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This diving act was eight minutes long on the full stage.
A seal shuffles onstage and jumps into the water tank, which has a glass front. Three divers then join it in the water. One proceeds to do back somersaults with the seal holding onto his toe. Two men then swim to the bottom of the tank and watch the seal swim underwater for three minutes straight (it is then announced that they hold the world record for staying under water at four minutes and thirty-seven seconds). For the finish, a table is lowered into the water and they are joined by the seal. They stay under and eat at the table for two minutes.
The seal is incredibly graceful and intelligent. "In small towns, properly circused, it should prove a powerful box office attraction, but it is a good act on any bill."
Source:
Variety 29:1 (06/12/1912)