AMPHIBIOUS CARNIVORA.
The Seals, Walruses, Sea-Elephants and Sea-Lions, etc., are grouped in a family known as the Amphibious Carnivora—or the flesh-eating animals that live both on the land and in the water. Some Naturalists object to this classification, and say that the word Amphibia should only be applied to the Batrachians—like the Frogs and the Reptiles that can breath either in the water by means of gills, or in the air by means of lungs.
But this expression has been altered from its true meaning, and what are now called Amphibia, are the animals like the Seals, etc., which are organized for living in the water, but which can, with difficulty move about on the land.
Very curious animals are found in the Seal family. Their bodies are long and cylinder-shaped, with many of the characteristics of the Fishes; and their limbs are converted into fins by being provided with broad connecting webs. The fur of these various animals is composed of a woolly compact coat, the thickness and fineness of which increases with the severity of the climate they inhabit; and which is covered by rather coarse hairs lubricated with oil, the object of which is to prevent the water from penetrating to the skin. A thick layer of fat protects the body against cold, especially in the species which inhabit the frigid regions.
The Seal family live in numerous troops, and feed on Fishes, Mollusks, Crustaceans, etc. They are famous divers, and although they must come to the surface to breathe, they can remain a long time under water. This is explained by a peculiarity in their circulation. They are provided with reservoirs in which the blood accumulates while the lungs are inactive; and the animal is not suffocated while under water, because suffocation only comes from the stoppage of circulation as soon as the breathing is suspended, and in this case the circulationcontinues all the time the animal is under water; and it is only when the blood overruns these reservoirs that it is necessary for them to return to the surface of the water to breathe.
Owing to this precaution of nature the Amphibia can wander freely about in the depths of the ocean in search of their food.
As their members are badly fitted for locomotion on land, the Amphibia only leave the water when they want to sleep, or while their babies are very young, and feed on the mother’s milk. But these clumsy little fellows soon grow strong enough to dive to the bottom of the ocean with their mother, and search for food among the small Fishes, etc.
The Amphibia do not live in very warm regions, and they increase more and more in number in proportion as one advances towards the poles. They are found on the coasts of Europe—in the North Seas, the British Channel and the Mediterranean; and in southern latitudes of the Pacific, along the coast of Southern Chili and upon the shores of New Zealand.
COMMON SEAL.
COMMON SEAL.
COMMON SEAL.
The Common Seal, a species frequently seen upon our northern coasts, measures from three to five feet in length, and is of a yellowish grey color, spotted with patches of brown. These animals are met with in greater numbers as we approach the Arctic seas, and afford theprincipal means of support to the Esquimaux of Labrador, and the inhabitants of the coast of Greenland.
“The Seal,” says Mr. Low, “swims with vast rapidity, and before a gale of wind is full of frolic, jumping and tumbling about, sometimes wholly throwing itself above water, performing many awkward gambols, and at last retiring to a rock or cavern, of which it keeps possession till the storm is over.
“Seals seem to have a great deal of curiosity; if people are passing in boats, they often come quite close up to the boat, and stare at them, following for a long time together. The church of Hay, in Orkney, is situated near a small sandy bay, much frequented by these creatures, and I observed when the bell rang for divine service, all the creatures within hearing swam directly for the shore, and kept looking about them as if surprised rather than frightened, and in this manner continued to wonder as long as the bell rang.”
They are exceedingly docile and intelligent, and when tamed will be quite friendly with the Esquimaux Dogs and spend much of their time with them on the icy shore.
Sea Lions in Battle.
Sea Lions in Battle.
Sea Lions in Battle.
The Seals belonging to this group differ from the others in having prominent external ears. The fingers of the front flippers are nearly stiff and immovable, while those of the hind pair are considerably extended by a web, and supported by small flattened claws.
The Sea-Lion, or Maned Seal, is an animal of gigantic size, measuring from fifteen to twenty feet in length, or even more; it is of a dull tawny color, and the neck of the male is covered with a sort of mane, composed of hair considerably longer and more crisp than that which covers the rest of the body. These formidable creatures are extensively distributed along the coasts of the Pacific ocean, more especially in the vicinity of the Straits of Magellan, and the neighboringislands. After choosing their home, the Sea-Lions will fight fiercely for the rights of possession, and, as illustrated on page87; this is probably one of the most interesting and clumsy battles that can well be imagined.
SEA ELEPHANTS.
SEA ELEPHANTS.
SEA ELEPHANTS.
The appearance of the Seals belonging to this group are very curious. The head is broad and short, with a tuft of bristles over each eye. The upper lip is longer than the lower; the nostrils are wrinkled, and can be blown up into a crest. The whiskers are very long; the fore-feet are rather small and oblong, with five elongated claws.
The Sea-Elephant is very numerous in the southern latitudes of the Pacific, more especially upon the coasts of Terra del Fuego and Chili, as well as upon the shores of New Zealand. The full-grown creature measures eighteen to twenty feet in length, and from the abundance of oil obtained from its carcass, is the subject of important fisheries.
WALRUS.
WALRUS.
WALRUS.
These enormous animals closely resemble seals, both in the shape of their body and the structure of their limbs, butare distinguished by the shape of their head, and by the enormous tusks which project from their upper jaw. These remarkable weapons sometimes measure two feet in length, and are of proportionate thickness. The great size of the bones of the face required for holding these teeth renders their appearance peculiarly striking, their nostrils being pushed so far upwards that, instead of being situated at the extremity of the snout, they are placed near the top of the head.
Their food seems to consist of sea-weed (which they detach from the soil by means of these tusks, which act like garden rakes), as well as of animal substances. They frequently measure from twenty to twenty-five feet in length, and a full-sized Bull Walrus, weighing three thousand pounds, will yield six hundred pounds of blubber, from which excellent oil is procured. Its hide is used for harness, shoe soles, and the rigging of ships, as well as for the manufacture of glue.