200 THE LEONINE SEAL. 



the old males abstain almost entirely fi'om eating, 

 and indulge in indolence and sleep, swallowing at 

 intervals large stones to keep the stomach distend- 

 ed *. At the end of this time they are excessively 

 emaciated. 



The chase of these animals is esteemed by the 

 Kamtschadales an occu[)ation of the highest honour. 

 When they find one of them asleep^ they approach 

 it against thc^wind ; strike a harpoon, fastened to a 

 long cord, into its breast ; and run off vi'ith the ut- 

 most precipitation. The other end of the cord be- 

 ing fastened to a stake, prevents the animal from 

 running entirely off ; and they principally effect his 

 destruction by Hinging their lances into him, or 

 shooting him with arrows. As soon as he is exhaust- 

 ed, they venture near enough to kill him with their 

 clubs. When one of them is discovered alone oa 

 the rocks, they shoot him with poisoned arrows. 

 Immediately he plunges into the sea; but, unable to 

 bear the poignancy of his wounds in the salt-water, 

 swims to shore in the utmost agony. If a good op- 

 portunity offers, they transfix him with their lances; 

 if not, they leave him to die of the poison. — Such 

 is the stupidity of these people, that, esteeming it a 

 ^disgrace to leave any of their game behind, they 

 frequently overload their boats so much, as to send 

 both their booty and themselves to the bottom. But 

 they disdain tlie thougiit of saving themselves at the 

 expence of any part of their prize. 



Penn. Quad. ii. 525. 



