacking the cattle. But 
during a very severe winter all perished. Since that time this 
-species of stock has not been allowed to range the Island, since, 
owing to their proclivity to hunt bodies in the sand, and devour 
those found in the land-wash, they became objects of horror 
and disgust. 
The walrus, or sea lion, once repaired to this Island in 
large numbers. Their tusks are still being washed out of the 
sand, although they disappeared many years ago. 
Early in January the Greenland seals make their appearance 
on the bars, for the purpose of whelping, and are sometimes 
hunted by the staff. The male is about 8 feet long, weighs 
often 800 lbs., and swims at the rate of seven miles an hour. 
They are very tenacious of life, often surviving the most severe 
wounds. Their habits are very interesting. When on shore 
they live in families, each male attended by several females. 
