The Republican Journal

AN EXCURSION AND A TAME SEAL

Last Thursday, by invitation of Gen. Sutton, a party of about forty gentlemen sailed down Ipswich river, in the yacht Agawam, towed by the steam-tug Wasp, to Ipswich Neck, where a very enjoyable day was spent. We would take occasion to return thanks for an invitation to be present.

During the excursion, a dozen or more gentlemen went on board the steamer and visited Plum Island river, to make a call upon Mr. Scott Adams of Grape Island, to see a wonderful specimen in natural history in his possession. About ten weeks ago, a boatman picked up a seal only a day or two old, and presented it to Mr. Adams, who, being anxious to raise the little waif, devoted a neat and comfortable pen to its use, and fed it on fine cut fish. It became attached to him and grew rapidly, manifesting a surprising affection for its master, whom it now follows down the river with the fidelity of a dog, and whose call it will answer and obey. On arrival the seal was a few rods from shore, but at the invitation of Mr. Adams it left the water and crawled up to him, answering to its pet name by a monotonous sound resembling the moaning of a puppy. It weighs about forty pounds, and will allow its master to take it up in his arms like an infant, but strangers must not attempt familiarities unless they wish to see a set of reasonably sharp and formidable teeth.

[Salem Gazette]