THE SEA OTTER. 171 



having two or three favorite rifles, with a supply of ammunition. A little tea, 

 coffee, sugar, flour, or ship -bread, is provided, adding pipes and tobacco, and, as 

 a great luxury, perhaps a keg of spirits completes their ecjuipment. 



All being in readiness, they leave the quiet waters of the harbor, and put to 

 sea, following the general trend of the land, but at times making a broad devia- 

 tion, to hunt about some islands, miles from the main -land. When an Otter is 

 seen within rifle-shot, instantly the hunter fires; and if only wounding the animal, 

 it dives under the water, but soon re -appears, to bo repeatedly shot at until killed. 

 Sometimes, three boats will hunt together. Then they take positions, one on each 

 side, but in advance of the third, and all three in the rear of where the animal 

 is expected to be seen. It is only the practiced eye of the experienced men that 

 can detect the tip of the animal's nose peering above water, and frequently dis- 

 guised by a leaf of kelp. Occasionally, a large band is met with. Then every 

 exertion is made to keep them within the triangle formed by the boats ; and, at 

 such times, a deal of rapid and sharp shooting ensues, and many a ballet sings 

 through the air, or skips over the water, almost as near the pursuers as the ani- 

 mals pursued. However, six, eight, or a dozen Otters are sometimes secured before 

 the main body disperses ; and it is rarely any accident occurs by reckless firing. 



From day to day, if the weather is pleasant, they cruise in search of the ani- 

 mals — landing to pass the night at different places well known to them, behind 

 some point or rock that breaks the ocean swell. The landings are made by watch- 

 ing the successive rollers as they break upon the beach, and when a favorable time 

 comes, the boat, under dexterous management, glides over the surf with safety to 

 the shore. It is then hauled up clear of the water, and turned partially over for 

 a shelter, or a tent is pitched. A fire is made of drift-wood, or, if this fail, the 

 dry stalks of the cactus, or a bunch of dead chaparral, serves them ; and, if their 

 provisions should be getting short, an excursion is made up some one of the many 

 ravines or intervals — perhaps to a stagnant water -pool, where the deer and ante- 

 lope in that arid region resort to quench their parching thirst. The unerring rifle 

 brings one to the ground, when out comes the hunter's knife, and cutting the choice 

 pieces from the creature, he sallies back again to camp, and soon has the venison 

 broiling over the coals, and, in due time, it is added to their evening meal, which 

 is partaken of with hearty relish ; then follow the pipes, which are enjoyed as only 

 those men of free and easy life can enjoy them. Relieved from all care, these 

 adventurers talk of past exploits or frolics, and finally roll themselves in their 

 blankets for a night's invigorating sleep in the open air. At daybreak they are all 

 awakened by the screams of sea-birds and the barking of coyotes, attracted by the 



