[Illustration: 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 neighboring islands.
After choosing their home, the Sea-Lions will fight fiercely for the
rights of possession, and, as illustrated on page 87; this is probably
one of the most interesting and clumsy battles that can well be
imagined.