124 ‘ THE INHABITANTS OF THE SEA. 
times longer than the most strong-breasted and expert pearl 
fisher. Yet he is seldom seen more than thirty miles from 
land, where he sleeps and reposes, choosing rocks surrounded by 
the sea or the less accessible cliffs, left dry by the ebb of the 
tide, so that, if disturbed by an enemy, he may be able to 
plunge immediately into the sea. In the summer he will come 
out of the water to bask or sleep in the sun on the top of large 
stones and ledges of rocks; and this affords our countrymen the 
opportunity of shooting him. If he chances to escape, he 
hastens towards his proper element, flinging dirt or stones 
behind him as he scrambles along, at the same time expressing 
his fears by piteous moans; but if he happens to be overtaken, 
he will make a vigorous defence with his feet and teeth till he 
is killed. His flesh, which is tender, juicy, and fat, was for- 
merly, like that of the porpoise, served up at the tables of the 
great, as appears from the bill of fare of a magnificent feast that 
Archbishop Neville gave in the reign of Edward the Fourth. 
Seals commonly bring forth two young ones ata time, which they 
suckle for about a fortnight, and then carry them out to sea to 
instruct them in swimming. When taken young, they may be 
domesticated, and will follow their master like a dog, coming to 
him when called by name. According to Pliny, no animal 
enjoys a deeper sleep,—“nullum animal graviore somno pre- 
mitur.” This assertion is, however, contradicted by general 
observation, for it is well known that seals are extremely watch- 
ful, seldom sleeping longer than a minute without moving their 
heads to ascertain whether anything suspicious is going on. 
Although without external ears, seals appear to hear well 
both above and under the water. Music or whistling will 
draw them to the surface and induce them to stretch their necks 
to the utmost extent—a curiosity which often proves a snare for 
their destruction. The most effectual way of shooting seals is 
by firing small shot into their eyes; for when killed with a 
bullet they generally sink and are lost. They are often seen in 
very large shoals on their passage from one situation to another. 
In such cases, all appear every now and then at the surface 
together for the sake of respiration, springing up so as to run 
their heads, necks, and often their whole bodies out of the 
water. They shuffle along, especially over the ice, with a sur- 
prising speed considering the shortness of their legs. They are 
