248 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Mode of living Attachment to their young. 



selves" on the shore they low like a cow; when 

 engaged in battle they utter a hideous growl ; on 

 a defeat, or after receiving a wound, they mew 

 like a cat; and the note of triumph after a vic- 

 tory is somewhat like the chirping of a cricket. 



These animals live in families, each of which 

 keeps separate from the others, although they 

 lie by thousands on the shores where they in- 

 habit. They also swim in tribes when they 

 take to the sea. Each male has a seraglio 

 of from eight to fifty females whom he guards 

 with the most jealous strictness. They are 

 fondly attached to their young, and if any one 

 attempt to carry off a cub, they will stand boldly 

 on the defensive, while the female conveys it 

 away in her mouth. Should she happen to drop 

 it, the male instantly quits his enemy, falls oh 

 her, and beats her against the stones till he leaves 

 her for dead. As soon as she recovers, she 

 crawls to his feet in the most suppliant manner, 

 and washes them with her tears: whilst he bru- 

 tally insults her misery., stalking about in the 

 most insolent manner. But if the young be en- 

 tirely carried off, he melts into the greatest afflic- 

 tion, shedding tears, and exhibiting every proof 

 of poignant sorrow. 



It sometimes happens that the old or feeble 

 seals are deserted by the females; in which case 

 they withdraw themselves from society; become 

 excessively quarrelsome; 'and are so attached to 

 their own stations, as to prefer even death to the 



