PLATE VIII THE CRAB-EATING SEAL. 



FIG. 1. An adult Crab-eating Seal (Lolodon cardnophagus), from a photograph 

 taken by E. W. SKELTON (Sk. 27, ^-plate), Jan. 3, 1902. 



FIG. 2. The head of the same, from a photograph by R. W. SKELTON (Sk. 26, 

 I- plate), Jan. 3, 1902. 



In the ice-pack of the open sea three species of Seals are commonly met 

 with, the Sea Leopard, the Ross Seal, and the Crabeater ; but of these only the 

 last is at all abundant, and it appears to suffer more than any other from the 

 attacks of the Killer Whales. It has a very peculiar dentition, which answers 

 the purpose of a sieve for straining water from the mouth, leaving mud and the 

 Crustaceans, which form its food, within, to be swallowed. 



It has a creamy white coat of hair, with dapple-rings of a brown or buff 

 colour on the shoulders and flanks. 



The young one is born in a pure-white woolly coat, which is shed before 

 the animal enters the water, and is replaced by a coat similarly marked to 

 that of the adult, but of a richer brownish chocolate colour. 



See Nat. Hist. Rep., vol. ii., Mamm., pp. 31-34. 



