Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/105



unusually mild winter of 1899-1900, and the consequent absence of ice in the bays on the east coast, led to the prediction that the past season would be a very favourable one for the sealing fleets, both in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off the east of Newfoundland. This has been amply verified, and the take was the largest which I have had to record in my notes, now extending over twenty consecutive years. Other circumstances have also been in favour of the venture, and with the increased value of produce the past season must be regarded as quite a record one.

The steam sealing-fleet of the year 1900 consisted of nineteen vessels—the 'Esquimaux' of Dundee having been added—eleven of which cleared from St. John's, one from Bay Roberts, three from Greenspond, and four from Channel (Port au Basques)—the latter for the Gulf fishery—all sailing, as usual, on the 10th of March.

By Monday the 12th the Seals were found covering a vast field of level ice about forty-five miles N. by E. of the Funks, and extending over a circuit of some thirty miles, the number being very large, and the ice-field was so easily approached that all the vessels could reach its occupants readily, and lie in close Zool. 4th ser. vol. V., March, 1901.