206 MAMMALIA—SEAL. 
THE GREENLAND SEAL. 
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 their 
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! (seal,) along the surface of the 
water, to the nearest of his companions, who telegraphs the signal till al} 
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 
them; but becomes at length so short breathed by his hurry, that he cannot 
remain long out of sight; and, as the uskees are around at various points 
watching the favorable moment, one of them paddles silently in his rear, 
using the paddle with one hand, while with the other he is getting his 
tackle in order; and having advanced near enough, for he is sure to measure 
——-. 
1 Phoca Groenlandica, Mut. 
