STELLER'S SEA BEAR 



and thus do not place the two families relatively. 

 There are several kinds of sea lions and sea bears, 

 probably at least eight, though the exact numbers are 

 still a matter of uncertainty. From a well known and 

 northern kind, Otaria ursina, is obtained the sealskin 

 of commerce. The paradox is therefore true that seal- 

 skin is not the skin of a seal. These fur-bearing sea 

 bears are often spoken of as fur seals in contra-distinc- 

 tion to those which have no fine under fur, but only 

 coarse hair, and which are therefore called hair seals. 

 But no anatomical characters, other than this, allow us 

 to distinguish two groups in the family. Although this 

 sea lion, and hair seals in general, do not furnish coats 

 and waistcoasts for the rich and cold, there are other 

 hair seals who are by no means on this count free from 

 alarms. Thus Steller's sea bear almost takes the place 

 among the natives of the Aleutian islands that the rein- 

 deer does with the Laps. The flesh, fishy, and unap- 

 petising as it might well be to ourselves, is eaten, and 

 of course, is said to resemble veal, as all strange meats 

 are. Its abundant fat is the local substitute for coal and 

 gas. For the storing of this fuel the animal's stomach 

 forms a convenient receptacle. The skin is used to 

 cover boats. The gullet becomes the boots of the hunts- 

 man or occupant of the boat, and the intestines sewn 

 together afford him a nondescript and waterproof 

 garment. Nothing in short is wasted by him except 

 the skeleton, and even this is sought after by others, for 

 museums. Sea lions congregate together in herds upon 

 rocks, which temporary dwelling places are termed 

 " rookeries," though " Why rookeries ? " we may well 

 exclaim with Miss Betsy Trotwood. This friendliness, 

 tempered, however, in the wild state by acts of discipline 

 on the part of the large males, does not extend to individ- 

 uals of different species ; and in the large pond at the Zoo, 

 if there is more than one sea lion an arrangement of 



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