The morning news., 1891-01-25
KILLING sRA GIT sRs.

How the Aluts Conduct the Chase in
Canoes on the Open Ssa.
From the San Francisco Caronicie,
The first land we mads after leaving Ca ne
Scott, the northern extreme Of Vancouver
Island, was on the seventh day out. In ap-
pearance it was only dim blurred outline
showing against a misty horizon, and,
although dismal enough in aspecs.
was however, terra firma By a con-
sultation of the chart it was found
to be the high land on Sannakh Island.
This island, the largest of group Of the
same name, with its surrounding reefs,
rocky ledges and islets, 10 nevertheless
the richest hunting ground in Alaskan
waters. Parties of hunters from the main
land to the north aud east. and the inuumer-
able Islands TO the east aad west, may be
found here at all seasons Of the year, living
in tents OF skin or canvas Of hastily con-
structed barabaras rude huts OF earth and
dried grass, diligently watching for the
rare intervals of weather when the sea is
sufficiently smooth to warrant their putting
out with some prospect of successful hunt
for the sea otter and seal
It is only at time when the sea is smooth
est that the hunters may set forth with any
promise or hope Of success, and ia the in-
hospftabEe and boisterous weather Of this
section Of ALASKA such days are Of the raresk
occurrence, weeks aod even months often
passing ere the hunters have an opportunity
Of trying their skill with bow aud spear.
The long-looked-for qnieb day having at
lssgsh s.;st arrived, rrr",fc 'he party after
spirits. enbarks, fully equipped, two
and two, in their bidarkas A BID
arEa Ia q sort OF canoe made Of the skin of
the sea lion or hair seal stretched over a
light wooden frame. and, though seldom
exceeding IS feet In length by 80 inches in
breadth, and weighing less than 100 pounds,
yet SO strong are they that, exclusive Of a
crew of 800 pounds, goods aggrsgating as
much as 500 pounds are often carried in
them. With the exception Of two circular
holes equidistant from either end and from
oach other, in which the occupants Of the
frail craft squat, the btdarka is completely
decked over.
Glad in their kamleidas, waterproof shirts
OF whale, seal or bear intsstines, the bot
toms Of which they fasten around the comb
ings Of the matches, their sleeves secured
tightly to the wrist, and the opening for
the head drawn up closely about the neck,
whole seas might wash entirely over both
boat and occupants without drop OF water
getting Inside. This is a necessary precau-
tton, as, though smooth and calm enough at
the start, il is quite possible. aad even
likely, owing TO che long distance which
they have TO go. that the party may
meet with heavy weather ere
they reach the Gland. AS an addi-
tional security, when the sea is too
heavy to make hsadw way against, they
collect in groups OF three or four canoes,
and, lashing them together. ride out the
storm in safety. When any water finds its
way inside. which it sometimes does through
the seams OF the skin, ID is pumped out by
means of q small wooden tube which the
native sucks full, then by removing his
finger, which he has placed over the lower
end Of the tube, to retain its contents until
clear Of the bidarka. the water runs out
into the sea. The operatipn is continued
urtil the boat Is dry. <.QJ
Once started on voyage, the peredovchik
or leader assumes entire command, and
silence falls on the little fotilla. When in
his opinion they are nearing the vicinity Of
their quarry he makes sign, and imnedi-
ately, without a word being uttered, the
canoes separate, forming huge semi-ciroie,
each bidarka from fifty to q hundred yards
distant from the next, and the occupants
keeping always a vigilans lookout both on
the surface of the water and the other boats.
As soon as hunter sights the glossy head
of an otter he raises his paddle and points in
the direction In which the animal was seen.
The scattered bidarkas then close up so as TO
form an extended circle about the spot indi-
Gated, aud still In silence await the reappear-
ance of the otter. This is sure to be in
about ten minutes, as at the end Of that in-
teryal he must come to thu surface to
breathe, going down again after remaining
there few seconds. Should he cone up
within the circle Of boats they gradually
close ia, beating the water with their pad
dies to bewilder the animal aud to keep it
within the ever narrowing ring. Occasion
ally, however, the otter, after diving, alters
its course, and appearing at a distance
without the line, the canoes are thus COM
PEELED to change their base before finally
securing the prize.
As soon as the pursued animal shows him
self within spears throw the earnest hunter,
rising to his knees, hurls q shart at it.
Lodging IN its skin near the head, we will
say, the latter Immediately tries to dive. In
view of this trait tbs spear is constructed in
just such manner as TO retard its progress
as much as possible. To that end the head
is set 80 loosely In its socket that the recoil
OF striking causes the shaft to detach
itself, leaving the head securely en-
beded ia its flesh. Wound round and
round the shaft lis fne cord or line Of
Braided sinew some three or four feet in
length. One end of this Is attached near
the base of the barbed ivory head, while the
other eliminates In birdie, each end of
which is secured to either extremity of the
shaft. This causes it 60 drag broadside 60,
in which position it offers the greatest re-
sistence to the water. On some spears there
is attached near the foot an inflated bladder
used as buoy, though it also acts as an ad-
ditional drag.
Naturally. with all this TO prevent his
rapid escape, the other shortly comes to
the surface, pretty well exhausted with his
exertions, and at no great distance from
where be was first struck. As he makes
his appearance, spears. arrows and darts
are now indiffersntly launched at his de-
voted body. The poor animal dives rapidly,
and frantically eudeavors to escape. but,