SEAL. 
337 
by a writer whose veracity has never been question- 
ed, that the cubs are as sportive as puppies, have 
mock fights, and tumble one another on the ground. 
That the male parent looks on them with a sort of 
complacency, parts them, licks and kisses them, 
and seems to take a greater affection to the victor 
than to the others. That they are fierce in the pro- 
tection of their offspring ; and, should any one at- 
tempt to take their cub, will stand on the defensive, 
while the female carries it away in her mouth. 
Should she happen to drop it, the male quits his 
enemy, falls on her, and beats her against the stones 
till he leaves her for dead. The same gentleman 
informs us, that as soon as she recovers, she crawls 
to his feet in the most suppliant manner, and 
washes them with her tears ; he at the same time 
brutally insults her misery, stalking about in the 
most insolent manner. But if the young is entirely 
carried off, he melts into the greatest affliction, like- 
wise sheds tears, and shows every mark of deep 
sorrow. 
Steller lived at one time for six days in a hovel 
surrounded by seals, who soon became reconciled 
to the sight of him. They used to observe his motions 
with attention, would lie down near him, and even 
suffer him to take up their cubs. During his stay 
among them he had an opportunity of observing 
their quarrelsome dispositions, and was witness to 
many a battle occasioned by that common cause of 
dispute, a female. He likewise once saw a duel be- 
tween two males, which lasted three days ; and he 
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