224 ANIMAL LIFE IN THE ARCTIC REGION 



bristles. Its most remarkable feature, however, consists in the 

 two large teeth, or tusks, which project in a bold curve from the 

 upper jaw, and are nearly two feet in length. They are of beauti- 

 ful white bone, almost equal to ivory, and dentists use the material 

 in the manufacture of artificial teeth. 



The figure of the walrus is more noticeable for strength than 

 grace, though in its outline there is a something suggestive of a 

 bulky horse and hence our seamen sometimes call it the seahorse. 

 Its length varies from twelve to fifteen feet in different individuals, 

 and from eight to ten feet in circumference; its head is compara- 

 tively small, and its somewhat short limbs may be described as 

 intermediate between fins and legs. Like the whale family, its 

 body is wrapped round with a layer of oily fat; while its skin, an 

 inch thick, is covered with close hair. 



In localities where the walrus have long been the object of 

 man's pursuit they have grown vengeful and wary; in less fre- 

 quented regions they lie on the ice in unsuspecting security, and 

 do not suffer the approach of the hunters to disturb them. They 

 do not willingly attack man ; but, when forced to fight, conduct them- 

 selves with wonderful coolness and courage dash in serried array 

 against the boats, and with their massive tusks endeavor to cap- 

 size them. They display a truly heroic devotion to their young, 

 and will perish in their defence. 



The walrus is partial, like some higher animals, to the sound 

 of its own voice, and will recline on the ice for hours listening to 

 its continuous bellow. 



