SEA-FOWL. 51 



cold that can occur, even in the Arctic regions, in 

 summer. As for provisions, I never felt any un- 

 easiness on that score, as, even if a seal or a walrus 

 could not be immediately obtained, there were al- 

 ways plenty of eider ducks on the islands and out- 

 lying skerries ; and the sea every where abounded 

 with divers and guillemots, plenty enough and tame 

 enough to be shot with a rifle. If a stay of many 

 hours from the ship was contemplated, I generally 

 took with me a shot-gun and a bag of shot for the 

 purpose of killing fowls for food if necessary. 



