370 THE SEAL. 



a degree of swiftness that a man cannot readily overtake 

 it ; and it runs towards the sea. As it is thus awkwardly 

 formed for going upon land, it is seldom found at any dis- 

 tance from the sea shore, but continues to bask upon the 

 rocks; and, when disturbed, always plunges down at onee 

 to the bottom. 



The Seal is a social animal, and wherever it frequents, 

 numbers are generally seen together. They are found in 

 every climate, but in the north and icy seas they are par- 

 ticularly numerous. It is on those shores, which are less 

 inhabited than ours, and where the fish resort in greater 

 abundance, that they are seen by thousands, like flocks of 

 sheep, basking on the rocks, and suckling their young. 

 There they keep watch like other gregarious animals ; and 

 if an enemy appear, instantly plunge altogether into the 

 water. In fine weather they more usually employ their 

 time in fishing ; and generally come on shore in tempests 

 and storms. The Seal seems the only animal that takes 

 delight in these tremendous conflicts of nature. In the 

 midst of thunders and torrents, when every other creature 

 takes refuge from the fury of the elements, the Seals are 

 seen by thousands sporting along the shore, and delighted 

 with the universal disorder ! This, however, may arise 

 from the sea being at that time too turbulent for them to 

 reside in ; and they may then particularly come upon 

 land when unable to resist the shock of their more usual 

 element. 



As Seals are gregarious, so they are also animals of pas- 

 sage, and perhaps the only quadrupeds that migrate from 

 one part of the world to another. The generality of qua- 

 drupeds are contented with their native plains and forests, 

 and seldom stray, except when necessity or fear impels 

 them. But seals change their habitation ; and are seen 

 in vast multitudes directing their course from one conti- 

 nent to another. On the northern coasts of Greenland 

 they are seen to retire in July, and to return again in Sep- 



