AFTER THE SEAL AND WALRUS 



away, but they can often be "cornered" on account of 

 their refusal to land when pursued. Then when they find 

 themselves hemmed between boats and shore they make 

 a united dash for the nearest boat, and the fight is 

 generally a lively one. Some of the heavy tusks hook 

 themselves over the gunwale, and the boat is held 

 prisoner, while others of the herd puncture the timbers 

 and try to tear the vessel in pieces or drag it under ; and 

 it is not till rifle and axe have been plied unceasingly that 

 the men can regard their lives as their own. 



This is but another example of the dangers and hard- 

 ships which are part of the fisherman's lot. Whether 

 he is in pursuit of walrus or whale, codfish or herring, his 

 calling is a perilous one ; and what he adds by his industry 

 to the wealth of his country is too often won at the risk 

 of his own life. 



