the Island of Tristan da Cunha, ^c. 495 



sect belonging to tlie old genus Cancer. Several species of Co- 



ral/ina are common on the rocks. 



Two species of the Seal are the only quadrupeds on the island 



that can be considered as strictly indigenous, the wild goats and 



hogs having been introduced subse([uently to its discovery by the 



Europeans. 



The Bottle-nosed Seal, or Sea-lion {Phoca Leonina). The colour 



of this animal is bliieish-gray along the back, approaching to white 

 on the belly. It sheds its hair once a year, which falls off in 

 large irregular patches, and gives the animal at that season a 

 most ragged and uncouth appearance. The full-grown male mea- 

 sures from twenty to twenty-five feet in length, and yields seventy 

 gallons of oil. The female is considerably smaller. When irri- 

 tated it has a curious manner of protruding its snout, and infla- 

 ting the skin over its nose ; but there is nothing liive the crest with 

 which the head of this animal is ornamented in Shaw's Zoology. 

 The whole figure is in truth a complete caricature, without the 

 slightest resemblance to the original. 



These animals pass the greater part of their time ashore, never 

 quitting it unless when disturbed, or when, urged by hunger, they 

 repair to the reef to feed on the sea-weed. They may be seen in 

 hundreds lying asleep along the sandy beach or concealed amono- 

 the long Spartiiia grass which borders the sea-shore. These huore 

 animals are so little appreliensive of danger, that they must be 

 kicked or pelted with stones before they make any effort to move 

 out of one's way. When roused from their slumber they raise the 

 fore part of their body, open wide their mouth, and display a 

 formidable set of tusks, but never attempt to bite. Should this 

 however fail to intimidate their disturbers, they set themselves at 

 length in motion, and make for the water; but still with such de- 

 liberation, that on an expedition we once made to the opposite 



side 



