THE HARP OR GREENLAND SEAL 
The young, at first white, gradually acquire the adult pelage, which, 
according to Mr. Millais, is not attained till the fifth year. 
The Harp Seal inhabits the North Pacific and North Atlantic, and 
in spring is very abundant on the ice-fields north-east of Newfoundland, 
where they breed in large herds and afterwards move north to spend the 
summer in Greenland. 
They are also found about the west coast of Greenland in autumn, 
and in summer are common among the floating ice around Spitzbergen 
and Jan May en. 
This Seal sometimes visits the British coasts in summer, the first having 
been identified in 1836, when two were obtained in the Severn. Several 
more have been recorded from time to time, including a fine adult male, 
now in the Perth Museum, which was shot by Mr. Kennedy while out 
punt-shooting in Invergowrie Bay, Carse o' Gowrie, Perthshire. 
A good many other examples of the Harp Seal have been seen about 
the Scottish coasts and islands, while it is unlikely that any mistake could 
be made in identifying the species, because the clearly defined markings 
of the adult male may readil)r be recognised at a distance. 
In habits the Harp Seal is migratory and gregarious. Incredible 
numbers collect at certain seasons among the ice floes and are killed in 
thousands by professional seal hunters. The young are born on the ice 
in March, and when strong enough follow their parents in their migratory 
movements. In spite of the havoc caused by the sealers the Harp Seal 
is apparently as numerous as ever, according to information supplied to 
Mr. Millais in Newfoundland. The food consists chiefly of cod and other 
fish. 
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