THE WALRUS, OR SEA-HORSE. 249 



The skin of this animal is thick, and wrinkled, 

 with a covering of short brownish hair. Its legs are 

 short, and its toes, 'which are five on each foot, are 

 connected by membranous webs, the hind feet are 

 very broad; it throws up water with its nostrils like a 

 whale. 



The sea-horse is chiefly found in the northern, 

 seas. 



Great herds of them are sometimes seen basking 

 on the shore, or sleeping on a field of ice. \V hen- 

 alarmed they throw themselves into the water with 

 extreme precipitation. If wounded, they become 

 bold and furious, ami unite for their own defence. 

 On these occasions they will attack a boat and at- 

 tempt to sink it, by striking their teeth into its sides, 

 bellowing at the same time in a most hideous man- 

 ner. 



The following anecdote related in " Hearne's Jour- 

 ney to the Northern Ocean," may perhaps be deem- 

 ed "worthy your attention. " In the year 1766, 



some of the crew of a sloop sailing to trade with t-he 

 Esquimaux, were attacked in their boat by a great 

 number of walrusses; and notwithstanding every at- 

 tempt to keep them oif, a small one got in over the stern, 

 and after looking at the men some time, again plung- 

 ed into the water. Another of an enormous size then- 

 attempted to get in over the bow; and every other 

 means proving inetlectual to prevent such an intru- 

 sion, the bowman put the muzzle-of a loaded gun into- 

 the animal's mouth, and' shot him dead. II .e imme- 

 diately sunk, and the people, reached their vessel just 

 before his enraged companions were ready to make 

 u fresh attack. 



Tins animal feeds on sea-weeds, and small fish. In 

 climbing upon the rocks, and pieces of ice, it makes 

 use of its teeth as hooks to secure its-hold, and then: 

 draws up its unwieldy body. 



The white bear is an implacable enemy to the sea-- 

 ; and dreadful conflicts are said to happen some- 

 's between them, in which the formidable tusks of- 

 latter generally render it victorious, ' 

 J 



