THE URSINE SEAL, OR SEA-BEAR Of 

 FORSTER. 



PLATE XXII. 



Otaria Ursina, Cuv. Des. 381, O. Forsterii, Less. Ours Marine, 

 Buff. 



WE are satisfied that the well-instructed Naturalist 

 will be the last to object to our thus separating the 

 Ursine Seal of the southern from that of the north- 

 ern hemisphere. Not that we shall attempt to esta- 

 blish the distinction on scientific principles. Even 

 this could easily be done, in appearance, by copying 

 from systematic works, but we prefer withholding 

 statements which are probably erroneous, and will 

 at once adduce from the original authorities such 

 real information as our space admits. 



In " Dampier's Voyage," we find it stated that 

 " these animals exist in thousands in the island of 

 Juan Fernandez. They are the size of an ordinary 

 calf, and their head is shaped like a dog's ; their hair 

 is of different colours, as black, brownish-grey, and 

 spotted, appearing very smooth and agreeable when 

 they first come out of the water. They have so fine and 

 short a fur, that I have seen nothing like it. There 



