222 ANIMAL LIFE IN THE ARCTIC REGION 



The Europeans and Americans catch the narwhal for the sake 

 of its tusk, while Eskimos eat its flesh cooked and dried, its skin 

 and fat raw, burn its oil, make twine from its tendons, and blad- 

 ders from its gullet, which they use in catching fish. 



Of all the species which inhabit the Arctic region, civiliza- 

 tion places the highest value upon the seal. This animal, like those 

 just named, belong to the group called mammals and is pecu- 

 liarly adapted by nature for life in this dreary region of snow and 

 ice and water. 



In many respects it resembles a fish in structure, having the 

 same tapering body and being provided with fin-like flippers. 

 There is no tail, but the two hind flippers are placed close together 

 and in the water they act like a tail. The front flippers are not used 

 in the water, being folded close to the body, and seem to be useful 

 only on land or ice, as legs to move about on. They are not very 

 effective and at best the motion is a clumsy waddle. However, 

 the seal can and does spend much time out of the water, as it is 

 equipped with lungs and breathes air like an animal. It is there- 

 fore classed by some among the amphibious animals, though not 

 correctly so. 



There are several varieties of seals, but the only one of value 

 for its fur is the fur-seal of the polar seas. The movements of the 

 fur-seals are much more agile, both in the water and on land, 

 than those of the common seal. They are also much bolder in 

 their resistance to an enemy and much larger than the German or 

 dog-fish variety. 



The fur of this seal is so fine and has become so popular that 

 all nations have taken measures to protect them. Laws have been 

 passed forbidding the killing of young male and all female seals. 

 Six or seven year old males provide us with all the skins we use. 



It is an interesting fact that, in spite of their stupid looks, seals 

 may be trained to perform intricate tricks ; and it is no uncommon 

 sight to see troops of them performing in shows with great 

 cleverness. 



