Volume 23, Plate V / Mammalia (Mammals)

Bearded, or Great Seal

Phoca barbata

The Bearded or Great Seal is a large robust species reaching ten to twelve feet, with a prominent forehead, large muzzle, loose lips and long white curled whiskers, its coat varying from dusky young to deep dark hues and the strong black claws carinated above. Associating in pairs in deep caverns, it brings forth in autumn, defends its young boldly, and frequents Arctic Greenland, Shetland and the Hebrides, yielding delicate veal-white flesh.