THE STORY OF THE SEAL . 
297 
and is transmitted through its mediumship. A stone thrown into the water, 
or a blow struck upon its surface, is heard with perfect distinctness, while 
the measured strokes of the oars, and their peculiar grinding roll in the row- 
locks, become perceptible to the ears long before the sound is audible to 
those who are on land. 
When expeditions set out to capture sea-lions, the animals are driven a 
distance of from ten to twelve miles along the shore to the villages of the 
natives where they are to be killed; and from their slow rate of motion the 
THE CALIFORNIA SEA LION. 
journey is a long and protracted business, usually taking about five days. 
When once fairly started, and accustomed to the presence of man, the ani¬ 
mals are, however, readily controlled, and kept in the desired direction. At 
the end of a day’s journey they are allowed to refresh themselves by plunging 
in the pools found in many parts of the route. When thoroughly tired out at 
the end of a day’s march, the unfortunate animals stretch themselves at full 
length on the ground, with extended limbs. Even then, however, their rest 
