SEAL

(Lat. sigillum.) In Gem Sculpture, a stamp cut or sunk on stone, capable of yielding an impre ion to any soft substance. When a gem is selected for cutting, it is put into the hands of the lapidary to reduce it to shape and smoothne . It is then fixed with mastic to a piece of wood to serve as a handle, and the subject is sketched upon it with a copper point or a diamond. The tool is a lathe somewhat resembling a turning lathe, into the end of the spindle whereof points, knobs, or circles can be inserted. The gem is then applied to the end of one of these tools, according to the nature of the cutting required, wetted w ith diamond-dust and olive oil, and by frequent working the subject is wrought. Frequent impre ions are of course taken during the progre , to show the exce es or defects. These, however, are not nece ary in working cameos, because the prominences are obvious to the eye. The tools are soft iron or copper; and the powder of the ruby, or other hard stones, is often substituted for diamond powder. Seal. In Zoology, the English name for a genus of Marine Carnivorous Mammiferous Quadrupeds, otherwise called Phocidce. The variety of seals is very great, and they are found in vast numbers in the seas round Spitz bergen, and on the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland. As it frequents the British shores, it is well known, and has been repeatedly described. Seals are principally hunted for their oil and skins. When taken in the spring of the year, — at which time they are fattest, — a full-grown seal will yield from 8 to 12 gallons of oil, and a small one from 4 to T) gallons. The oil, when extracted before putrefaction has commenced, is beautifully transparent, free from smell, and not unpleasant in its taste. The skin, when tanned, is extensively employed in the making of shoes; and when dre ed with the hair on, serves for the covering of trunks, . See Fisheries. SEAL, [s. 1110]