58 THE COMMON SEAL. 



The places which they chiefly inhabit are caverns,, 

 or hollow rocks, out of the reach of the tide. Dur- 

 ing the hot summer days they often leave the water 

 to bask or sleep in the sun, upon large stones or 

 shivers of rocks. They are said to take -great plea- 

 sure in thunder-storms, sitting out of the water as 

 long as these continue ; and appearing to contem- 

 plate, with delight, the convulsion of the elements. 

 It is, however, probable, that they leave their usual 

 abode, on these occasions, only that they may avoid 

 the shock of the heavy waves against the shores and 

 upon the shallows. None of these Seals ever ven- 

 ture to any great distance from the land ; but they 

 are frequently observed to sport round ships and 

 boats, that approach the places where they inhabit; 

 and, in their proper depth of water, they are re- 

 markably swift and agile. Borlase informs us, that, 

 after being seen, they will often dive like a shot, 

 and, in a trice, rise again at fifty yards' distance. 

 In swimming, their head is not often observed above 

 the surface of the water, unless for the purpose of 

 respiration*. J. Stackhouse, Esq. of Pendaris, who 

 is well acquainted with the habits of these Seals, 

 informs me, that, in Cornwall, when persons in pur- 

 suit of them observe a Seal to thrust its head above 



* In Animal Biography, vol. i. p. 185, on the authority of Dr. 

 Borlase, I have asserted that, "in swimming, the Seals always keep 

 their heads above water." Mr. Stackhouse, however, assures me 

 that this is an error. 



water, 



