Page:A description of Greenland.djvu/141

Rh Harpoons, to which are fatened Lines or Straps two or three Fathom long, made of Seal Skin, at the End of which they tie a Bag of a whole Seal Skin, fill'd with Air, like a Bladder; to the End, that the Whale, when he finds himelf wounded, and runs away with the Harpoon, may the ooner be tired, the hindering him from keeping long under Water. When he grows tired, and loes Strength, they attack him again with their Spears and Lances, till he is killed, and then they put on their Spring Coats, made of dreed Seal Skin, all of one Piece, with Boots, Gloves, and Caps, ewed and laced o tight together that no Water can penetrate them. In this Garb they jump into the Sea, and begin to lice the Fat of him all round the Body, even under the Water: For in thee Coats they cannot ink, as they are always full of Air; o that they can, like the Seal, tand upright in the Sea: Nay they are ometimes o daring, that they will get upon the Whale's Back, while there is yet Life in him, to make an End of him, and cut away his Fat. Rh