THE BEARDED SEAL. 



animal's head, imparting to its physiognomy a singularly 

 characteristic look. 



This species leaves the Greenland coast twice every 

 year, namely, in March and July, returning to its 



THE HARP SEAL. 



haunt in May and September. Like all the Phocidse, it 

 feeds upon fish and molluscs, but is described as specially 

 partial to salmon. Less intelligent than the vituline 

 seal, it is more easily captured ; and the seal-hunters 

 value it highly on account of the excellent quality of its 

 fur. In its habits it does not greatly differ from its 

 congeners. 



The Bearded or Great Seal (Phoca barbata) is con- 

 sidered by naturalists a distinct species j but the Danes 

 look upon it as differing only in age from the Greenland 

 saddleback. Adults frequently measure twelve and four- 

 teen feet in length ; and some overgrown, obese monsters 

 weigh upwards of forty-five stone. The fur is very dark 

 in colour, and somewhat coarse in texture. 



