33 



t 



with a single root, the others with two roots ; claws of fore feet rather 

 flat, of hinder ones conical, very small ; whiskers stiff, short, smooth ; 

 muzzle with a slight central groove. The crests of the skull, and the 

 expansion of the shoulder-blade, are more strongly developed in this 

 genua than in the following ones. 



MotfACHUS 1 ALBiYENTEE, 3 Boddaert. Monk Seal. 



Synonyms PJioque a venire blanc, Buffon, Cuvier. 

 PJioca monachus, 1 Herm, Desmarest. 

 Pelagic** monackus, 1 F. Cuvier, Blainville, Owen. 

 Pelagius 2 ' monachus, 1 Nilsson, Gray. 

 PJioca albiventer* Boddaert. 

 Mediterranean Seal, Shaw. 

 Monachus albiventer, Gray, B. M. C. 1866, p. 19. 



The well-known sub-tropical Seal has been long considered as the 

 only representative of the genus, and I believe it is still so regarded by 

 the generality of writers on the animals of this order ; although 

 Dr. Gray, in the Catalogue and Supplement, so continually referred to, 

 has introduced another, a tropical species, 4 from the distinctive 

 characters afforded by an imperfect skin, which the British Museum 

 received from Jamaica. It is to be understood, however, that the 

 foregoing generic characteristics are derived from the Monk, or White- 

 bellied Seal of the Mediterranean. Inhabits both shores of and the 

 islands in the Mediterranean, and said occasionally to be found at 

 Madeira and the Canaries. 



Fully-grown adults are from 10 to 12 feet in length. Monk Seals 

 have upon several occasions been partially domesticated, and thus 

 opportunities have been given for ascertaining many of their ways and 

 disposition. One, a few years ago, was exhibited in London as the 

 " Talking Fish" ; at the word of command, it would utter various 

 sounds, from a bark to the hoarse bellow of a bull, would offer its lips 

 to be kissed, and perform within its tub many pleasing feats of agility. 



Buffon, F. Cuvier, and other eminent men, have at different times 

 availed themselves of similar chances for observation, and fortunately 

 have recorded minutely their experience. The former naturalist, in 

 describing a male taken in the Adriatic, remarks : " The white-bellied 

 Seal we saw in December, 1778. Its aspect is mild, and its disposition 

 not fierce ; its eyes are quick and intelligent, or, at all events, they ex- 

 press the sentiments of affection and attachment to its master, whom it 

 obeys with the utmost readiness. At his order we have seen it lay 

 down its head, turn in various directions, roll round and round, raise 

 the fore-parts of its body quite erect in its trough, and shake hands 



1 A monk. 



a That lives in the sea. 



3 Aldus, vr hite, and venter belly. 



4 B. M. C. Seals and Whales, 1866, p. 20. Alonachus tropicalis. 



