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THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



poets found no difficulty in transforming them, in imagination into 

 tritons, sirens, nereids, etc., and making them the companions of Nep- 

 tune. The tales of mermaids and mermen, by modern sailors, are usu- 

 ally caused by them, though the manatus may sometimes be the cause 

 of the illusion. Several species have a fine, close fur. Others, like the 

 common seal, have only coarse hair. The skins of these, when dressed 

 with the hair on, are used to cover trunks, to make gloves, soldiers' 

 caps, etc. The skins of the sea-bear, or fur-seal, are extensively used 

 for gentlemen's and ladies' sets, and for various other purposes. The 



Fig. 7. 



Esquimaux speaking Seals. 



