278 FUR-SEAL OF COMMERCE. 



sagacity in the water much exceeds that which they 

 exhibit on shore ; for though they are fitted to re- 

 main a, certain time on land, their native element is 

 the water." 



The fur skin of this valuable animal is prepared 

 for the market in a manner different from what is 

 employed in the preparation of most others. The 

 long hair, which conceals the fur, is first removed, 

 and this is done by heating the skin, and then card- 

 ing it with a large wooden knife prepared for the 

 purpose. The fur then appears in all its perfection, 

 and sells in China for about two or three dollars, and 

 in England (where, indeed, they are now scarcely 

 to be found) at about three times that price. Not 

 many years ago they were used as linings and 

 borders of cloaks and mantles, and for fur-caps, 

 &c. &c. 



