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Order PINNIPEDIA. 



.:A group of carnivorous animals specially adapted by 

 Nature for an aquatic life, including the Walrus, Seals, 

 and Sealions. The limbs are modified to form paddle- 

 like or fin-like appendages termed "flippers," the digits 

 of which are united by a membrane. Tail short. 



Family OTABIID/E. 



This family contains the Eared Seals, characterized by 

 the possession of a small external ear, and by the structure 

 of the hind limbs, which project forward, and so enable 

 the animals to progress on land. 



Arctocephalus capensis. The Cape Sealion. Zeeleeuw. 

 (Robbe or Seal of the Cape fisherman ; Seadog or Seabear of 

 the Natural Histories and Whalers.) 



This animal is also called the Cape Fur Seal, although 

 it is not a true seal at all. Captain Woodward, of Sea- 

 lion fame, told me that he considered the Cape animal 

 not nearly so intelligent as the Californian species ; at 

 any rate, when judged from the standpoint of the trainer. 



In coloration it is of a rich dark brown, ruddier on the 

 neck. Old males have a fairly well developed mane all 

 round the neck. Length about 6 feet ; tail, 3 inches. 



It is an inhabitant of the sea, landing upon the small 

 islands along the south and south-west coasts of South 

 Africa to breed in the summer, when the females usually 

 give birth to two young or to shed their fur in winter. 

 The skins form, on account of the fur, an article of 



