112 
MAMMALIA. 
in size from 2 metres 25 centimetres to 3 metres 25 centimetres. 
It is one of the most intelligent. M. Boitard says that he saw 
one, which had been in captivity for two years, and which, let 
loose in ponds and even in large rivers, came to its master when 
called. 
The Capncin Seal (. Phoca cristata, Gmel.), of about 2\ metres 
in length, is thus named because it has on its head, in the adult 
state, a sort of movable bag or hood, with which it covers its 
muzzle when it chooses ; it can also distend its nostrils in such 
a manner as to give them the appearance of a bladder. It is 
found in the waters of North America and of Greenland. 
The Sea-lion ( Otaria jubata , Gray) is generally 4 metres in 
length, but sometimes measures 8, according to Permetty. 
The male has a thick mane on his neck, which hangs over his 
shoulders, and from which he derives his name. This Seal inhabits 
Kamtschatka, the Aleutian and Kurile Islands, and the coasts of 
California. 
The Sea- wolf,* or Phoque XJrigne [Phoca Uranice, Less.), is pecu- 
liar to the coasts of Chili. The inhabitants of this country turn its 
skin to a singular use. They hermetically close all the openings 
in it, then distend it with air, and, placing many of these floating 
bodies side by side, they arrange above them cross-bars of wood, 
covered over with reeds or straw ; the whole forming a raft, which 
is exceedingly buoyant. 
Not far from Chili, in the archipelago adjoining the Straits of 
Magellan, is found the Sea-elephant, or Phoque- d-trompe [Phoca 
proboscidea, Desm.), the largest of all the Seals. It is as much as 
from 8 to 10 metres in length, by 5 to 6 in circumference. In 
the male, the nose is prolonged into a sort of trunk, membranous, 
erectile, from 40 to 50 centimetres in length, and which serves 
him for warding off the blows aimed at his nose. This species 
supplies an enormous quantity of oil ; the weight of its flesh 
alone is a thousand kilogrammes.! This enormous amphibious 
animal is very indolent, when it is on land it allows itself to be 
easily approached and massacred. 
The Sea-bear is common in the latitudes of Kamtschatka. Its 
size varies from 1 metre 25 centimetres to 2 metres. Its 
brownish fur is very fine, very soft, and very highly valued in 
* Otarie Guerin of Q,uoy and Gaimard.— Ed. f 2,250 lbs. 
