accused of feasting on the valuable salmon of the western coast but 

 systematic investigation has proven this report to be wholly false 

 and they are quite content with squids, crabs, shellfish and sea fowl. 

 For some undiscovered reason, they have a fondness for round peb- 

 bles, of which they swallow large quantities during their lifetime. 



A noteworthy peculiarity of the sea-lion is his bark, which is 

 short and sharp, sometimes resembling a howl, but never a growl 

 or roar like that of some of the other eared-seals. At the breeding 

 season this species, like others, repair to their breeding places or 

 "rookeries," where the young are born, after which the polygamous 

 males select stations and assemble their harems. There is constant 

 righting among them to prevent encroachment on their territory. 



241 



