124 THE INHABITANTS OF THE SEA. 



times longer than the most strong-breasted and expert pearl 

 fisher. Yet he is seldom seen more than thirty miles from 

 land, where he sleeps and reposes, choosing rocks surrounded by 

 the sea or the less accessible cliffs, left dry by the ebb of the 

 tide, so that, if disturbed by an enemy, he may be able to 

 plunge immediately into the sea. In the summer he will come 

 out of the water to bask or sleep in the sun on the top of large 

 stones and ledges of rocks ; and this affords our countrymen the 

 opportunity of shooting him. If he chances to escape, he 

 hastens towards his proper element, flinging dirt or stones 

 behind him as he scrambles along, at the same time expressing 

 his fears by piteous moans ; but if he happens to be overtaken, 

 he will make a vigorous defence with his feet and teeth till he 

 is killed. His flesh, which is tender, juicy, and fat, was for- 

 merly, like that of the porpoise, served up at the tables of the 

 great, as appears from the bill of fare of a magnificent feast that 

 Archbishop Neville gave in the reign of Edward the Fourth. 

 Seals commonly bring forth two young ones at a time, which they 

 suckle for about a fortnight, and then carry them out to sea to 

 instruct them in swimming. When taken young, they may be 

 domesticated, and will follow their master like a dog, coming to 

 him when called by name. According to Pliny, no animal 

 enjoys a deeper sleep, — "nullum animal graviore somno pre- 

 mitur." This assertion is, however, contradicted by general 

 observation, for it is well known that seals are extremely watch- 

 ful, seldom sleeping longer than a minute without moving their 

 heads to ascertain whether anything suspicious is going on. 



Although without external ears, seals appear to hear well 

 both above and under the water. Music or whistling will 

 draw them to the surface and induce them to stretch their necks 

 to the utmost extent — a curiosity which often proves a snare for 

 their destruction. The most effectual way of shooting seals is 

 by firing small shot into their eyes ; for when killed with a 

 bullet they generally sink and are lost. They are often seen in 

 very large shoals on their passage from one situation to another. 

 In such cases, all appear every now and then at the surface 

 together for the sake of respiration, springing up so as to run 

 their heads, necks, and often their whole bodies out of the 

 water. They shuffle along, especially over the ice, with a sur- 

 prising speed considering the shortness of their legs. They are 



