HARP SEAL, OR ATAK.—Phoca Graenlandica 
remarkably well furnished with the fatty substance from which the oil is obtained, and is 
therefore eagerly pursued, irrespective of the value which is set upon the fur. 
The food of this animal is almost wholly of an animal nature, and consists chiefly of 
salmon and other fish, together with various molluses and crustaceans. It however stands 
in great dread of other species of Seal, such as the Sea Lion and Sea Bear, and according 
to many accounts holds the spermaceti whale in awe, being chased by that formidable 
creature into the shallow waters of the shore. Twice in the year the Harp Seal indulges 
in a migration similar to that which has already been described when treating of the Sea 
Leopard. The young of this species are sometimes two in number, although the maternal 
Seal is often forced to content herself with a single child. 
Like the Common Seal, the Atak is possessed of much intelligence, and is very capable 
of domestication. 
Two of these animals which were placed in the zoological collection at the Jardin des 
Plantes, were at their first arrival extremely shy, and would avoid the person of man with 
every mark of terror. Yet in a very short time they became quite tame, and would 
voluntarily seek the caresses of those who had behaved kindly towards them. They also 
struck up a great friendship with two little dogs, and would permit their little playfellows 
to take all kinds of liberties with them, permitting the dogs to sit on their backs and 
bark, and not even resenting an occasional bite. They would even permit the dogs to take 
their food from their mouths, but if their relation attempted to act in like manner, a sharp 
combat immediately took place, the weaker being forced ultimately to succumb to 
superior might. 
In cold “weather, dogs and Seals were accustomed to huddle closely together for the 
sake of warmth, and when the dogs made their way out of the entrance, the Seals did 
their best to follow their little playfellows, ¢ caring nothing for the rough ground over 
which they were forced to pass. 
This Seal has been several times seen upon the coasts of England, although generally 
in its immature state. Two young Harp Seals were taken in the mouth of the Severn, and 
others seem to have made their appearance off the Orkney Isles. 
AmonG all the strange forms which are found among the members of the phocine 
family, there is none which presents a more terribly grotesque appearance than that of the 
WALRUS 8, Morsk, or SrA Horss, as this extraordinary animal is indifferently termed. 
The most conspicuous part of this animal is the head, with its protuberant muzzle bris- 
tling with long, wiry hairs, and the enormous canine teeth that project from the upper jaw. 
it LL 
