HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 469 



The SEAL 



is found, with fome variety in almoft every quarter of 

 the globe : In the northern feas of Afia, Europe, and 

 America, as well as the lefs frequented regions towards 

 the fouth pole. 



Its ufual length is from five to fix feet. The body is 

 clofely covered with fhort hair of various colours, fmooth 

 and mining ; its tongue is forked at the end ; it has two 

 canine teeth in each jaw, fix cutting teeth in the upper, 

 and four in the lower; it has five toes on each foot, fur- 

 nifhed with ftrong Iharp claws, which enable it to climb 

 the rocks, on which it frequently bafks. 



It fwims with great Itrength and fwiftnefs, is very 

 playful, and fports without fear about (hips and boats.— 

 It feeds on various kinds of fifh, and is frequently feen 

 near the more in purfuit of its prey. 



Seals are found in great abundance on the coafts of 

 Great-Britain ; particularly in the deep recefles and ca- 

 verns in the northern parts of the illand, where they re- 

 fort in the breeding time, and continue till the young 

 ones are old enough to go to fea. * 



The time for taking Seals is in the month of October, 

 6* the beginning of November. The hunters, provided 



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