Pets in the Sea.

Manawatu Herald, 24 November 1898, Page 3

Pets in the Sea.

C. F. HOLDER, IN THE "OUTLOOK." U.S. During a visit to one of the islands off the coast of Southern California I found that the fishermen were in the habit of feeding certain wild animals, which in time became so tame that strangers might almost think they were domesticated. The fishermen fed the gulls every morning when oleaning their fish, some of the birds becoming so friendly that they allowed the m?o to touch them, while others followed them out to sea, alighting on their boats, and exhibiting remarkable confidence. Among the animals which frequently came into the little bay to feed was a large seal. It sometimes followed fishing boats in, and once, when rows of fish were hung up to be photographed by the fortunate captors, it raised its head high out of the water, apparently eyeing the fish so eagerly that the boatman gave it a share The fisherman usually went gill-fishing in the afternoon, and the seal, perhaps conceived that the whole operation was for its benefit, began to accompany them, and as soon as a fish became entangled it would dive down and take it out of the not, returning to the surface to toss it in the air in high glee before the eyes of the fishermen. In this way the seal robbed the nets, growing bolder and » bolder. At last one day when one . of the fishermen had returned from the banks and was washing his catch from a boat not far from the spot where the writer Btood, splashing the big red fish to and fro, suddenly a large black form darted up from below, two black eyes looked at the amused fisherman for a moment, and then the seal snatched tho fi*h from his hands, and swam away, amid the shouts of laughter from the looker?. on. _____ The famous Victory Sewing Machine is the latest and most perfect of Sewing Machines. It is adapted for household aud work-room nse, and is capable of performing the most artistic, fancy-work. The prices vary from six guineas, and any of the machines can be purchased on the easiest of time payments from the New Zealand Clothing Factory, the local agency McKee and Gamble, Photo Engravers, and Lithographers, Wellington. Send for quotation.