SEALS AND WHALES OF THE BRITISH SEAS. 3 



be distinguished by the absence of external ears, and the position of the 

 posterior hmbs, which are not adapted for progression on land, but admirably 

 suited for propelhng the animal through the element in which it obtains its 

 sustenance. These limbs are directed backwards, and compressed laterally, 

 the soles of the flippers being turned inwards, and are only free from the 

 ankle-joints. (Fig. i). Like the whole group, the Seals are carnivorous. Five 

 species are believed to have occurred on our shores. 



The family of Tric]iccJiid(B is limited to one genus, and that consisting of 

 only one species, the Walrus or Morse, which is essentially Arctic in its 

 habitat, and on our coasts can only be regarded as a very rare and accidental 

 straggler; in this animal there is no external ear; its limbs are adapted 

 for raising the body from the ground, thus enabling it to progress by their 

 means upon dry land. 



The third family, OtariidcB, consists of several genera and species (according 

 to Gray); they are distinguished from both PhocidcB zwdi.TricJiecJms by the 

 presence of external ear-conchs, and from the former by the structure of their 

 limbs, which are free and adapted for progression upon land, where at a 

 certain season they take up their abode for a considerable period. Dr. 

 Pettigrew also points out that the fore-feet are hardly used by the true 

 Seals as means of propulsion in the water, whereas in the Eared Seals they 

 form the chief organs used for that purpose, and in the Walrus all four 

 limbs are employed. The Eared Seals inhabit the lonely shores and islands 

 of the Pacific Ocean and South Seas, where they are hunted for their 

 skins ; the beautiful " seal-skin " of commerce, so much prized for its lustre 

 and softness, being the dyed and prepared under-fur of some members of 

 this family. The Otariidcs are not represented in our fauna. 



The true Seals spend most of their time in the water, but visit the 

 shore or ice to bask in the sun or bring forth their young; this last takes 

 place early in the summer, and it is seldom that more than one is pro- 



