CHAPTER XLVIL. 
SEALS. 
SEALS are less aquatic than whales, coming on land from time 
to time. They. possess four fins, and have a thick, hairy skin; 
being but little removed from quadrupeds. The form and habits 
of the seal have given rise to the fables of tritons, and sea-nymphs. 
The legend of Proteus keeping the flocks of Neptune sprang 
doubtless from the imperfect observation of these aquatic mam- 
mals, for they may be seen in large numbers sporting in the 
waves, or scrambling up the shores when the tide is out, or 
resting on the rocks which lift their peaks above the water, as if 
enjoying the pleasant rays of the sun. 
The Phoca vitulina, or common seal, is pretty abundant in 
our latitudes. Many are found in the Adriatic Sea, and the 
Archipelago, and in some parts of Africa. They are also to be 
met with in the Atlantic ; troops of them live in the estuary of 
the Somme. Fishermen give the names of sea-wolf and sea-calf 
to the seal. 
The body of the seal is long and slender, covered with a close 
and silky fur. Its head is like a dog’s head with the ears cut 
off. It has strong whiskers, a moustache like a cat, fine eyes 
of the greenish hue of the sea, soft and limpid like a child’s. Its 
sight and hearing are very keen. The nostrils are provided with a 
sort of tiny door or valve, which can be shut or opened at pleasure, 
and which prevents the water running into the nose. Two strong 
and very long pairs of fins serve instead of arms and legs; the 
hind fins are united to the tail and form on each side a flap 
resembling two great ears. .The food of the seal consists prin- 
cipally of naked mollusks, crabs, and fish, but it will readily eat 
vegetables and fruit, and exhibits a decided partiality for moistened 
bread. 
Though the seal is a wild and timid animal, yet he has a very 
