654 



THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



large seal or walrus ; for woe betide him if he does not instantly 

 plant his feet firmly in the ice, and throw himself in such a posi- 

 tion that the strain on the line is as nearly as possible brought 

 into the direction of the length of the spine of his back and axis 

 of his lower limbs. A transverse pull from one of these power- 



ful animals would double him up across the air-hole, and perhaps 

 break his back ; or, if the opening be large, as it often is when 

 the spring is advanced, he would be dragged under water and 

 drowned. When the water is clear of ice, the natives hunt the 

 seals in their kyaks, which is not only exciting, but dangerous 

 sport, as the geuls pften climb upon and upset the frail craft, 



