382 The American Naturalist. [April, 
Conclusions are to be supported, so far as possible, by histological as 
well as physiological evidence. The competition is limited to resi- 
dents of North America, and the prize will be awarded for original 
work done between January 1, 1890, and October 1, 1891. Commu- 
nications concerning the prize should be addressed to Professor H. 
Newell Martin, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. 
PSYCHOLOGY. 
The Effect of Whistling on Seals.—While reading of “ In- 
stances of the Effects of Musical Sounds on Animals,”’ by Mr. Stearns, 
in which I have been much interested, it recalled to my mind appar- 
ently similar effects produced upon seals, which I often noticed during 
a prolonged stay in Hudson’s Strait. Here the Eskimo might often be 
seen lying at full length at the edge of an ice-floe, and, although no 
seals could be seen, they persistently whistled in a low note similar to 
that often used in calling tame pigeons, or, if words can express my 
meaning, like a plaintive phe-ew, few-few, the first note being prolonged 
at least three seconds. If there were any seals within hearing distance 
they were invariably attracted to the spot, and it was amusing to see 
them lifting themselves as high as possible out of the water, and slowly 
shaking their heads, as though highly delighted with the music, 
Here they would remain for some time, until one perhaps more ven- 
turesome than the rest, would come within striking distance of the 
Eskimo, who, starting to his feet with gun or harpoon, would often 
change the seal’s tune of joy to one of sorrow, the others making off 
as fast as possible: 
The whistling had to be continuous, and was more effective if per- 
formed by another Eskimo a short distance back from the one lying 
motionless at the edge af the ice. 
I may add that the experiment was often tried by myself with the 
same result.—F. F. Payne, Toronto, March 26, 1890. 
