116 VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



than feared them. It was in the same enclosure with 

 two small dogs, which amused themselves by frequent- 

 ly mounting on its back, with barking, and even bit- 

 ing it ; and although these sports, and the vivacity 

 of the attending movements, were little in harmony 

 with its own actions and habits, yet it appreciated 

 their motive, and seemed pleased with them. It 

 never offered any other retaliation than slight blows 

 with its paws, the object of which was to encourage, 

 rather than repress, the liberties taken. If the 

 puppies escaped from the enclosure, the Seal endea- 

 voured to follow them. When the weather was 

 cold, the three animals huddled closely and kindly 

 together. It manifested no fear of man, nor 

 attempted to avoid him, except to escape the being 

 accidentally trodden upon. It would also suffer, 

 without anger or resistance, the food which it was 

 devouring to be forcibly taken away, even when 

 hungry ; and that not only by man, but also by 

 his canine playfellows. On the other hand, when 

 their mess was supplied to the Seals, (for he had 

 a companion,) as they lay in the same trough, a 

 battle was the usual result, and blows with their 

 paws followed, and, as usually happens, the more 

 feeble and timid left the field to the stronger."* 



Buffon gives testimony to the obedience and 

 affection of an individual which he saw, but of 

 another species (P. Monachus), the Monk Seal. 

 This animal was, however, subject to paroxysms of 

 blind and indiscriminate rage, probably arising from 

 disease, during which it was violent and dangerous. 



* Mammiferes, 



