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HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE SEAL. 

 (Phoca Vitiili-na, Linn. Lc Phoque, BufF.) 



Is found, with some variety, in almost every 

 quarter of the globe : in the northern seas of Asia, 

 Europe, and America ; as well as the less frequent- 

 ed regions towards the south pole. 



Its usual length is from five to six feet. The 

 body is closely covered with short hair of various 

 colours, smooth and shining; its tongue is forked 

 at the end ; it has two canine teeth in each jaw, six 

 cutting teeth in the upper, and four in the lower; it 

 has five toes on each foot, furnished with strong 

 sharp claws, which enable it to climb the rocks, on 

 which it frequently basks. 



It swims with great strength and swiftness, is 

 very playful, and sports without fear about ships 

 and boats. It feeds on various kinds of fish, and is 

 frequently seen near the shore in pursuit of its prey. 



Seals are found in great abundance on the coasts 

 of Great Britain ; particularly in the deep recesses 

 and caverns in the northern parts of the island, 

 where they resort in the breeding time, and con- 

 tinue till the young ones are old enough to go to 

 sea. 



