SEA ELLiPllxViNT.— JA>/v///yc/ Pruboticidcu. 



Another powerful and grotesque Seal now engages our attention. Tliis is the 

 Elephant Skal, or Sea EEEriiANT, so called not only on account of tlic strange 

 prolongation of the nose, which bears some analogy to the proboscis of the ele- 

 phant, but also on account of its elephantine size. Large specimens of this 

 monstrous Seal measure as nnicli as thirty feet in length, and fifteen or eighteen 

 feet in circumference at the largest part of their bodies. 



This animal inhabits the southern hemisphere, and is spread through a con- 

 siderable range of country. It is extensively hunted for the sake of its skin and 

 its oU, both of which are of very excellent quality, and, from the enormous size 

 of the animal, can be procured in large quantities. It is not exclusively confined 

 to the sea, but is also fond of haunting fresh-water lakes, or swampy ground, as 

 is depicted in the engraving. 



The Ele})hant Seal is easily tamed when young, and displays great affection 

 towards a kind master. One of these animals was tamed by an English seaman, 

 and would permit its master to mount upon its back, or to put his hand into its 

 mouth without doing him any injur}'. 



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