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manifestation at pleasure. In walking along the shore in the calm of a summer afternoon, a few notes of my flute would bring half a score of them within thirty or forty yards of me; and there they would swim about, with their heads above water, like so many black dogs, evidently delighted with the sounds. For half an hour, or, indeed, for any length of time I chose, I could fix them to the spot; and when I moved along the water edge, they would follow me with eagerness, like the Dolphins who, it is said, attended Arion, as if anxious to prolong the enjoyment. I have frequently witnessed the same effect when out on a boat excursion. The sound of the flute, or of a common fife, blown by one of the boatmen, was no sooner heard, than half a dozen would start up within a few yards, wheeling round us as long as the music played, and disappearing, one after another, when it ceased."*

But, however much these Amphibia may naturally feel disposed to repose confidence in man, yet, if exposed to bad treatment, they soon acquire the habit of suspecting and shunning him, and of counteracting the danger resulting from his wiles. Their thus learning caution from experience will be frequently illustrated in the sequel; while in other instances it would appear that their watchfulness, if not a natural instinct, is a precaution which has become perfectly habitual to them. Denis says, the Seals in landing always place a sentinel; and Scoresby states, they are extremely watch

Nat. Lib. vii. p. 204.

ful. "Where a number are collected on the same piece of ice, one if not more is always looking round; and even a solitary Seal is scarcely ever observed to allow a moment to pass without lifting its head. He adds, where Seals rest on an extensive sheet of ice, they always secure their retreat either by lying near the edge, or by keeping a hole in the ice always open before them. These precautions are necessary to prevent them becoming a prey to the Bear. The old animals are in general shy; so that, when thousands are seen within the compass of a square furlong, on the approach of a boat, the whole will perhaps make their escape. The young ones are less guarded, and when met with at the proper season, may sometimes be killed by the dozen at a time, on a small flake of ice."

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But not only do these Amphibia quickly learn the most watchful circumspection; it is moreover true, that, when surprised by man, and forced to engage in actual combat, though never the aggressors, many of them, for it is quite the reverse with others, show the coolest and most determined courage. This is amply illustrated in the following pages, and especially with regard to the Sea-Horse. To excite attention merely to the point, we shall here introduce a sketch from the great painter of Nature of our time, who probably narrated only what had actually come within his cognisance. "The Seal, finding her retreat intercepted by the light-footed soldier, confronted him manfully, and having

Loc. cit. 511.

sustained a heavy blow without injury, she knitted her brows, as is the fashion of the animal when incensed, and making use at once of her fore-paws, and her unwieldy strength, wrenched the weapon out of the assailant's hand, overturned him on the sands, and scuttled away into the sea without doing him any further injury. The captain, a good deal out of countenance at the issue of his exploit, just rose in time to receive the ironical congratulations of his uncle, upon a single combat, worthy to be commemorated by Ossian himself. Since,' said the Antiquary, 'your magnanimous opponent hath fled from the foe that was low.' In truth, she walloped away with all the grace of triumph, and has carried my stick off also, by way of spolia opima."

When the animal has been captured, and is forced to remain on land, there is the greatest contrast presented to all this activity and sagacity. To such an extent is this the case, that it suggests the idea that sometimes they are almost in the drowsy state of hybernating animals. Buffon remarks of the Monachus which he examined, "It slept frequently during the day, snoring so loud that it was heard at a considerable distance. When asleep it could be roused only with difficulty; and when drowsy, would not promptly attend to his master." And to come to an authority, whose loss Zoologists have lately been called to deplore,*They have a great tendency to repose; sleep

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M. Fr. Cuvier.

throughout the live-long night, and during the day cannot be kept awake without unceasing perseverance."

It is frequently stated in general terms, that Seals are easily tamed; but this assertion must be taken with limitation, since, though true of some, it is equally untrue of others. The fact is, Seals differ as much in disposition as in form; and as with dogs and other animals, whilst some species are easily and almost naturally domesticated, others as uniformly show themselves fierce, savage, and suspicious. Some of the more common species, however, are not only easily tamed, but become the attached and almost the amusing companions of man. Many instances of this will be found in the following pages; and frequently are they carried from city to city, not only that their peculiar structure may be seen, but that their intelligence and acquirements may be exhibited. All who have come into contact, or taken trouble with these animals, are familiar with these facts, so that we shall here subjoin but one or two statements concerning it. Thus Pliny,-" Vituli marini accipiunt disciplinam, voceque paritur et visu populum salutant: inconditu fremitu nomine vocatu respondent.' "I have lately," says M. F. Cuvier, "had occasion to witness a Seal which displayed much intellectual power. He did punctually what he was ordered. If desired to raise himself on his hind-legs, and to take a staff in his hands, and act the sentinel, he did

Hist. Nat. Lib. ix. Cap. 13.

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so he likewise, at his keeper's bidding, would lie down on his right side, or on his left, and would tumble head over heels. He would give you either of his paws when desired, and would extend his sweet lips to favour you with a kiss. He complied immediately with the wishes of his master, to whom he appeared to be peculiarly attached." And once more, to quote the lively and intelligent Dr Hibbert:-- "The Phrenologists, from the form of the cranium, have hazarded the opinion that the Seal is possessed of uncommon intelligence. I am confirmed in the same notion from a different kind of observation. These animals, if taken young, are easily domesticated, when they assume the habits of a dog, showing attachment to particular individuals of the human race, repairing to the water in quest of fish, and returning to the roof where they have experienced kindness."

Before proceeding to make the few remarks which our limits allow, on the valuable products derived from these animals, we would say a word or two upon their capture. They are exceedingly tenacious of life, and many cruelties have been perpetrated upon them, which most who have witnessed declare to be too horrible for description, and over which we willingly draw a veil. If life is to be sacrificed, there is a right way of taking it as well as a wrong, and we insist that the former should be followed, and the latter avoided. Before, however, enter

Mammifères Iivrais. Mai. 1824.

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