412 HOW UTILIZED. 



are very lean and exhausted. They set off a second time 

 in July, and proceed to the north, where they prohahly 

 find plenty of nourishment, as they return in excellent 

 condition in September. They also frequent the northern 

 shores of America." 



According to Fahricius, the Hooded Seal harks and 

 whines like a dog, is polygamous, and during the pair- 

 ing season the males fight desperately amongst them- 

 selves, inflicting deep wounds with both claws and teeth. 

 The female brings forth on the ice, and, as it is believed, 

 in the end of April or beginning of May. 



This is one of the Seals, I believe, which, when fish 

 fail the whalers, is most sought after by them, and herds of 

 many hundreds, and it may be thousands, are often seen 

 congregated on the ice, when the sailors slaughter vast 

 numbers with heavy bludgeons, shod with iron. Usually 

 they make little or no resistance, being bewildered by 

 the sudden onset ; " but at times, on being wounded, 

 the animal grows fierce and turns on its assailant, and 

 being defended by its hood from the stunning effects of a 

 blow on the snout, will inflict severe wounds on the 

 person by whom it is attacked." 



The Hooded Seal is greatly prized by the natives. The 

 skins of the young ai'e converted into dresses for the 

 women ; their great boats and their houses are covered 

 with those of the aged. The teeth are used to head their 

 hunting-spears, and the stomachs are converted into 

 fishing buoys. 



