CUNNING OF SKALS. 415 



little above tlie surface of the watev, to which these 

 animals are in the habit of resorting-, more esi)ecially after 

 storms, and when wearied of buffeting with the waves. On 

 this stone the Seal usually passes the night, creeping on 

 to it about sunset, and remaining there until some time 

 after daylight, when it again betakes itself to the sea in 

 search of food. 



Owing, in part, probably, to the persecution to which 

 the Seal is subjected on the Scandinavian coast, it is 

 usually exceedingly shy and circumspect. In mounting 

 the " Skal-Sten,"* therefore, it is accustomed, with its face 

 turned towards the land, and with its body pai'tially out 

 of the water, to reconnoitre the vicinity ; and when it 

 does ascend the stone, it is usually ou the shore side, so 

 that, without turning round, which, from the conformation 

 of the animal's body, would be a somewhat tedious 

 operation, it may be in readiness to plunge into the open 

 sea at a moment's notice. 



The most favourable hours for shooting the Seal ou the 

 " Skiil-Sten " are before sunrise, about noon, and towards 

 evening. The grey of the morning is perhaps the best, 

 for the animal then seems sluggish and loth to leave its 

 quarters. Should danger threaten, it presents a very 

 singular appearance, for with head erect it peers about 

 in all directions, and, in the gloom, looks for all the world 

 like a huge nondescript bird. But it is not always easy 

 to get wdthin shot ; and great management is requisite ou 

 the part of the gunner in making his approaches, almost 

 as great, in short, as when one is stalking Red Deer or 

 Rein-deer. Embarked in his little skiff, the man must take 

 advantage of neighbouring rocks, islets, or other cover, and 



* These " Skal Stenav," wliicli ;ii-e well known to the fishermen and 

 otlier.s on the coast, were formerly protectofl by law, "to give encourage- 

 ment to a commerce beneficial to the inh.iliitaiits of the Skargilrrl." 



