38 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



[1880. 



DESCRIPTION OF A F(ETAL WALRUS. 

 BY HARRISON ALLEN, M.D. 



The Academy is the iiossessor of a foetal walrus, which was 

 presented by Dr. I. I. Hays, and brought by him from the Arctic 

 region of eastern North America. I have thought that a figure 

 with measurements of this rare, if not unique, specimen would be 

 of value. 



The specimen is straight, or nearly so, and it is by this simple 

 test distinguished from other embrj^os of Carnivora. There is 



neither flexure of the head upon the trunk, 

 or the trunk upon itself. The limbs are 

 folded close to the trunk, this feature being 

 most pronounced in the inferior pair, which 

 are inclined upward upon the ventral surface 

 of the body, and carry between them the 

 rudimentar}' tail. The median margin of the 

 first toe of the anterior extremity bears a 

 small, rounded membranous lobe, or lappet. 

 The muzzle exhibits the future position of 

 the vibrissas by six rows of minute papillae. 

 The muzzle projects slightly beyond the line 

 of the mouth. The position of the future 

 nostrils is seen by two slightly convergent 

 slits. 



The vent is a semicircular slit-like opening 

 upon the lateral and posterior surfaces of a 

 rounded nipple-shaped organ, which is prob- 

 ably the future penis or clitoris. 



The eye is closed, rather prominent, and 

 presents a palpel^ral fissure, which is directed obliquely upward 

 and forward. 



The auricle is represented by a membranous fold laid close to 

 the head. The slit-like opening defining its position lies 3^'" 

 behind the e^-e, and extends slightly downwards and forwards. 

 The auricle extends in advance of this slit to the distance of 1'", 



