Atlantic Walrus 



This is the common sea lion of the California coast and the 

 one generally seen in menageries and zoological gardens. It is 

 the smallest of our eared seals, as well as the most slender and 

 most agile. Its habits resemble those of the other species, and 

 on the islands of the California coast the same battles are waged 

 for the mastery of the harems as are conducted on the Pribilofs 

 by the fur seal. The short, barking cry of the hair seal is famil- 

 iar to all who have seen these animals in captivity, and is quite 

 different to the prolonged roar of the Steller's sea lion. 



WALRUSES 



(Family Odobenida) 



The walruses are closely allied to the seals, being, like them, 

 carnivorous mammals modified for an aquatic life. From the true 

 seals they differ in their immense size and fat, clumsy form, also 

 in the structure of their hind feet, which can be turned forward 

 so as to assist in supporting the animal when on shore; and in 

 the enormous tusks in the upper jaw which represent the 

 canine teeth. Another peculiarity of the walruses is found in the 

 horny flaps which terminate the toes and project out beyond the 

 claws. 



In the structure of both feet and toes, as well as in other 

 respects, the walruses are closely allied to the eared seals of the 

 Pacific. 



Atlantic Walrus 



Odobenus rosmarus (Linnaeus) 



Length. 10 feet 6 inches. 



Description. Body very thick and heavy, neck short, no external 

 ears or tail. Muzzle covered with stiff bristles, tusks 12 to 

 15 inches long. Hair scanty, general colour of body yellow- 

 ish brown; old males much wrinkled over the back and 

 shoulders and often nearly devoid of hair, showing numer- 

 ous bare patches. (Illustration, facing p. 208.) 



