On the Habits of the Phocce. 541 



Our second species in point of size is by much the most common, 

 and is known among the inhabitants of our western isles by the 

 name of llaun or seal. I presume it to be the Phoca vitulina of 

 naturalists, our common seal, — of which, in spite of its frequency, the 

 distinctive characters and synonymy are still but vaguely ascertained' 



Our third species is of considerably smaller size, and is known 

 to the natives by the appellation of Bodach or old man. Though 

 not so rare as that first alluded to, it is by no means common. I 

 am not aware that any specific appellation has been bestowed upon 

 it by naturalists, nor do I know that it has yet been described se- 

 cundum artem, or even entered in any of the scientific catalogues. 



I have already stated that the Tapvaist or great seal is observed 

 occasionally on shore with individuals of other kinds ; but notwith- 

 standing this it may be characterized as being of solitary habits, and 

 as frequenting the most remote and undisturbed situations. It is 

 neither so lively nor so watchful as the common seal, nor is it so 

 easily alarmed. It resembles that species in its general colouring, 

 but may at once be distinguished from it by its enormous size. 

 One of the most characteristic and distinctive traits in its history is 

 derived from its period of production, viz. the end of September or 

 commencement of October, — while that of the common seal is usually 

 the beginning of June. In the young also, of these two species, 

 there is a notable difference. That of the Tapvaist when whelped, 

 if I may use the expression, is covered with white hair, greatly re- 

 sembling the short coarse coating of a goat. This covering conti- 

 nues for many weeks, but is at length cast, like the nestling plu- 

 mage of a bird, and the creature then assumes much the same livery 

 as the young of the common seal, the prevailing hue of which is 

 somewhat darker than that of the adults of either kind. 



The young of the Tapvaist or great seal, (I avoid using the term 

 Phoca barbata, because I think our native writers have sometimes 

 applied the names of continental authors, without due considera- 

 tion, or a requisite comparison of characters,) is invariably whelped 

 above water-mark, and, it is said, during spring tides. They re- 

 main in a helpless condition on the rocks, for several weeks, before 

 they can swim, and during this time they cast most of their long 

 hair. When one of these is discovered by our island sportsmen, they 

 do not immediately approach it, for so strong is the sense of smell, 

 on the part of the parents, that they would certainly take alarm on 

 scenting human footsteps. The sportsman, therefore, conceals him- 

 self behind some point of rock within gun shot, and there awaits the 

 onward flowing of the tide, with which the kind but cautious mo- 

 ther invariably returns to suckle her still helpless young. The rifle 

 then achieves its deadly work. 



