ALASKA. 125 



iuclies, the instep flattened down and the toes run out into 

 thin, membraneous, oval-tipped points, only skin-thick, leav- 

 ing- three strong cylindrical grayish horn-colored nails, hall' an 

 inch long, back six inches from these skinny toe-ends, without 

 any nails to mention on the big and little toes. 



On the upper side of this loot the hair comes down to the 

 point where the metatarsus and phalangeal bones joint and 

 fades out; from this junction the phalanges, about six inches 

 down to the nails, are entirely bare and stand ribbed up in bold 

 relief on the membrane which unites them as a web ; the nails 

 nuirk the ends of the phalangeal bones aud their union in turn 

 Avith the cartiliiginous processes, which run rapidly tapering 

 and flattening, out to the ends of the thin toe-flaps. 



Now, as we look at this fur-seal's progression, that which 

 seems most odd is the gingerly manner (if I may be allowed 

 to use the expression) in which it carries these hmd-flipi)ers; 

 they are held out at right angles from the body directly oppo- 

 site the pelvis, the toe-ends and flaps slightly waving and curl- 

 ing or drooping over, supported daintily, as it were, above the 

 earth, only suffering its weight behind to fall upon the heels, 

 which are opposed to each oth^er scarcely five inches apart. 



We shall, as we see him again later in the season, have to 

 notice a different mode of progression, both when lording it 

 over his harem or when he grows shy and restless at the end 

 of the breeding-season, and now proceed to notice him in the 

 order of his arrival aud that of his family, his behavior during 

 the long period of fasting and unceasing activity and vigilance 

 and other cares which devolve upon him, as the most eminent 

 of all polygamists in the brute world; and to fully comprehend 

 this exceedingly interesting animal, it will be necessary to refer 

 to my drawings and paintings uuide from it and its haunts. 



The adult males are first to arrive in the spring on the ground 

 deserted by all classes the preceding year. 



Between the 1st and 5th of May, usually, a few bulls will be 

 found scattered over the rookeries pretty close to the water. 

 They are at this time quite shy and sensitive, not yet being 

 satisfied with the land, and a great many spend day after day 

 before coming ashore idly swimming out among the breakers a 

 little distance from the laud, to which they seem somewhat re- 

 luctant at first to repair. The first arrivals are not always the 

 oldest bulls, but may be said to be the finest and most ambi- 

 tious of their class; they are full-grown aud able to hold their 



