256 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Mode of killing seals in Kamtschalka. 



it against the wind ; strike a harpoon, fastened to 

 along cord, into its breast; and run off with the 

 utmost precipitation. The other end of the 

 cord being fastened to a stake, prevents the ani- 

 mal from running entirely off; and they princi- 

 pally effect his destruction by flinging their lan- 

 ces into him, or shooting him with arrows. Im- 

 mediately he plunges into the sea; but, unable 

 to bear the poignancy of his wounds in ihe salt 

 water, returns to shore in the utmost agony. If 

 a good opportunity offer, they transfix him with 

 their lances; if not, they leave him to die of the 

 poison. It is asserted on the most respectable 

 authority, that these unenlightened people consi- 

 der it so great a disgrace to leave any of their 

 game behind, that they frequently overload their 

 boats so much, as to send both their booty and 

 themselves to the bottom. 



These animals are found in great numbers on 

 the eastern coasts of Kamtschatka, where they 

 reside among the rocks. They do not migrate ; 

 but appear to have summer and winter stations. 

 The flesh of the young is said to be excellent 

 food, and their fat is as delicious as marrow. 



THE WALRUS. 



THIS animal is very inelegant in its appear- 

 ance; having a small head, short neck, thick 

 body, arid short legs. The lips are very thick, 



