THE COMMON SEAL AND THE GREENLAND SEAL 



727 



coast in suitable places, but is much less abundant than it formerly was, and has 

 been quite banished from many places where it was formerly well known. It is 

 common on many parts of the Irish coast, and is very abundant among the Scotch 

 islands, especially in Shetland and Orkney. In Wales and Cornwall it is well known, 

 but is now very rarely seen on the shores of the southern and eastern counties of 

 England." Not many years ago one of them was observed on the beach at 

 Brighton. 



The common seal does not make any seasonal migrations, but is 

 found in the same haunts throughout the year. It prefers sheltered 

 sounds and bays, with shallow water and an abundant supply of fish, to more ex- 



Habits 



THE GREENLAND SEAT,. 



(One-sixteenth natural size.) 



posed positions; and leaves the water at every tide to rest on the rocks or beach, 

 almost invariably selecting such rocks as are separated from the mainland. The 

 young are born in the latter part of May or June, and take to the water at an early 

 period. Like other members of the family, this seal is readily attracted by music, 

 and will follow boats from which such sounds proceed to a considerable distance. 

 Whether, however, this attraction by musical sounds is due merely to the curiosity 

 characterizing all the Pinniped Carnivores, or to an appreciation of the music itself, 

 has not been ascertained. In disposition the common seal is more intelligent and 

 gentle than most of its congeners; these qualities being displayed not only in the 

 care and affection they bestow on their offspring, but likewise by the readiness with 

 which they can be tamed, and their fidelity and affection for their masters. There 



