214 CARNIVORA. 



covering boys' knapsacks and tobacco-pouches, for hats, 

 covering trunks, etc. 



The vakie of an extra large skin ranges from 5s. 

 to 5s. 3d. ; 4s. to 4s. 6d. is the price of a large one ; 

 2s. 9d. to 3s. of a middling ; and 2s. 3d. to 5s. for a 

 small one. 



The larger skins weigh about 4 lbs. 



The skins are usually dried, but a few arrive in the 

 salted condition. The greater part are bought for 

 France, and a few for Norway. A few years ago, when 

 the fashion for Hair Seal hats was introduced into 

 England, they were much sought after. The large 

 skins are almost always purchased by English tanners 

 for leather. 



This Seal is sometimes taken in nets during the 

 winter months, in pursuit of herrings and other fish. 

 Wlien captured, it is exhibited at a small charge in the 

 seaport town, and then perhaps sold to a Zoological 

 Collection for about £5. When in captivity, the ease 

 and grace with which it swims is remarkable. It turns 

 on its back, and swims just as readily in that position. 

 It is taught many tricks, such as ringing a bell. 



This Seal is extremely fond of music. 



The Caspian and Balkan Hair Seals appear to be 

 local varieties of this species. They exist in consider- 

 able quantities, and are captured by means of nets. 

 Whitecoat skins, probably of these varieties, are sold at 

 the Nijni-Novgorod Fair. 



