THE NORTHERN SEA-BEAR 



705 



The northern sea-bear, as shown in the accompanying illustration, is dis- 

 tinguished at a glance from all the southern fur-seals by its extremely-short face, 

 in which the profile is nearly straight, and likewise by its relatively-weak dentition. 

 In the adult males the general color of the upper parts, with the exception of the 

 shoulders, is nearly black, with a more or less marked gray, or reddish-gray grizzle; 

 but the shoulders are distinctly gray. The sides of the nose and lips are brownish, 

 the breast is brownish orange, while the limbs and under-parts are reddish brown. 



THE NORTHERN SEA-BEAR. 

 (One-twenty-fifth natural size.) 



The females are much lighter in color, being uniformly gray above, with the under 

 parts brownish or rufous. In both sexes the individual variations in color are 

 largely due to the varying proportions of the gray in the hairs. The young when 

 first born are of a uniform, glossy-black color, with the under- fur lighter in hue, and 

 less abundant than in the adults. 



These seals are much smaller than the larger sea-lions, the old males, according 

 to Captain Bryant, measuring from seven to eight feet in total length, and having a 

 girth of from six to seven feet; while their weight is estimated at from 700 to 800 

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