CHAPTER XXII 



THE SEA-LION ROOKERIES 



IN riding over the mountain trails of almost any 

 of the islands that are strung along the coast of 

 California, from San Miguel to Coronado, one 

 may hear strange roars and bellowings at times rising 

 from the adjacent sea. If one has the curiosity to 

 locate these sounds and find out what they mean, he 

 may follow down the deep rocky canons that lead to 

 the ocean, and come suddenly, perhaps, upon the 

 rookery of the lions of the sea, which can be found along- 

 shore in isolated places. 



In years gone by the islands gave shelter to myriads 

 of these animals; but they have been gradually deci- 

 mated, until the great rookeries contain but a few. 

 On the island of Santa Catalina the sea-lions are pro- 

 tected, and here, on the southeast end, is the finest 

 rookery known, when the tameness of the animal is 

 considered; they have been protected so long that 

 they will permit boats to approach to within a few 

 feet of the rocks and the occupants to photograph 

 them. These sea-lions are several times as large as a 

 common seal; and while the latter has a short neck, 

 the former has a long and snake-like one, a ferocious 

 mien, and a mouth fitted with sharp teeth. It is 

 very active, and appears like a gigantic slug, dark 

 and shiny. 

 Sea-lions are very clever animals. They feed mostly 



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