CARNIVORA. 91 



and where most numerous ? Describe the Rattel ? Where is the Panda 

 or Wan found ? What animals does it resemble ? What are its resorts ? 



SECTION XV. 



SUB-ORDER AMPHIBIA, (Gr. 'a^cplCiog, amphibios, having a double 



life.) -, | 



The term Amphibia, is, strictly speaking, applicable only to 



such animals as have double sets of lungs, or gills, giving them 



the power of living, indifferently, at the same time, either upon 



land or water ; but it is commonly given to seal, otters, beavers, 



etc., and to many reptiles whose habits are at once terrestrial and 



aquatic. (PL VI. fig. 11.) 



PHOCIDAE, (Gr. qpow^, PhoM, a sea-calf or seal.) This tribe 

 of animals, belonging to the carnivorous order, show a peculiar 

 adaptation to the sphere assigned them by the All-wise Creator. 

 None of the four-limbed mammalia display such complete adapta- 

 tion to residence in the water. Seals resemble quadrupeds in 

 some respects, and fishes in others. They have round heads, and 

 broad noses, not unlike those of dogs, with the same mild and ex- 

 pressive physiognomy ; large whiskers ; oblong nostrils, and large, 

 sparkling black eyes. In the seal there is no external ear; but 

 a valve exists in the orifices which he can close at pleasure, in 

 order to keep out the water; a valve is also found in the nostrils, 

 which is useful for the same purpose. The body is covered with 

 stiff, glossy hairs, which are closely set against the skin ; it is 

 elongated and conical in form, gradually tapering from the shoul- 

 ders to the tail. The feet of the seal differ from those qf all other 

 quadrupeds. They have the same number of bones, but are 

 covered with a membrane which would make them resemble fins 

 more than feet, but for the sharp, strong claws with which they 

 are pointed. The limbs may be viewed as a sort of oars, or pad- 

 dles. In the front pair, the arm and forearm are very short, so 

 that but little more than the forearm advances from the body ; 

 the hind limbs are directed backwards so as to almost seem like 

 a continuation of the body; the thighs and legs very short; the 

 tail is short and thick ; the foot is formed on the same plan as the 

 forepaw ; but the toes are in contact ; the web is folded when not 

 in use as a paddle ; but spread out when the animal is swimming. 

 The seal moves in the water with great ease and rapidity, but on 

 the land, or on masses of ice, with extreme awkwardness. It is 

 gregarious, living in herds more or less numerous, along the shores 

 Of the sea. The cellular tissue, situated between the skin and 

 muscles, is very loose and fibrous, and seems to be a receptacle 



