THE "MARBLED" SEAL. 139 



solicited it by the motion of its head, and still more by the 

 expression of its countenance. 



Of another species of seal called the Marbled, and found 

 on the coast of France,which was kept for several weeks in the 

 Jardin des Plantes at Paris, Cuvier says: '* I have never 

 known any wild animal which was more easily tamed, or 

 attached itself more strongly. When it first came it endeav- 

 ored to escape when I wished to touch it, but in a very few 

 days all its apprehensions vanished ; it had discovered my 

 intentions, and rather desired my caresses than feared them. 

 It was in the same enclosure with two small dogs, which 

 amused themselves by frequently mounting on its back, with 

 barking, and even biting it; and although these sports and 

 the vivacity of the attending movements were little in har- 

 mony with its own actions and habits, yet it appreciated 

 their motive, and seemed pleased with them. It never 

 offered any other retaliation than slight blows with its paws, 

 the object of which was to encourage rather than repress 

 the liberties taken. If the puppies escaped from the enclo- 

 sure, the seal endeavored to follow them, notwithstanding 

 the difficulty it experienced in creeping along the ground 

 covered with stones and rubbish. When the weather was 

 cold, the three animals huddled closely and kindly together, 

 that they might contribute to their mutual warmth." The 

 creature did not exhibit any alarm at the presence of man or 

 animals, and did not get out of the way unless when threat- 

 ened to be trod upon. Though very voracious, it did not 

 show any opposition or anger when robbed of its food. 

 " Often,*^ adds Cuvier, " have I tried him when pressed with 

 hunger, and never opposed my will ; and I have seen the 

 dogs, to whom he was much attached, amuse themselves 

 when he was feeding, by snatching the fish from his mouth, 

 without his exhibiting any rage. On the other hand, when 

 their mess was supplied to the seals (for he had a companion), 

 as they were lying in the same trough, a battle was the usual 



