THE URSINE SEAL. IQS 



irritable creatures. But the most serious one Is 

 when an attempt is made to seduce any of their mis- 

 tresses, or a young female of the family : a battle is 

 the sure consequence of the insult. The unhappy- 

 vanquished animal instantly loses his whole seraglio, 

 who desert him for the victorious hero. 



When only two of them are engaged they rest at 

 intervals, lying down near each other; then, rising 

 both at once, renew the battle. They fight \^dth 

 their heads erect, and turn them aside to avoid the 

 blows. As long as their strength continues equals 

 they only use their fore-paws ; but the moment one 

 of them fails, the other seizes liim with his teeth, 

 and throws him upon the ground. The wounds 

 they inflict are very deep, and like the cut of a sa- 

 bre ; and, it is said, that in the month of July 

 scarcely one is to be seen that has not some mark of 

 this sort. At the conclusion of an engagement, 

 such as arc able throw themselves into the sea to 

 wash off the blood *. — They are exceedingly tena- 

 cious of life, and will live a fortnight after receiving 

 such wounds as would soon destroy any other animal. 



Besides their notes of war, they have several 

 others. When they lie on the shore, and are di- 

 verting themseh^es, they low like a Cow. After 

 victory they make a noise somewhat like the chirp- 

 ing of a Cricket ; and on a defeat, or after receiv- 

 ing a wound, they mew like a Cat. 



When they come out of the water, they shake 

 themselves, and smooth their hair with their hind- 



* Giipve's Kamtschatka, 127, 



Vol. I. O 



