iq.i THE URSINE-SEAL. 



feet ; apply their lips to those of the females, as if 

 to kiss them ; lie down and bask in the sun with 

 their hind legs up, which they wag as a Dog does his 

 tail. Sometimes they lie on their back ; and some- 

 times roll themselves up into a ball, and thus fall 

 asleep. — They often swim on their back, and so 

 near the surface of the water as frequently to have 

 their hind-paws quite dry. When they go from 

 the shore into the water, or when they dive, after 

 having breathed, they, in the manner of some other 

 sea animals, whirl themselves round like a wheel. 

 They cut through the waves with great rapidity, 

 frequently swimming at the rate of seven or eight 

 miles an hour. — Their cubs are as sportive as pup- 

 pies ; they have mock fights, and tumble one another 

 on the ground. The male parent looks on with a 

 sort of complacency, parts them, licks and kisses 

 them, and seems to take a greater affection to the 

 victor than to the other. 



On Bering's Island these animals were found in 

 such numbers as to cover the whole shore ; and 

 travellers were obliged, for their own safety, to leave 

 the sands and level country, and go over the hills 

 and rocky parts. It is, however, remarkable, that 

 they only frequent that part of the coast which is 

 towards Kamtscluitka. — In the beginning of June 

 they retire to the southward, to bring forth their 

 young ; and return towards the end of August. — - 

 They seldom produce more than a single young one, 

 which they nurse for three months *. 



* Grieve, 12{)» Penn. Arct. ZooL 



