ON SEALS. 237 



into the sea, from some promontory, to the 

 distance of twenty fathoms. These are 

 examined every morning, to see what is 

 caught. They are chiefly set from St. Bar- 

 tholomew (August 24), when the moon is 

 in her wane, till over St. Matthew's day, 

 September 21. 



Grey seals are hunted in winter till 

 Lady-day. They lie upon the ice, often in 

 great numbers, close to a hole which they 

 have made in it. When they come out of 

 the water by this opening upon the surface 

 of the ice, the water they bring with them 

 freezes about its margin, so that in time 

 the edges become elevated, and it looks 

 like a well. If it should freeze over, they 

 travel to the south-west, till they can get 

 at water, always proceeding straight for- 

 ward, even though they meet with moun- 

 tains in their way ; and they return in the 

 same direct line back again. The hunters 

 go with large poles, carefully approaching 

 the creek seal till they get near enough to 

 fire at him before he is aware. The grey 



