5354 DR. J. MURIE ON THE ANATOMY OF THE SEA-LION. 
wrinkles or ridges, which, however, traverse the sole in wavy parallel lines directed 
from behind forwards (Pl. LX VIII. figs. 4 & 5). At the caleaneum, where they are 
most pronounced, they assume a radiate direction, and between the phalanges inter- 
digitate frequently. In this aspect of the foot the length along the outer border is 
17 inches, the inner border being about 15 inches. 
Unlike Phoca and other Earless Seals, Ofaria has a well-marked scrotum (s, figs. 5 & 6), 
which changes very materially in appearance according to the position of the pelvic 
extremities; but further remarks thereon I reserve till speaking of the generative 
organs. 
5. Weight of the Body.—Regarding the age, weight, and the growth of our specimen 
of Otaria jubata, M. Lecomte mentioned to me that when he first obtained it he 
believed it was about four feet long, and three or four years old. At the time of its 
death he thought it would be about eight years of age. ‘Two years previously he said 
it had been weighed and was then 80 lbs. in weight. 
The exact weight of the dead carcass I ascertained to be :— 
A UTES ST) oh i iets oul Sot Gocomtien as ow an owe AS} Wie 
Fat on the surface of the body . . ... . 28,, 
Body deprived of the fatandskin . . . . SS, 
Giving an aggregate total weight of. . . . . 159,, 
6. The Skin and Hair—Upon the chest and between the two pectoral extremities 
the skin is thrown into a remarkable series of plaits or foldings (Pl. LXIX. fig. 7). 
‘The appearance of these longitudinal folds is not unlike those present in the throat of 
some Cetaceans, e.g. the Balwnopterw. ‘They evidently subserve the same purpose, 
inasmuch as they permit of great distention of the parts. This pliability would seem 
to be necessary; for, did not great elasticity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue exist, 
the varied movements of the fore limbs of this extraordinary creature would be limited 
to a considerable extent. 
To proceed with a description of the skin of the thorax—in the middle line there is 
one central deep sulcus, having on either side of it four or five shallower ones, and 
between these as many elevations of the skin. The length of the middle depression is 
somewhere about ten inches; greater precision as regards length is difficult, from the 
terminal points being indefinite. ‘Those on each side of this median one diminish in 
length towards the axille. The breadth of the raised folds or wrinkles varies from a 
quarter of an inch to one inch. 
The direction assumed by the lines is in accordance with the curves of the body, 
thus being bent upwards at their anterior and posterior ends. Right under each axilla 
there are, moreover, from six to ten additional narrower furrows, which sweep round 
from the side of the chest towards the shoulder-joint. ‘The breadth of these last varies 
according to the position of the flippers. 
