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THE COMMON SEAL. 



with it, since it was apt to snap at the hands, even of its owner, 

 but apparently more from a natural propensity than from a 

 vicious disposition. When seized by the tail, and raised from 

 the ground, it was utterly helpless, having apparently not even 

 the power to struggle in that position. A spacious yard, with 

 a pond in the centre, which is replenished every two or three 

 days with salt water, is appropriated to its use in the gardens, 

 and it is supplied with fresh fish every day. 



THE URSINE SEAL. 



(Otaries ursina, Peron. ; Phoca ursina, Gm.) 

 Sea Bear. 



Ursine seals inhabit the sea, in the neighbourhood of Kamt- 

 schatka, and also New Zealand, where they are to be seen 

 lying in thousands along the shore, in distinct families, of from 

 ten to fifty females, each attended by a male, who guards his 

 flock with the assiduity and jealousy of an eastern monarch ; 

 and when intruded on by another male, a dreadful conflict 

 ensues, which generally sets the whole colony in a state of 

 tumult. The wounds they give each other are very deep, and 

 resemble cuts from a sabre. 



This species is of great size, the male measuring about eight 

 feet in length, and the female generally about six. Their bodies 



