72 COMPARATIVE AN \TOMY OF 



These immense herds are usually composed of 

 one and the same species, though it sometimes 

 happens even various genera resort to the same 

 shore or island, and thus greatly increase the num- 

 bers of the assembled thousands. In this instance, 

 however, each species generally keeps itself detached 

 from the others ; and knowing well its own strength 

 or weakness, carefully avoids all circumstances 

 which would lead to hostile encounters, so that they 

 all live in proximity, without collision, if not in har- 

 mony and peace. 



If we now proceed to examine the individual 

 groups, we shall soon perceive that there are marked 

 peculiarities presented by them respectively. This 

 fact can be adequately illustrated only by a parti- 

 cular survey of each, such as we hope to supply in 

 the body of the work ; and in this place we can 

 exhibit the fact only by a single statement respect- 

 ing the Walrus, and some of the families of the 

 larger Seals. The Walrus is monogamous, and, 

 though associating in immense groups, yet generally 

 is a peaceful and harmless creature, living in con- 

 cord each with his fellows, and interfering but little 

 with its congeners. When, however, they are at- 

 tacked by foes, and more especially by man, their 

 most cruel persecutor, then all the mutual kind- 

 ness of their disposition is called forth ; they readily 

 defend and support each other ; they fearlessly pro- 

 ceed to the rescue of their unfortunate associate, 

 and will contend for his deliverance, to their own 

 great detriment, and even to death. The Sea- Lion, 



