360 HUNTING WITH THE ESKIMOS 



apparently able to make better, or at least more 

 profitable use of it than the narwhal does. 



Some of the seal-hunters had returned from the 

 north, and it was decided that as soon as we had some- 

 thing to eat and a little rest a hunting-party should 

 be made up to follow the narwhals. In the mean- 

 time two of the Eskimos climbed a high ice pinnacle 

 and kept constant w r atch upon the herd. 



At length every one was ready to start and the 

 boat was loaded. Upon Portlooner's advice we pre- 

 pared for an extended absence, some deerskins were 

 included for a bed, and in view of my recent experi- 

 ence when walrus-hunting an ample supply of pro- 

 visions was not omitted. Billy and six Eskimos ac- 

 companied me in the boat, and Kulutinguah took the 

 kayak, which would be necessary in harpooning. 



Just as we were starting I made two fortunate 

 shots at seals in the water, killing both seals and se- 

 curing them. I tried also for a square flipper, the 

 largest seal found in these waters, but missed it. The 

 square flipper's skin is thicker than that of other 

 species abounding here, and is utilized chiefly for 

 boot-soles, harpoon-lines and dog-traces, for it is also 

 stronger, with greater lasting qualities, than that of 

 other seals. 



We followed the main ice floe for a considerable 

 distance, to a point some eight miles off shore, where 

 a landing was made and the boat hauled upon the 

 ice. Here the Eskimos separated that they might 

 keep a lookout from several stations for narwhal, 



