180 THE SEAL. 



thickest part. Its upper jaw is armed with two large tusks, 

 sometimes above two feet in length, and weighing from twelve to 

 twenty pounds. These teeth, together with its fat, are what 

 stamp a value on this animal, as they are equal to those of the 

 elephant, in beauty and durability; and the fat of a well-grown 

 sea-horse, is said to yield half a ton of oil, equal in goodness to 

 that of the whale. 



The sea-horse is chiefly found in the northern seas. Great 

 herds of them are sometimes seen basking on the shore, or 

 sleeping on a field of ice. When alarmed, they throw themselves 

 into the water with extreme precipitation. If wounded, they 

 become bold and furious, and unite for their common defence. 

 On these occasions, they will attack a boat, and attempt to sink 

 it, by striking their teeth into its sides, bellowing at the same 

 time in a most hideous manner. 



The following anecdote, related in " Hearne's Journey to the 

 Northern Ocean," may, perhaps, be deemed worthy of atten- 

 tion: "In the year 1766, some of the crew of a sloop sailing 

 to trade with the Esquimaux, were attacked in their boat by a 

 great number of walruses ; and notwithstanding every attempt 

 to keep them off, a small one got in over the stern, and after 

 looking at the men some time, again plunged into the water. 

 Another of an enormous size then attempted to get in over the 

 bow ; and every other means proving ineffectual to prevent such 

 an intrusion, the bow-man put the muzzle of a loaded gun into 

 the animal's mouth, and shot him dead. He immediately sunk, 

 and the people reached their vessel just before his enraged com- 

 panions were ready to make a fresh attack." 



This animal feeds on sea-weeds, and small fish. In climbing 

 upon the rocks, and pieces of ice, it makes use of its teeth as 

 hooks, to secure its hold, and then draws up its unwieldy body. 



The white bear is an implacable enemy to the sea-horse ; and 

 dreadful conflicts are said to happen sometimes between them, 

 in which the formidable tusks of the latter generally render it 

 victorious. 



THE SEAL 



Is another amphibious animal, which seems to constitute one 

 of the last steps of gradation between the race of quadrupeds 

 and fishes, and which, although generally classed by naturalists 

 among the former, appears to partake in a greater degree of the 

 nature and habits of the latter. It is found, with some variation 

 of species, in almost every quarter of the globe ; but chiefly 

 abounds in the northern seas of Europe, Asia, and America, and 

 in the unfrequented regions towards the south pole. 



The usual length of this animal is five or six feet. It is cover 



