THE URSINE SEAL. IQl 



projects like that of a Pug-dog; and the eyes are 

 large and prominent. The fore-legs are about two 

 feet long : and the feet are formed with toes, which 

 are covered with a naked skin, and have only the 

 rudiments of na Is, bearing somewhat the appear- 

 ance of Turtles' fins. The hind-legs are rather 

 ghorrer; but so fixed behind, that the animal can oc- 

 casionally rub his head with them : these have five 

 toes, separated by a web. The general colour of 

 the hair is black; but that of the old ones is tipped 

 with grey. The females are ash-coloured. 



The Ursine Seals live in families. Every male is 

 surrounded by a seraglio of from eight to fifty mis- 

 tresses, whom he guards with the utmost jealousy. 

 Each family keeps separate from the others, although 

 theyliebythousandson the shores whercthcy inhabit. 

 These anhnals also swim in tribes when they take to 

 the sea. — The males exhibit great affection towards 

 their young, and equal tyranny towards the females. 

 Tiiey are fierce in the protection of the former; 

 and, aliould any one attempt to carry off their cub, 

 they will stand on the defensive, while the ferr.ale 

 conveys it aw'ay in her mouth. Should she happen 

 to drop it, the male instantly quits liis enemy, falis 

 on her, and beats her against the stones till he 

 leaves her for dead. As soon as she recovers, she 

 crawls to his feet in the most SL^ppliant manner, 

 and washes them with her tears : he, at the sanie 

 time, brutally insults iier misery, stalking about in 

 the most insolent manner. But if the young is 

 entirely carried off, he melts into the greatest 



