120 WALRUS, OR SEA-HORSE. 



it is generally looked upon as a most dangerous ad- 

 venture, it being impossible to drive them as you 

 will, and difficult to avoid them ; but as, during the 

 darkness, they do not know their way to the sea, 

 many fall victims. The aim is made at the throat 

 and breast ; and in this way 1500 and 1600 have 

 been killed at a cut." 



As before hinted, fire-arms have not been found 

 efficient in this encounter. The skin is so tough, 

 and the lard so thick, that even the ball of a rifle 

 scarcely ever penetrates with effect. When, how- 

 ever, the musket is charged with small shot, and 

 fired in their eyes, it proves more serviceable, as, 

 when thus blinded, the sailors can attack without 

 danger, and successfully use their sharp instruments. 



In the present age, according to Mr Scoresby, the 

 Sea- Horses range the coasts of Spitzbergen almost 

 without molestation from the British. The Whale- 

 fishers rarely take half a dozen in a voyage. The 

 Russians are their principal enemies, who, by means 

 of the hunting parties sent out to winter on the 

 coast, capture a considerable number. 



The products of the Morse, for which it is va- 

 lued, and made an object of casual or preconcerted 

 chase, are its flesh and skin, its oil and teeth, the 

 latter being by much the most valuable. Among 

 the inhabitants of the Arctic regions its flesh is 

 much valued and esteemed, and is greedily eaten 

 along with the lard, and even the skin. Among 

 our mariners, as food it is only regarded as a 

 make-shift. Thus Sir Edward Parrv The flesh 



