HAIR SEALS OR SEA DOGS. 213 



Ringed Seal. They are of special interest only because 

 of the nature of their habitat ; the Baikal Seal inhabiting 

 a fresh water lake, and the Caspian Seal living in a sea 

 but slightly salt. 



The Common Seal belongs to the same genus as the 

 preceding species, and the Greenland Seal. While its 

 teeth are smaller and sharper than those of the Grey Seal 

 they are more massive than those of the other representa- 

 tives of its own genus, from whom it is further distin- 

 guished by its stouter build, longer head, broader nose and 

 shorter limbs. In color the adult Common Seal is yellow- 

 ish grey, with irregular dark brown 'or blackish spots; 

 but the cubs, which are brought forth in May or June, are 

 born with a woolly, yellowish white coat, which they shed 

 immediately after birth. The full-grown males vary from 

 five to six feet in length. 



These Seals do not make seasonable migrations, but are 

 found in the same haunts throughout the year. They are 

 gregarious, but do not gather together in such large num- 

 bers as some of the other species, and prefer sheltered 

 sounds and bays, with shallow water and an abundant 

 supply of fish to more exposed positions. Common Seals 

 leave the water at every tide, to rest on the rocks or 

 beach almost invariably selecting portions that are sep- 

 arated from the mainland. They are more intelligent 

 than their cogeners, and can be readily tamed ; instances 

 being recorded where they have followed their owners 

 about like dogs, and also where they have been taught to 

 perform tricks. Like other True Seals these animals 

 are readily attracted by music, and will follow a vessel, 

 from which such sounds proceed, for a considerable dis- 

 tance. 



The Common Seal has a wide range ; occurring princi- 

 pally, however, in the North Atlantic and North Pacific 

 Oceans, extending on the shores of both oceans to 

 the Arctic regions. In the Atlantic it is sometimes found 

 as far south as the Mediterranean on the European side, 

 and New Jersey on the American side. In the Pacific its 

 southern limit seems to be marked by Kamschatka on the 

 eastern, and Southern California on the western side. 

 This species does not confine itself to the coast, but often 



