334 MERRIAM 



spot where a number of huge yellow bulls, as big as oxen 

 and much longer, were congregated. As the boat grated 

 on the gravel some of them came towards us, bellowing 

 fearfully and moving in a clumsy ambling lope. While 

 they would not turn aside to attack a man, woe betide the 

 unfortunate who falls in their path on their mad rush to the 

 sea! In dragging the boat up through the breakers to a 

 safe place on shore we were careful to keep out of the 

 way of those who had made up their minds to leave by 

 the way we had come. Those a little farther off stared at 

 us and roared, swinging their massive heads from side to 

 side, and as I ran toward them with my camera, most of 

 them took fright and made off some into the sea, others 

 into a pond a few rods back from shore but a few old 

 giants, when I was within about 20 feet of them, made a 

 stand. I did not dispute the ground with them, but waited 

 till they moved slowly off. 



Most of the young, accompanied by more than a hun- 

 dred cows and as many bulls, took refuge in the pond near 

 shore. They were now thoroughly frightened and rushed 

 through the shallow pool in wild confusion, making the 

 water surge and boil and throwing the spray high in the 

 air. Finally, as if by concerted action, all of the old sea- 

 lions made a break for the far side of the pond and stam- 

 peded for the sea, where another absorbing scene was being 

 enacted. Dozens of adults, apparently cows and middle 

 aged males, were sporting like porpoises in the breakers, 

 moving side by side in schools of six or eight and shooting 

 completely out of the water. These small squads behaved 

 like well drilled soldiers, keeping abreast, breaking water 

 simultaneously, making their flying leap in the air side by 

 side, and taking the next wave together. This they re- 

 peated again and again, evidently finding it great sport. 

 It was a marvelous sight and one to be long remembered. 

 Indeed our momentary stop at Bogoslof in the fog and 



