414 THE SKAL-STEN. 



carrying two-ounce balls, and weighing from twenty to 

 twenty-five pounds ; with one at least of Avhich, as 

 also a second rifle of ten to twelve pounds weight, the 

 hunter is usually provided. Not a few Seals, however, 

 are killed to the common shot-gun charged with slugs, 

 which, if the animal be young and the distance short, is 

 thought to be equally efficacious. Occasionally they are 

 killed in the open water, when following in the wake of 

 a boat ;* but as little more than the head of the animal 

 is usually visible, and tlien only for a very short time, 

 the chances of hitting, especially if the sea be rough, are 

 somewhat small. 



THK SKaL-STEN. 



Eor the most part, however, Seals are shot whilst 

 reposing on the so-called " Skdl-Sleii," or seal-stone, as 

 depicted above ; that is, a small isolated rock, rising but 



* It is said elsewhere that if one whistles when Seals are in the near 

 vicinity of the boaf, they may be induced to a{)proaoh it. The like effect, 

 .Samuel Odman tells ns, is produced should the craft be painted red. 



