Order PINNIPEDIA. 



A group of carnivorous animals specially adapted by 

 Nature for an aquatic life, including the Walrus, Seals, 

 and Sealions. The limbs are modified to form paddle- 

 like or fin-like appendages termed "flippers," the digits 

 of which are united by a membrane. Tail short. 



Family OTAEIID.E. 



This family contains the Eared Seals, characterized by 

 the possession of a small external ear, and by the structure 

 of the hind limbs, which project forward, and so enable 

 the animals to progress on land. 



Arctocephalus capensis. The Cape Scalion. Zeeleeuw. 

 {Bobbe or Seal of the Cape fisherman ; Seadog or Seabear of 

 the Natural Histories and Whalers.) 



This animal is also called the Cape Fur Seal, although 

 it is not a true seal at all. Captain Woodward, of Sea- 

 lion fame, told me that he considered the Cape animal 

 not nearly so intelligent as the Californian species; at 

 any rate, when judged from the standpoint of the trainer. 



In coloration it is of a rich dark brown, ruddier on the 

 neck. Old males have a fairly well developed mane all 

 round the neck. Length about 6 feet ; tail, 3 inches. 



It is an inhabitant of the sea, landing upon the small 

 islands along the south and south-west coasts of South 

 Africa to breed in the summer, when the females usually 

 give birth to two young — or to shed their fur in winter. 

 The skins form, on account of the fur, an article of 



