Identifier: marinemammalsofn00scam (find matches)
Title: The marine mammals of the north-western coast of North America, described and illustrated; together with an account of the American whale-fishery
Year: 1874 (1870s)
Authors: Scammon, Charles Melville, 1825-1911
Subjects: Marine mammals Cetacea Sealing Whaling Whales Dolphins
Publisher: San Francisco, J.H. Carmany New York, Putnam
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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aws, project from their upper sides, four inches or more from their tips, accord-ing to the size and age of the animal. The tail is extremely short, and pointed.The ears are quite pointed also, slanting backward, and are covered with short, finehair. The head, in proportion, is longer and sharper than that of the Leopard Seal.The number of whiskers on each side of the face may average twenty; they areof different shades, from blackish brown to white, and frequently attain the lengthof seven inches. The eyes are invariably dark and glistening, and have a human-like expression. The intrinsic value-of the animal does not depend upon the price of its skinalone ; for the layer of fat adhering to it yields the oil of commerce, and supplieslight and heat to the natives in their dismal winter quarters. The flesh, likewise,affords them a staple article of food. Fanning, as well as other early voyagers,speaks of the flesh of the Fur Seal pups, when six weeks old or more, as being FUR SEALS. 145
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fe) < DH a o a; Q w w «o wJ<! W ft,O Q< o Marine Majihals. —19. 146 MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. equal to the best mutton, if properly cooked. Notwithstanding, after repeatedtrials, we confess our preference for the latter. The hearts and livers of youngseals, whether of the Fur or Hair species, are excellent; hut we would advise thosefond of fresh meat not to witness the killing of the animals and the extraction ofthose choice portions of them. The employes of the Russian-American Companyfrequently salted seal meat for ships use, when a supply of beef could not beobtained. The habits of the Fur Seals differ in several respects from those of the numerousHair species. One of their most remarkable traits is their extended geographicalrange. To give a clear idea of their varied haunts as regards climate and diversityof locality, we may mention the following as among their favorite resorting - places :The coast of Patagonia, west coast of Africa, Falklands, New S

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