10 THE SEA OTTERS. 
harbor and put to sea, following the trend of the land, but 
oecasionally making a broad deviation to hunt about some 
island, miles from the main. 
' When an otter is seen within rifle-shot instantly the 
hunter fires, and if only wounded the animal dives under 
water but soon reappears to be repeatedly shot at till cap- 
tured. 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 practised eye of experienced men 
that can detect the tip of the animal's nose peering above 
water disguised by a leaf of kelp. 
Thus they cruise in search of the game landing to pass 
the nights, at different places well known to them, behind 
some point or rock that breaks the ocean swell. The land- 
ings are "made" by watching the successive rollers as they 
undulate upon the beach, and when a favorable time comes 
the boat with 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 chapperel serves 
them; the evening meal is soon partaken of with hearty 
relish; then come the pipes, which are enjoyed intensely. 
Freed from all care these hardy men talk of past adventures 
and frolies, and when inclined roll themselves in their blank- 
ets for a night's invigorating sleep in the open air; awaking 
at day-break to the screams of sea-birds and the barking of 
coyotes attracted by the scent of the encampment. 
he morning repast over they again embark in their 
cockle-shell bosti; launch through die surf, gain the open 
sea, and paddle along shore, ever on the watch for “otter 
sign." 
From San Francisco northward as far as Juan de Fuca 
Strait, the hunting is chiefly prosecuted by shooting them 
from the shore, the most noted grounds being between 
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