NORTHERN OCEAN 361 



on the shore, that when some swivel guns loaded with ball 

 were fired among them, the whole beach seemed to be in 

 motion. The greatest part of them plunged into the water, 

 and many of them swam round [389] the vessel within 

 musket-shot. Every one on board exerted their skill in 

 killing them, but it was attended with so little success, that 

 the few which were killed sunk to the bottom, and those which 

 were mortally wounded made off out of our reach. 



With what propriety those animals are called Horses, 

 I cannot see ; for there is not the least resemblance in any 

 one part. Their bodies, fins, ^c. are exactly like those of 

 an enormous Seal, and the head is not very unlike that animal, 

 except that the nose is much broader, to give room for the two 

 large tusks that project from the upper jaw. Those tusks, 

 and their red sparkling eyes, make them have a very fierce 

 and formidable appearance. 



They are generally found in considerable numbers, which 

 indicate their love of society ; and their affection for each 

 other is very apparent, as they always flock round those that 

 are wounded, and when they sink, accompany them to the 

 bottom, but soon rise to the surface, and make a hideous 

 roaring, and of all amphibious animals, they are at times the 

 least sensible of danger from man that I know. 



They often attack small boats merely through wanton- 

 ness, and not only put the people in great confusion, but 

 subject them to great danger ; for they always aim at staving 

 the boat with their tusks, or endeavour to get in, but are never 

 known to hurt the people. In the year one thousand seven 

 hundred and sixty-six some of the sloop's [390] crew, who 

 annually sail to the North to trade with the Esquimaux, 

 were attacked by a great number of those animals ; and 

 notwithstanding their utmost endeavours to keep them off, 

 one more daring than the rest, though a small one, got in 

 over the stern, and after sitting and looking at the people 

 some time, he again plunged into the water to his companions. 



