On the Habits of the Phocce. 543 
up the rock than the others, and he seems constantly awake, and 
ever and anon upraises his " grim feature," scenting the windward 
air. In the position first alluded to the main body frequently fall 
asleep with their heads I may say hanging towards the water. 
They generally prefer rocks of small dimensions, and as already 
mentioned, such as are periodically covered by water. This for two 
reasons; 1st, because, they are smoother, flatter, and softer, being 
covered with sea-weed ; 2dly, because from their comparatively 
small size, they cannot be approached by human (or inhuman) foes, 
without observation. 
They generally remain on their rocky resting-places, unless dis- 
turbed, for nearly six hours, that is, until the returning tide floats 
them off upon its buoyant waves. When on shore they frequently 
utter a grunting noise, not unlike that of a pig in a stye ; but they 
never do so unless they feel perfectly secure. When severely 
wounded they are heard to express their pain by a peculiar moan- 
ing somewhat resembling the lowing of a cow. To what age the 
seal attains, or at what period it arrives at maturity, I cannot say, 
but the natives of the western isles suppose it to be long-lived. It 
not unfrequently attains to the weight of 1 6 stone, or 224 pounds. 
A specimen shot by Mr M'Neill, and not regarded as of large 
size, weighed 12 stone, or 168 pounds. This animal can remain 
under water nearly five minutes, and swims so rapidly, that dur- 
ing that period, if much alarmed, it will proceed nearly half-a 
mile. Though naturally of a timid nature, and always anxious to 
escape by flight, yet, when driven to extremity, a seal will show de- 
termined fight, and the immense power which he possesses in his jaw 
renders him a rather formidable foe. He moves with considerable 
force and 'celerity, at least for a short distance, even on shore ; but 
the moment he reaches the water, and has it in his power to bend 
his body freely, it would be a vain endeavour, without an almost in- 
stantaneous mortal blow, to arrest his onward progress. He seems to 
receive some slight assistance during locomotion from his fore-paws, 
but I think none at all from his hind ones. The motion is mainly 
'produced by a peculiar action of the body, somewhat like that of a 
fish, but .rather up and down, than from side to side. 
The common seal, though sagacious and extremely watchful, is 
also characterized by a considerable degree of curiosity, and its at- 
tention is obviously attracted by music. It is, however, too cun- 
ning to betray itself by any undue indulgence, and a good rifle 
is far more eflec.ual than either flute or bag-pipe. If very much 
alarmed when on shore, seals will not return again to the same 
spot for weeks together, and if more continuously persecuted, they 
