THE WALRUS. 



153 



household, and taking their share of the fireside with the other mem- 

 bers of the family. 



Of late days performing Seals have come into vogue under various 

 titles, among which the " Talking Fish " is well known. These clever 

 animals have been taught to perform sundry ingenious feats, requiring 

 not only an intelligent mind to comprehend, but an activity of body 

 to execute apparently incompatible with the conformation of the an- 

 imal. 



Among all the strange forms which are found among the members 

 of the Seal family, there is none which presents a more terribly gro- 

 tesque appearance than that of the Walkus, Morse, or Sea Horse, 

 as this extraordinary animal is indifferently termed. 



The most conspicuous part of this animal is the head, with its pro- 

 tuberant muzzle bristling with long wiry hairs, and the enormous ca- 

 nine teeth that project from the upper jaw. These huge teeth meas- 

 ure, in large specimens, from fourteen inches to two feet in length, the 

 girth at the base being nearly seven inches, and their weight upward 

 of teu pounds each. In ordinary specimens, however, the length is 

 about one foot. In some examples they approach each other toward 

 their points, and in others they diverge considerably, forming, in the 

 opinion of some writers, two distinct species. As, however, the rel- 

 ative position of these teeth varies slightly in every specimen that has 

 yet been examined, tha structure seems to be of hardly sufficient im- 



The Walrus or Morse [Trichecus Bosmams). 



portance for the establishment of a separate species. The ivory which 

 is furnished by these extraordinary w^eapous is of very fine quality, and 

 commands a high price in the market. 



