80 HABITS AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE 



throughout the live-long night, and during the day 

 cannot be kept awake without unceasing persever- 

 ance." 



It is frequently stated in general terms, that Seals 

 are easily tamed ; but this assertion must be taken 

 with limitation, since, though true of some, it is 

 equally untrue of others. The fact is, Seals differ 

 as much in disposition as in form ; and as with 

 dogs and other animals, whilst some species are 

 easily and almost naturally domesticated, others as 

 uniformly show themselves fierce, savage, and sus- 

 picious. Some of the more common species, how- 

 ever, are not only easily tamed, but become the at- 

 tached and almost the amusing companions of man. 

 Many instances of this will be found in the follow- 

 ing pages ; and frequently are they carried from 

 city to city, not only that their peculiar structure 

 may be seen, but that their intelligence and ac- 

 quirements may be exhibited. All who have 

 come into contact, or taken trouble with these 

 animals, are familiar with these facts, so that we 

 shall here subjoin but one or two statements con- 

 cerning it. Thus Pliny, " Vituli marini accipiunt 

 disciplinam, voceque paritur et visu populum salu- 

 tant : inconditu fremitu nomine vocatu respondent."* 

 " I have lately," says M, F. Cuvier, " had occasion to 

 witness a Seal which displayed much intellectual 

 power. He did punctually wnat ne was ordered. 

 If desired to raise himself on his hind-legs, and to 

 take a staff in his hands, and act the sentinel, he did 



Hist. Nat. Lib. ix. Cap. 13. 



