THE CAPE SEA LION 



Seals are rarely killed at sea, for the reason that 

 they are such expert swimmers and divers ; but on 

 land, where they go to rear their young, shed their 

 fur, or to bask in the sun's rays, they are ungainly, 

 awkward, and slow, and are in consequence easily 

 surprised and slain with clubs. A heavy blow is 

 dealt upon the skull, which kills them instantly. 

 Spears are not often used, for the reason that the 

 hide is damaged by the perforations. 



The newly-born cubs have beautiful, short, 

 glossy fur, which is quite black. However, the 

 coat soon becomes silvery grey, owing to the tips 

 of the hairs gradually becoming white. 



Adult seals are dark brown in colour. They 

 possess a soft woolly under-fur which is light brown. 

 This is hidden from view by the longer coarse 

 hair which covers the body of the animal. 



The average length of an adult male is about six 

 feet from the nose to the tail, which is but a stump. 

 Some old males have been known to attain a length 

 of eight feet, and were massive in proportion. 

 The massiveness is confined to the neck and shoul- 

 ders, giving these creatures enormous strength. 

 The average length of a female is about four and a 

 half feet. 



Sea Lions are not true fur-bearing seals, and 

 consequently are not much sought after, their 

 pelts not being nearly so valuable as those of the 

 fur seals. The finest skins are those of the females 

 and young males. 



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