July, 1859. SHOOTING SEALS. 325 



equal rapidity, yet with very satisfactory de- 

 spatch. Westerly winds and clear weather pre- 

 vail. Christian has seen two reindeer this week, 

 and has shot a very few birds, and seven seals. 

 As these creatures lie basking upon the ice, 

 he crawls up to them behind a small calico 

 screen, fitted upon a miniature sledge about a 

 foot long, on which there is a rest for the 

 muzzle of his rifle, and a slit in the calico 

 through which he fires it. The seals afford an 

 average weight of thirty pounds of excellent 

 fresh meat, which we relish greatly, and con- 

 sider much better suited to our present condi- 

 tion than such poor venison as reindeer would 

 furnish at this season. A single hare has been 

 shot ; the white fur has nearly all disappeared, 

 and left exposed the summer coat of dull lead 

 colour. Several small birds not common to the 

 northward are found here. Insects abound ; the 

 Doctor is perpetually in chase, unless busily 

 occupied in grubbing up plants. Young is 

 surveying the harbour. Hobson fully occupied 

 with preparing the ship for sea. I have been 

 giving some attention to the engines and boiler, 

 and hope, with the help of the two stokers, to 

 be able to make use of our steam power. 



The men have received my hearty thanks 



