86 BUCHAN AND FRANKLIN 



Lieut. Beechey gives, after frequent intercourse with 

 them, a very interesting account. Their affection for 

 their young, and their unflinching courage in defending 

 them, are remarkable ; not more so their compassionate 

 conduct toward a wounded companion, whom they will 

 never leave till carried off to a place of safety ; and 

 even the young ones on such occasions will turn fiercely 

 against the boats of the pursuers. A single instance 

 will suffice to show the care and affection bestowed on 

 their young. 



" We were greatly amused by the singular and affec- 

 tionate conduct of a walrus towards its young. In the 

 va&t sheet of ice that surrounded the ships there were 

 occasionally many pools ; and, when the weather was 

 clear and warm, animals of various kinds would fre- 

 quently rise and sport about in them, or crawl from 

 thence upon the ice to bask in the warmth of the sun. 

 A walrus rose in one of these pools close to the ship, 

 and, finding everything quiet, dived down and brought 

 up its young, which it held by its breast by pressing it 

 with its flipper. In this manner it moved about the pool, 

 keeping in an erect posture, and always directing the 

 face of the young toward the vessel. On the slightest 

 movement on board, the mother released her flipper and 

 pushed the young one under water ; but, when every- 

 thing was again quiet, brought it up as before, and for 

 a length of time continued to play about in the pool, to 

 the great amusement of the seamen, who gave her credit 

 for abilities in tuition which, though possessed of con- 

 siderable sagacity, she hardly merited." 



On one occasion, some of the crew of the Trent, having 

 wounded a walrus, took to their boat, when they were 

 assailed by a large number of walruses. These animals 

 rose, snorting with rage, and rushed at the boat ; and 

 it was with the utmost difficulty they were prevented 



