MAMMALS. .in- 



some these latter organs are supposed to have had their origin from mem- 

 bers like the flippers of a seal, a view which though plausible is not very 

 probable. 



Of the present group, the huge walruses of the Arctic seas are the 

 most terrestrial; for, by doubling their hind flippers under them, they are 

 able to make a slow progress upon ice-floes or on the ground. The most 

 striking features about them, however, are the long tusks which project 

 downwards from the upper jaws. These are said to be used in digging up 

 the mud in the search for the shell-fish on which these animals feed, and 

 for climbing on the ice, as well as for organs of offence and defence. The 

 walrus goes in large herds, a feature in its habits which makes it a profit- 

 able object for pursuit ; for though the oil tried from its blubber is less 

 valuable than that from the seals, still so much may be obtained from a 

 herd of these animals as to make up the difference. Besides, the tushes are 

 valuable, and especially so since the supply of elephant ivory has so dimin- 

 ished. A full-grown walrus may weigh considerably more than a ton. 



Of the seals there are two groups, one difference between which is 

 indicated by the names, eared seals and true seals, the latter having no 

 external ear. To the eared seals belong the sea-lion^ and the fur-seals. 

 They occur in the Antarctic seas and in the north Pacific, but none are 

 found on the northern Atlantic shores. The large northern sea-lion may 

 reach a length of thirteen or fourteen feet, and a weight of a thousand 

 pounds. It is a lion by courtesy. It can utter a loud roar, but in few 

 other respects, certainly not in bravery, does it resemble its prototype. 

 Indeed, before man, it is a most timorous animal, and the Aleuts have no 

 difficulty in frightening these animals and driving them to the slaughter- 

 ing places with flags and umbrellas. To these people they are of the 

 greatest value; for like the cocoanut-tree of the tropics, they furnish 

 almost every necessity of life, — meat, oil for light and heat, sinews for 

 thread, leather for clothing and shoes, etc. Even the digestive tract is 

 utilized, the stomach serving for reservoirs for liquor ; while the intestines 

 furnish material for water-proof clothing, as well as a substitute for glass 

 in the windows. 



To us the fur-seals are more important, especially since sealskin 

 became so fashionable. Most important is the northern fur-seal, whose 

 headquarters is at the celebrated Fur-seal or Prybilov Islands, which are 

 estimated to have a seal-population of nearly five million. A while ago 

 there was an indiscriminate slaughter, but in recent years the United 

 States government has leased the islands to the fur companies, who are 

 compelled to keep the slaughter within such limits that the annual increase 

 will make good the loss. In the early summer the seals begin to arrive, the 



