116 CARNIVORES. 
dentition. In the adult males the general colour of the upper-parts, with the 
exception of the shoulders, is nearly black, with a more or less marked grey, or 
reddish grey grizzle; but the shoulders are distinetly grey. The sides of the nose 
and lips are brownish, the breast 1s brownish orange, while the limbs and under- 
parts are reddish brown. The females are much lighter in colour, being uniformly 
grey above, with the under-parts brownish or rufous. In both sexes the individual 
variations in colour are largely due to the varying proportions of the grey in the 




THE NORTHERN SEA-BEAR (5 nat. size), 
25 
hairs. The young when first born are of a uniform glossy black colour, with the 
under-fur lighter in hue, and less abundant than in the adults. 
These seals are much smaller than the larger sea-lions, the old males, according 
to Captain Bryant, measuring from 7 to 8 feet in total length, and having a girth 
of from 6 to 7 feet; while’ their weight is estimated at from 700 to 800 Ibs. 
They do not attain their full size till about the sixth year. The females, which 
reach their full dimensions when five years old, measure 4 feet in length and 24 
feet in girth, and weigh from 80 to 100 lbs. The ears are absolutely longer than 
in the far larger northern sea-lion. The difference in the dimensions of the two 
sexes 1s greater than in any other member of the family. 
