88 THE COURTSHIP OF ANIMALS 



of this trunk-like organ, which may attain a length of 

 about fifteen inches, is not clear ; it seems to serve mainly 

 as an " ornament," at times, too, furnishing a very definite 

 indication as to the temper of its owner. While the 

 animal is slowly moving its great carcase from place to 

 place, this remarkable organ is relaxed, and pendent ; 

 but when fighting it is closely contracted so as to be out 

 of harm's way. Whether it plays any useful part in the 

 Capture of food is not known ; but it is probably much 

 displayed during phases of sexual excitement. In young 

 animals, it is significant to notice, as well as in the adult 

 female this trunk is entirely wanting, which seems to 

 suggest that this peculiar feature has only been recently 

 acquired, the young and the adult female, as is the rule, 

 standing nearer to the early forebears of this strange type. 

 There is an enormous difference, it should be remarked, 

 between the sexes in the matter of size, the female not 

 attaining more than half the bulk of her lord. A further 

 interesting point concerns the coloration of the young, 

 which are black, while the adults are brown. Doubtless 

 this is connected with the requirements of the young, the 

 black coat attracting more heat than the lighter-coloured 

 coat of the adult. * 



As touching that curious creature, the Crested, or 

 Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristatus)^ a native of the colder 

 regions of the North Atlantic. This animal is remark- 

 able for the development, in the males alone, of a great 

 crest or casque on the head, which is formed by a large 

 inflatable air-sac over the ridge of the nose, and com- 

 municating with the nostrils. When fully inflated, it 

 covers the head as far back as the eye. Its purpose is a 

 matter of conjecture. It seems to be inflated either when 

 he animal is greatly excited, as when challenging rival 



