152 GREAT SEAL. 



A large arch first presents itself, and after rowing 

 through dark vaults the light of the sun bursts in 

 from the lofty opening above. The boat then pur- 

 sues its gloomy course through another extensive 

 perforation, which at length expands into an im- 

 mense cavern, where the light of the sun is wholly 

 excluded. In the innermost recesses there is a 

 steep beach, which terminates in small dens, where 

 the larger Seals and haaffish (the barbata) consort, 

 and where the females produce their young and 

 suckle them. It is customary for two boats' crew, 

 of the island of Papa, to go to this place at certain 

 seasons of the year, armed with thick clubs, and 

 well provided with candles. They attack the Seals 

 with their weapons, stun them by a blow on the 

 head, and immediately put them to death. The 

 animals boldly step forward in defence of their 

 young; they face their destroyers, and with their 

 teeth often wrench the clubs out of their hands. But 

 the attempt is vain. The walli of the gloomy re- 

 cesses are stained with their blood, and numbers of 

 dead victims are carried off." (P. 551.) 



Mr Edmonston informs us that these Bearded 

 Seals are sometimes taken by setting a net across 

 the entrance of the cave, into which they retire, 

 and then firing a piece to alarm them. " It is sur- 

 prising to see with what force they struggle under 

 water, when entangled in the net, and the length of 

 time they can remain without respiring. I once 

 witnessed the capture of one in this way. It strug- 



