56 OF SEALS IN GENERAL. 



Neptune, the syrens, and some others of the sea- 

 deities. Most of the species have a trivial name, 

 derived from a fancied resemblance to some land 

 animal. In various languages they are, therefore^ 

 denominated sea-calf, sea-dog, sea-wolf, sea-fox, and 

 sea-lion. 



The females produce their offspring, two or three 

 hi number, generally in the winter season, on sand- 

 banks, rocks, or small islands. They continue to feed 

 them for twelve or fifteen days, in the place where 

 they are brought forth; and suckle them nearly in an 

 Upright position, resting on their hind-legs. When 

 the young ones have acquired sufficient strength to 

 contend with the waves, the mother conducts them 

 into the water, and teaches them to swim about, 

 and seek for food. The attachment of Seals of the 

 same species to each other, and particularly to 

 their own offspring, is very pleasing. When en- 

 gaged in defence of the latter, some of the species 

 are altogether fearless of death, and will suffer 

 themselves to be beaten to pieces, rather than allow 

 them, with impunity, to be killed or carried away. 



Seals do not attain their full growth for many 

 years ; and M. de Buffon was inclined to believe, 

 that the duration of their lives often extended 

 beyond a century*. 



None of the animals have any external ears ; the 



* Buffon, parSonnini, xxxiv. p. 16. 



openings 



