THE SEA OTTER. 171 
having two or three favorite rifles, with a supply of ammunition. A little tea, 
coffee, sugar, flour, or ship -bread, is provided, adding pipes and tobacco, and, as 
a great luxury, perhaps a keg of spirits completes their equipment. 
All being in readiness, they leave the quiet waters of the harbor, and put to 
sea, following the general trend of the land, but at times making a broad devia- 
tion, to hunt about some islands, miles from the main -land. When an Otter is 
seen within rifle-shot, instantly the hunter fires; and if only wounding the animal, 
it dives under the water, but soon re -appears, to be repeatedly shot at until killed. 
Sometimes, three boats will hunt together. Then they take positions, one on each 
side, but in advance of the third, and all three in the rear of where the animal 
is expected to be seen. It is only the practiced eye of the experienced men that 
can detect the tip of the animal's nose peering above water, and frequently dis- 
guised by a leaf of kelp. Occasionally, a large band is met with. Then every 
exertion is made to keep them within the triangle formed by the boats ; and, at 
such times, a deal of rapid and sharp shooting ensues, and many a bullet sings 
through the air, or skips over the water, almost as near the pursuers as the ani- 
mals pursued. However, six, eight, or a dozen Otters are sometimes secured before 
the main body disperses ; and it is rarely any accident occurs by reckless firing. 
From day to day, if the weather is pleasant, they cruise in search of the ani- 
mals — landing to pass the night at different places well known to them, behind 
some point or rock that breaks the ocean swell. The landings are made by watch- 
ing the successive rollers as they break upon the beach, and when a favorable time 
comes, the boat, under dexterous management, glides over the surf with safety to 
the shore. It is then hauled up clear of the water, and turned partially over for 
a shelter, or a tent is pitched. A fire is made of drift-wood, or, if this fail, the 
dry stalks of the cactus, or a bunch of dead chaparral, serves them ; and, if their 
provisions should be getting short, an excursion is made up some one of the many 
ravines or intervals — perhaps to a stagnant water-pool, where the cleer and ante- 
lope in that arid region resort to quench their parching thirst. The unerring rifle 
brings one to the ground, when out comes the hunter's knife, and cutting the choice 
pieces from the creature, he sallies back again to camp, and soon has the venison 
broiling over the coals, and, in due time, it is added to their evening meal, which 
is partaken of with hearty relish ; then follow the pipes, which are enjoyed as only 
those men of free and easy life can enjoy them. Relieved from all care, these 
adventurers talk of past exploits or frolics, and finally roll themselves in their 
blankets for a night's invigorating sleep in the open air. At daybreak they are all 
awakened by the screams of sea-birds and the barking of coyotes, attracted by the 
