428 THE SKAL-JERN. 



represents when " gillrad," or set. A B C D is a round 

 tube, made of thick sheet-iron, two feet in length and 

 two and a half inches in diameter, with two fixed heads 

 {hottnar), one at the lower end, and the other, E E, near 

 the upper. F G II, the harpoon with its square iron 

 shaft, the upper portion of which is one-third thicker 

 than the lower. I, a circular plate of iron [bricka) 

 screwed to the middle of the latter, and so fitted as to 

 work freely up and down the tube itself. L, a strong spiral 

 spring that propels the harpoon ; and M N, the smdllare, 

 or trigger, which is confined in its place by an indentation 

 at the head of the weapon. Fig. 2 shows the " Skrtlckta" 

 after the trigger M N has been touched, and the spiral 

 spi'ing set at liberty. 



Several of these destructive engines are inserted, by 

 the aid of an auger, in a " SkJil-Sten," known to be 

 the resort of seals ; and after being " gillrad," which is 

 effected by means of a stick shod with iron, they are lightly 

 covered with sea-weed. When now the seal creeps up on 

 the stone, and comes in contact with the " smallax-e," the 

 harpoon is released from confinement, and lodged in the 

 body of the vmfortunate animal. 



THE SKAL-JERN. 



Many seals are also killed in Scandinavia with the 

 Skdl-jern, or harpoon, the form of which varies somewhat. 

 Its head is of iron or steel, and usually from eight to ten 



