SEALS AND WHALES OF THE BRITLSH SEAS. 



PINNIPEDIA. 



The Pinnipedia (fin-footed) forms a well-marked sub-order of the Car- 

 nivora, and may be divided into three distinct families — the Phocidcs, or true 

 Seals ; the Trichechidcs, represented by one species only — the Walrus; and the 

 Otariid(2, or Eared Seals. 



Fig. I. Hind Flippers of Ringed Seal (after Murie). 

 A, opened out ; B, closed. 



The Phocidce are found both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, 

 most plentifully in the cold regions, but extending into the temperate seas ; 

 in the Northern hemisphere they are found as far south as 40° N. latitude; 

 two species, however, are said to be sub-tropical. The true Seals may readily 



