NATURAL HISTORY 



MOKUNGA. 



THE ELEPHANT SEAL. 



Proboscidea (Gr. that has a proboscis or trunk.) 



The ELEPHANT SEAL inhabits the Atlantic, Pacific, and 

 Southern Oceans. It is very much larger than .the Common 

 Seal, being from twenty to thirty feet long. It derives its 

 name from the long snout, something like the proboscis of 

 the elephant, or rather the tapir, which it thrusts forward 

 when angry, and snorts loudly. Only the males have this 

 proboscis, and they do not attain it until they are three years 

 old. Although its appearance is very formidable, it does not 

 attempt to attack men ; but if it cannot frighten them by 

 opening its mouth and displaying its teeth, it makes off 

 towards the water, but with great deliberation, as when in gcod 

 condition it is so- fat that its body trembles like a mass of jelly, 

 and will furnish seventy gallons of oil. This oil is the prin- 

 cipal object of the South Pacific seal fisheries ; but the skin 

 of this seal is also very valuable for its strength, and is used in 

 making harness. The seal skin is often used as fur. 



It is a migratory animal and changes its residence several 

 times in the year, the first migration taking place in June. 



There are many seals known, among which are the Sea 

 Leopard, a spotted species ; the Harp Seal, so called from the 

 markings on its back something resembling a lyre ; and the 

 Sea Lion. 



