Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1851-11-13

N"S 49, HNs3 y eAS POtnh ShPpttiS
at the same instant from the staff,
but is attached by string and floats
with it, while at the same time the
bladder TO which the line is attached,
is thrown overheard, preventing the
seal from sinking any farther than
the length Of the line; the staff and
seal are then recovered at his leisure.
For killing water fowl. of which
there are but few, a sharp, round
spear is used, attached to a s.aff
seven feet in length. These spears
are thrown with astonishing accura-
cy, rarely, ifever, missing their mark.
Another manner, and the easiest by
far Of spearing the seal, is by doing it
through hole in the ice where they
come up to breathe; they will ire
quently scratch holes through the ice
from the under side, where il is sew
eral feet thick, to get fresh air; the
natives are accustomed to the noise
made by scratching, and will hear
them long distance and watch for
them, and as soon as they make their
appearance they are at once killed
and secured. The officers Of the
Advance also brought with them
several Esquimaux dogs. These
animals are very docie and peacea-
Bile in their disposition, allowing any
one to handle them familiarity; but
they may have changed somewhat in
their disposition by being confined
so long on board vessel filled with
civilized people; their appetites are
very voracious, eating at one meal as
much us would satisfy three common
American dogs. Their appearance
at first sight reminds one Of the
wolf, having a similar head, mouth
and ears; their feet and tail are also
similar to a prairie wolf, but ths eyes
are brighter and have a more intel
ligent expression (if the term may
be used) than the wolf, or any ami
NAL Of the kind. Their size is near
that Of a small, well set bulldog,
and very heavy. One Of them on
board the Advance Ia iemale) has
long straight hair, OF brownish
white, tail the same; another (male)
on the back and sides, and head, is
black, and the other parts the same
as the female, but the hair is shorter.
They are very strong. and we wit
messed one of them break a good
sized cord which be was tied with,
without appearing to exert himself
much in the effort.
A Horn of North Whale presents
quite a novel feature in the collection.
These whales have horn extending
from the top of their heads forward,
varying in length from one to ftcelUe feet,
are very straight, and grooved as if by
art in a spiral form. The groove is
raised about the eighth of an inch,
winding towards the point, and il is
very formidable means Of defence
The one brought home is about five feet
in length, and two inches in diameter al
the butt end, and running to a point at
the other. These whales, which are
very plenty, are spotted, and about the
size of hump-backed whale. A white
whale with green back were seen in
large numbers, thousands in a school. |
Many whaling ships were seen near
Melvill's Bay. In this Bay many whale |
ships are wrecked every season. One
Captain was seen who had been wrecked |
three times in one day 75 deg. 80 min
N. Latitude; in the first place losing
his own vessel, and barely escaping
with his life TO another, and another,
which were successfully wrecked the
same day.
Snov Water.-This remarkable pro-
1uction was actually discovered on I
Grimson's Cliffs, Beverley Greenland,
at. 76 deg. 8 min. Al distance, the
.ops of the cliffs appeared to be deep
red color, as though the whole surface
Of the snow was the same. but upon a
nearer approach, it was discovered to
be scattered about in small spots, from
en- feet square down to mere drops, and
vas only a light scum. When melted,
I still retained its color, as il does at the
present timel There seems to be no
for this singular phenOme-
ION.
An iceberg was ascended, and the
height measured, by the dropping of
cad ball, (not very accurate way,
lowever.) which was timed, and the
leight Judged to be 800 feet above water.
f this is correct, il must have extended
lnder water a great distance. II was
Iscended with great difficulty, being
Tery steep, and necessary TO cut foot
lold for every step. In the ascent, Lieut.. .
lowell slid down, caused by a mishap. .
bout 100 feet, and when he picked him
elf up found that he was considerably
'ruised by the operation.
During the time that the Adrancs was
rozen up in the ice. The men and officers
'ractised every day in drawing the
ledges, as they were expecting every !
our almost 10 have their vessel crushed, I
nd their only means of escape was to I
raveI by ice across BaffiE's Bay to the
earest port, Uppernayia, distance of !
etween two and three hundred miles. /