546 



SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND. 



^Mammalia. •—• 



Two seals rose together in Carnley Harbour at a considerable distance from 

 the beach. One held what appeared to be a large red - coloured fish. A lively 

 struggle ensued for half a minute, when the possessor of the prize managed to swallow 

 its prey. 



Though, when in a hurry, a seal swims under the water, it can throw its huge 

 body quite into the air, but more frequently rolls over, precisely after the manner 

 of a porpoise ; and it is interesting to note that the penguins behave in a similar 

 manner when making rapid progress. 





tv'-^'- -. v,^- -.. .<.u ::^ 





Fis. 4. — Sea-bear and Cub (Arctocephalus hookeri), Endehby Island, Auckland Islands. 



The presence of a seal is usually indicated by the noise made when it reaches 

 the surface for breath, but often I have been startled by one raising its head out of 

 the water close beside me. If the seal has been similarly surprised at one's presence 

 its curiosity will cause it to linger and take stock for some time ; occasionally a 

 bull will give vocal demonstration disapproving of an intruder's presence. Fishing 

 from a rock surrounded with deep water, I was once considerably scared by a bull 

 seal rising within a few yards of me, and barking in a very savage manner. He 

 lessened the distance to 6 ft., then, jumping half out of the water, made a dash 

 towards me, and I nearly stepped backwards off the rock into deep water. I am 



