232 FAMILY PHOCID^E ; SEALS. 



resistance. Of this prehensile character, the accompanying 

 figure affords a good illustration. The incisors are either |- or \ ; 

 the canines are always present, and are large and strong ; the 

 molars are usually from 20 to 24 in number, that is, either 5 or 

 6 on either side of each jaw. 



202. A considerable number of species of Seal exist ; all of 

 them inhabiting either the temperate or the frigid regions of the 

 globe. At least four are known to visit the shores of Britain. 

 The Common Seal (Fig. 116) is from four to five feet long ; 

 its physiognomy is mild and expressive, like that of a Dog ; it 

 is readily domesticated, and shows great intelligence and attach- 

 ment to Man. The Grey Seal, on the other hand, which some- 

 times attains the length of twelve feet, is much less intelligent, 

 and cannot be tamed ; it shows considerable resolution, and even 

 ferocity, when attacked. The Greenland, or Harp Seal, is 

 remarkable for the changes of colour which it undergoes in the 

 course of its advance towards maturity ; the markings of the 

 body are so distinct in different years, that the precise age of the 

 animal may be known by them. The immature species has 

 been regarded (as in many other instances, 18), as distinct 

 from the adult, by those who were not acquainted with its 

 history. The Elephant Seal of the South Seas is the largest 

 known species ; its length being from 20 to 30 feet ; and its 

 girth at the largest part of the body being from 1 5 to 18 feet. 

 A full-grown male will yield 70 gallons of oil. This seal lives 

 in troops, which migrate towards the tropic in winter, and 



return southwards in summer. 

 It is much sought after, on 

 account of the large quantity of 

 oil which it yields ; and also 

 for the skin, which is extensively 

 used in harness, on account of 

 its strength and thickness. It 

 is a very inert animal, not being 

 easily alarmed, and making 



FIG. 118. TEETH OK ELEPHANT-SBAL. ,.,,, , - , , , T , 



little defence when attacked. Its 

 food appears to consist in part of sea- weeds and cuttle-fish ; the 



