Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 April 1892 — AFFECTION OF THE SEAL. [ARTICLE]

AFFECTION OF THE SEAL.

One that Refused to Be Returned to Its Native Element. I once heard of a boy who had a pet teal given to him when it was quite young, says a writer in the Illustrated American. It became very tame, and ased to cuddle up beside the dogs to Sleep in front of the fire, and learned to perform very many tricks. One winter the storms were very severe, and the fishermen were at times quite unable to venture to sea to set their nets. As a matter of course, Ssh were scarce, and the seal’s food having been of fish alone, milk had to be substituted; but It consumed such vast quantities of the latter that, for purposes of economy, after a family council, it was decided to dispose of the beloved pet as soon as possible. The boy and a clergyman friend who had always taken a lively interest In the pet started off in a boat with the precious victim, and when far enongh out for safety threw the seal Into the water Little did they expect the result, for the creature, feeling Itself very much abused, fushed after the boat with all Its might, uttering such fearful and heartrending tries of .rrief that it was at last taken Sack into the boat, where it lay exhausted, sobbing and wailing like a child When the familiar home was reached It soon regained, Its former gavety and health, and lived to a good old ago, little the worse for its adventure.