SEALS: 427 
dead, and throws himself upon the Esquimaux and tears his arm 
or face. These animals are particularly terrible when they are 
defending their young ; they will then rush upon the kayack, and 
tear it i e 2 > fis 
a - n shreds. The waves then fill the boat, and the fisherman 
has little or no hope of escape. 
Seal fishing is carried on in winter in the same country in 
quite a different manner. The Esquimaux discovers openings 
in the ice which the seal contrives to make when he comes up 
THE SEAL. 
(Phoca vitulina.) 
to breathe. He watches till the animal makes his appearance, 
and then crawls softly along the ice, imitating the cry of a seal, 
and thus deludes the creature, who takes. him for a brother, and 
only discovers his mistake on receiving a mortal blow. 
The skin of the seal is much valued. The Esquimaux use it 
for making boats, kayacks, and tents; they also make of it belts, 
clothes, and shoes. An oil is made from the seal, much in request 
for burning, and it is frequently sold as cod-liver oil! The flesh 
of the seal serves the Esquimaux for food; of the blood a thick, 
substantial soup is made; its sinews are twisted into thread; of a 
transparent skin from the intestines they make curtains to their 
tents, shirts, and bladders for their fishing tackle. The bones are 
used to point all their instruments. 
