248 SEA-LION OF PER NETTY. 



largest. We have counted twenty-two such as this 

 in the mouth of one of these lions, and five or six 

 more had fallen out. They did not project from 

 the bone much above an inch and a half, and were 

 solid throughout their length. Their solidity is 

 Almost equal to that of flint, and they are of a daz- 

 zling whiteness. Many of our sailors took them for 

 white flints, when they found them on the shore, 

 and it was with difficulty I could persuade them 

 they were mistaken. 



" These Sea- Lions are not more savage, nor more 

 objects of apprehension, than the other species. 

 They are equally heavy and clumsy in their gait, 

 and more frequently endeavour to fly, than to run 

 at those who attack them. They live upon fish, 

 sea-birds, which they catch by surprising them, and 

 herbs. They bring forth their young among the 

 rushes, which grow on the sea-shore, to which they 

 retire for the night, and continue to suckle them till 

 they are strong enough to go out to sea. At sun- 

 set they are seen to congregate together, and to 

 land in troops on the shore, and then the cubs call 

 for their dams by cries so like those of lambs, and 

 calves, and kids, that any one might be easily de- 

 ceived, if he were not aware of their true nature. 



" It was stated that their flesh was very good, but 

 , npver tasted it ; but I can affirm that their oil is 

 most excellent : it is obtained both by the assistance 

 of heat, and without it, coming away spontaneously 

 when exposed to the sun and air, when it is excel- 

 lent for culinary purposes." 



