OllDEIl V. THE CAKXIVOr.A. 217 



five long straps, and the under surface of all the extremities devoid of hair, 

 like the sole of the foot. 



Genus Platyrhixcus. According to De Blainville, the dentition of this 

 group is as follows : six incisors in a straigiit line, the external much the 

 largest, and like small canines ; tlie canines are of great size ; and then, 

 without any interval, six molars, almost e([ual in lengtli, and auguinenting in 

 thickness from the extreme ones tn tlie third, all nearly pointed and conical. 



T*. Lvoniiinn:. — Sea Lion of >Stcllcr. .Stellcr descriijcs this sjiccies as 

 being about fifteen feet in length, and sixteen hundred pounds in weight. 

 The skin is very thick, and covered with coarse, strong hair, of a reddish- 

 brown, which color, however, is subject to some variations by sex and age. 

 Tlic head is large; the nose stretched out, and somewhat turned up; the 

 cars erect and distinct; the eyes are very large, the pupil of a brilliant, 

 sparkling green, and the iris is white. 15ut the most distinguishing attri- 

 bute of the sea lion, and wiiicli, more than color or size, gives it an a[)pear- 

 ance something like that of its terrestrial namesake, is tlie erect and undu- 

 latiufr mane that adorns its neck. These animals inhabit the northern seas, 

 and especially the shores of the Kurile Islands, as far as !Matsmai, where 

 Captain Spunberg tells us he found them in great abundance, swarming on 

 a certain islanel of the most picturesque form, bordered with rocks reseni- 

 blinir buildinirs, to which he jrave the name of the Palace of Sea Lions. 



O CD ' O 



Their food is fish, the smaller seals, and sea otters. During the heat of 

 summer, the old males almost entirely abstain from food, indulging in indo- 

 lence and sleep, and become extremely emaciated. They are more brutal 

 and savage than many of the species, and have altogether a very ferocious 

 appearance, but in the presence of man are the most timid and helpless of 

 ail beasts. AVhen taken by surprise, they appear to be overwhelmed by 

 fear, heave great sighs, and tremlile so nuich that they can scarcely move. 

 Yet when driven to desperation they will fight with great courage and fury. 

 Like other seals, however, they seem, after a little familiarity, to become 

 attached to man. Steller lived several days in a ho\el, in the very midst of 

 them, and they soon became intimate. They watched all his proceedings 

 with great apparent curiosity and calmness, and laid themselves down close 

 beside him. Thcj- permitted the cubs of other seals to sport near them 

 without offering them the least injury. They do not seem to possess that 

 strong affection for their young as the other species, and will allow them to 

 be killed before their eyes widiout offering to defend them, or showing any 

 resentment. The young are taken to sea when somewhat advanced, and 

 when weai-y, mount on their mother's back, whence they are often push.cd 

 by the males, to accustom them to the exercise. Tiicy are polygamous, but 

 are contented with from two to four wives apiece, whom they treat with 

 NO. VI. 28 



