SEAL-HUNTING. 327 



could be done with the seals. But they did not like our 

 appearance, and commenced scuffling off the rocks and drop- 

 ping into the water ere we got within range. However, one old 

 scoundrel grim and savage- looking through age appeared 

 less alarmed than his fellows, and remained stationary, 

 watching our motions with dubious eyes. When within fifty 

 yards the men ceased pulling, and permitted the boat to 

 forge ahead with her own way. Pulling the tiller-lines so 

 as to alter the course, I got a clean shot, and turned the 

 ungainly, awkward brute over ; but his struggles carried 

 him down the incline till he fell in the water, when he 

 sank immediately. After much difficulty we managed to 

 get him out, and on examination found the ball had pierced 

 the skull a little above the right eye. His weight must 

 have been upwards of three hundred pounds, and the 

 quantity of grease that came from the carcase as we 

 divested him of his pelt was surprising. The hide of 

 these animals makes most excellent shoes when properly 

 tanned ; and I have been told that nothing in the shape of 

 leather is so capable of turning water. One shot was 

 sufficient to expel the seals from their haunt, so were turned 

 shoreward. However, just as we were about to land, a 

 youngster popped up his head, which I let drive at, but 

 without precision. 



The flies to-day continued very annoying, and the irrita- 

 tion caused by their bites itched so severely that it affected 

 the majority of our tempers ; the only respite that could be 

 obtained was when out on the water, where the draught of 

 air had full scope. Oh, that some one, versed in the likings 

 and dislikes of these insidious foes, would find a method 



