[Illustration: 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 the principal
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.