ANIMALS. 391 



This animal differs also in the I'orniation of its tongue irom 

 all other quadrupeds. It is forked or slit at the end, like that 

 of sei-pents ; but for what purpose it is thus singularly contrived 

 we are at a loss to know. We are much better informed with 

 respect to a third singularity in its conformation, which is. that 

 the foramen ovale in the heart is open. Those who are in the 

 least acquainted with anatomy, know, that the veins uniting 

 bring their- blood to the heart, which sends it into the lungs, and 

 from thence it returns to the heart again to be distributed through 

 the whole body. Animals, however, before they are born, make 

 no use of their lungs ; and therefore their blood, without enter- 

 ing their lungs, takes a shorter passage through the very partition 

 of the heart, from one of its chambers to the other, thus passing 

 from the veins directly into those vessels that drive it through 

 the whole frame. But the moment the animal is brought forth, 

 the passage through the partition, which passage is called the 

 foramen ovale, closes up, and continues closed for ever ; for the 

 blood then takes its longest course through the lungs to return to 

 the other chamber of the heart again. Now the seal's heart re- 

 sembles that of an infant in the womb, -for the foramen ovale 

 never closes ;' and although the blood of this animal commonly 

 circulates through the lungs, yet it can circulate without their 

 assistance, as was observed above, by a shorter way. From 

 hence, therefore, we see the manner in which this animal is 

 adapted for continuing under water ; for, being under no im- 

 mediate necessity of breathing, the vital motions are still carried 

 on while it continues at the bottom : so that it can pursue its 

 prey in that element, and yet enjoy all the delights and advan- 

 tages of ours. 



<-oiitiimal attention wliifli lie paid to every motion connected with the gr-iti- 

 fication of Iiis appetite had made him reniarl<, at tlie distance of sixty paoe.% 

 tlie place wliich contained his food, altlioug-h it was devoted to several otht\ 

 uses, and though it was entered but twice aday forthepnrpose of procuring 

 Ills nutriment. If he was at liberty when his keeper approached to feed 

 him, he would run forward, and solicit his food by lively motions of his head 

 and the most expressive glances of his eye. This animal exliibited many 

 uther instances of considerable intelligence. 



M. F. Cuvier has since seen an individual of this species, as well-educated 

 'as any dog could be. 



1 I have followed the usual observations of naturalists with respect to the 

 fnramen ovale in this animal : 1 have many reasons, ho^\'ever, to incline nio 

 to tliiuk that the foramen is not entirely open But this is not the place for 

 a critical iii(]uiry of this kind. 



