IN THE PACIFIC. 187 



it must have died of starvation had it not 

 escaped overboard one dark night when we 

 were more than 1000 miles from the nearest 

 land. During the animal's residence on board 

 we had ample opportunity for observing its 

 habits ; it was apparent to us that these crea- 

 tures prefer to be dry and warm, and only take 

 to the water in search of food. This one spent 

 most of its time sleeping in the bows of the 

 punt, occasionally scrambling out to have a 

 look round the ship or gazing wistfully over the 

 side as though it longed to plunge overboard, 

 but feared to do so on account of the water 

 rushing so swiftly past. The hind flippers are 

 not unlike a pair of black kid gloves tied 

 together at the wrists, and when moving about 

 the deck the seal looked ridiculously like a man 

 laying on his stomach with his feet tied together, 

 propelling himself forward by his elbows. These 

 creatures are known to be very affectionate, and 

 this one frequently sighed and looked at us in 

 the most sentimental manner, as though longing 

 to be restored to the bosom of its family. I 



