  Results from an analysis of low resolution (R~250) near-IR long-slit spectra
covering simultaneously the I, J, H, and K bands, for a sample of 15 Seyfert
galaxies and the N5253 starburst nucleus, are presented. The Seyfert galaxies
were selected as presenting `linear' or cone-like high excitation emission line
in the optical, most probably due to the collimation of the central source's
radiation by a dusty molecular torus. Our goal was to look for signatures of
this torus, and to investigate the gaseous distribution, excitation and
reddening. The IR emission lines are spatially extended in most cases, and we
have used the [FeII]/Pa(beta) ratio as a measure of the gaseous excitation in
Mrk573, N1386, and N7582. Values for this ratio between 1.5 and 6 are found,
suggesting excitation of [FeII] by X-rays or shock waves in some regions.
Nuclear Pa(beta) in N1365, and possibly nuclear Br(gama) in Mrk573, are broad.
  From analysis of the spatial distribution of the continuum (J-H) and (H-K)
colours derived from our spectra, we find redder colours for the nucleus than
the nearby bulge in most of the Seyfert 2s observed. Comparison with models
including emission from dust and stars shows that hot (T~1000 K) dust emission
dominates the nuclear continuum in N1365, N2110, N3281, N7582, and ESO362-G18.
In N1386, N5643, and N5728 the main contributor is the underlying stellar
population, combined with some foreground reddening and/or cool dust emission.
In a few cases, the (J-H) colours on opposite sides of the nucleus differ by
0.3-0.8 mag, an effect that we interpret as partly due to differences in the
local stellar population, and possibly extinction gradients.
