136 8EAL8 FOND OF MU8IG. 



Bufibn examined a tame seal, and remarked that the period 

 between its several inspirations was very long : the crea- 

 ture opened its nostrils to make a strong expiration, which 

 was immediately followed by an inspiration ; after which it 

 closed them, often allowing two minutes to intervene with- 

 out taking another breath. This power of suspension for a 

 considerable time is of great use, enabling the seals to pur- 

 sue their prey under water. Seals are often subjected to 

 enormous pressure under water, which must be resisted, at 

 the respective apertures of the body, by an appropriate 

 mechanism. A similar provision is made for the eyes, as 

 well as the nostrils, in more ways, perhaps, than one. 

 At the inner angle of the eye (which is very large and 

 round) there is a third eyelid, which can be drawn over the 

 whale eye. The ears as well as the eyes, can be closed at 

 will, so as to resist pressure. 



How very wonderful is the provision thus afforded to the 

 seal, as, in fact, to all created objects, and how the contem- 

 plation of such subjects should raise our hearts to the 

 Omnipotent God! 



To know and feel His care for all that lives.** 



Captain Scoresby, who had numerous opportunities of 

 observing the habits of the seal, states that the animal hears 

 well under water, and that music, and particularly a person 

 whistling, draws it to the surface, and induces it to stretch 

 out the neck to the utmost extent, so as to prove a snare, by 

 bringing them within reach of the shooter. Many similar 

 observations of this curious faculty in seals have been re- 

 lated by different writers. One remarks : " In walking along 

 the shore, a few notes of my flute would bring half a score 

 of seals within thirty or forty yards of me ; and there they 

 would swim about, with their heads above water, like so 

 many black dogs, evidently delighted with the sounds. For 

 half an hour, or indeed for any length of time I chose, I 



