128 COMM^* SEAL 



the oblique position of the molar teeth, by which 

 the internal posterior margin of one is in contact 

 with the outer anterior margin of the next behind 

 it : this is regarded as an unerring character, which 

 exists in no other known species ; 2d, in the poste- 

 rior margin of the palate being deeply notched ; and, 

 3d, in the external process of the nasal bone being 

 elongated and rounded, whilst the inner is not much 

 more than half the length of the former, and with 

 its fellow makes a small triangle.* 



As we have had the pleasure of verifying all 

 these indications in several animals which were 

 captured on the Scottish coasts, we shall enter 

 somewhat into details. It was through the kindness 

 of Dr and Mr F. Knox that we first had an oppor- 

 tunity of examining the carefully preserved speci- 

 mens of two Seals, mother and cub, caught in the 

 Frith of Forth : the bones of the cranium of the 

 latter of these are set up separately, and beautifully 

 illustrate the general shape of the teeth, and the 

 third specific character above enumerated ; the 

 adult cranium is preserved entire, and as clearly 

 exhibits the two other characters. Along with them 

 we received the skin, measuring five feet in length, 

 with markings equally distinct and peculiar. The 

 ground of the coat or robe is a dark tawny white 

 colour, and this is studded universally over the 

 body with small brownish black spots ; the paws 

 and feet have a very dark ground, but are still 



History of British Quadrupeds, by Thomas Bell, Esq. 262. 



