198 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



try what could be done with the seals. But they 

 did not like our appearance, and commenced scuffling 

 off the rocks and dropping 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 sunk immediately. After much 

 difficulty we managed to get him out, and, on exami- 

 nation, found the ball had pierced the skull a little 

 over the right eye. His weight must have been up- 

 wards of three hundred pounds, and the quantity of 

 grease that came from the carcass, 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 

 we returned shoreward ; however, just as we were 

 about to land, a youngster popped up his head, which 

 I let drive at, but without precision. 



