206 



MAMMALIA — SEAL. 



THE GREENLAND SEAL.i 



These animals differ considerably in size, being found from four to nine 

 feet long. They also vary in their colors ; some being black, others white, 

 some spotted, and many yellow. Their chief food consists of fish, which 

 they are remarkably expert in pursuing and catching. In those places 

 where herrings are seen in shoals, the seals destroy them by thousands ; 

 and when these retire, they are obliged to hunt after fish that are stronger 

 and more capable of evading pursuit. They are taken for the sake of tlieir 

 skins and the oil their fat yields. The seal is capable of being tamed, and 

 is said to be fond of music. The Icelanders believe them to be the offspring 

 of Pharaoh, and his host, who were converted into seals on their being over- 

 whelmed in the Red Sea. Were the race of this creature to cease to exist, 

 the Greenlander would be rendered almost unable to inhabit his rigid clime, 

 as it is principally from them that he derives the necessaries of life. There 

 is scarcely a part of them which is not of the highest utility to him. 



The manner in which a Greenlander catches a seal, is as follows : The 

 instant a seal is seen, he whispers, pussee I (seal,) along the surface of the 



water, to the nearest of his companions, who telegraphs the signal till all 

 the boats are engaged in the chase ; and it is seldom possible for their prey 

 to escape. The seal is impetuous in disposition, and having once discover- 

 ed his pursuers, he dives repeatedly, and in different directions, to confound 

 thein; but becomes at length so short breathed by his hurry, that he cannot 

 remain long out of sight : and, as the ushees are around at various points 

 watching the favorable moment, one of ihem paddles silently in his rear, 

 using the paddle with one hand, while Avith the other he is getting his 

 tackle in order ; and having advanced near enough, for he is sure to measure 



1 Phoca Grocnlandka, Mull. 



