THE SEALS. 155 



The manner of taking- seals on the islands is TNr.inncr of tat- 

 conducted, with the greatest care and precau- 

 tions^ and is directly under the supervision of tlio 

 Government agents.^ The methods employed 

 have been the same for twenty years, ^ without 

 variation/ and it is the universal testimony of 

 all acquainted with the methods employed that 

 they can not be improved upon.^ The natives, 

 who are the only persons who ever drive or 

 handle the seals,^ start out between 2 and 6 

 o'clock in the morning when the weather is cool 

 and there is the least liability of overheating the 

 seals ;^ separating a small herd of bachelors from 

 those occupying a hauling ground they drive 

 them inland.^ A hauling ground after a drive is 

 given several days of rest and as a seal let go 

 from the killing grounds always returns to the 

 same hauling grounds, it has plenty of time to 

 recuperate before being driven again.^ 



The herd is then driven as slowly as possible Driving, 

 while still keeping the animals in motion.' Ag- 



J Charles Bryant, Vol. II, p. 8; M, C. Erskiue, Vol. II, p. 422; W. 

 C. Coulson, Vol. II, p. 414. 



2 B. F. Scribner, Vol. II, p. 89; J. H. Moulton, Vol. II, p. 72. 



3 W. S. Hereford, Vol. II, p. 36. 

 " H. H. Mclntyre, Vol. II, p. 45. 

 6 S. Falconer, Vol. II, p. 161. 



6W. C. Conlson, Vol. II, p. 414; Samuel Falconer, Vol. II, p. 161; 

 Simeon Melavidoff, Vol. II, p. 209. 

 ' W. B. Taylor, Vol. II, p. 176. 

 * S. N. Bnynltsky, Vol. II, p. 21. 

 9 Daniel Webster, Vol. II, p. 182. 



