Notes on some Antarctic 
Mammals and Birds. 
BY 
a. s.. BO R-U'C-E, FR:SE: 
The Antarctic whales, despite the fact that they are very nume- 
rous and have been often seen, are practically unknown. Some 
authorities attempt to give them specific names, but in view of 
our almost complete ignorance regarding them it is most inadvis- 
able to do so, and only the generic name can be given with any 
degree of certitude. Two species are illustrated, the Southern 
Finner Whale (Salacnoptera australis) and the Humpback 
(Megaptera sp.). 
The Weddell Seal (LefAtonychotes weddelli) is one of the 
common species of Antarctic seals, though it is not many years since 
it was looked upon as one of the rarest of known mammals. It is 
very plentiful near land, but is never found in large numbers far 
from the shore. It is a somewhat lethargic animal, and is never 
fierce except during the breeding season It returns to land to 
breed in the end of August, and soon after that date the young are 
born. By the end of October the young have all left their mothers 
to seek for themselves. An adult Weddell Seal measures up to 
9 feet in length and weighs over 800 lbs. 
The Sea Leopard (Stenorhynchus leptonyx) is the largest and 
fiercest of Antarctic seals, being the only one that ever threatens 
man without provocation, It feeds largely on penguins, in addiiion 
to various invertebrates. Nothing is definitely known regarding its 
breeding habits and haunts; but the Scoffa naturalists saw one 
young sea leopard at the South Orkneys in November, showing 
that the breeding places could not be far distant. The sea leopard 
may attain a length of 13 feet and may weigh up to 1,000 lbs. 
The White Antarctic Seal (Lobodon carcinophaga) is often 
known as the ‘Crab eater,” a somewhat erroneous name, due 
perhaps to its feeding largely ona species of shrimp (Zuphaxsia). 
As to the breeding habits of this animal, we know practically 
nothing. The mottled grey coat of the young becomes a creamy 
white one with a darker stripe down the back as the seal becomes 
adult. The white seal attains over 8 feet in length and about 
500 lbs. in weight. 
The Black-throated or Adelie Penguin (Pygoscelis adelia) 
is the commonest of Antarctic penguins. and has been obtained in 
practically all parts of the Antarctic regions visited. They are 
