234 FAMILY PHOCID^E ; WALRUS. 



genus Trichecus, of which only one species is known, the Walrus, 

 Morse, or Sea-Cow. In general form, as well as in habits, the 

 "Walrus resembles the larger species of Seal ; but it differs from 

 them entirely in dentition. Its chief peculiarity consists in the 

 enormous development of the canine teeth of the upper jaw, 

 which are from 18 to 24 inches in length, stout and solid ; with 

 large roots, of which the sockets project considerably, giving a 

 swollen aspect to the face, which is increased by the thickness of 

 the lips. These tusks are instruments of defence and of progres- 

 sion ; and are also very serviceable to the animal in obtaining its 

 food. It uses them with great effect in defending itself from 

 the attacks of the Polar Bear, which may be regarded as its 

 chief adversary ; it assists itself with them, in climbing up float- 

 ing icebergs and the sides of rocks ; and it employs them to 

 tear up the long wreaths of sea- weed, which constitute a great 

 part of its food. In the lower jaw there are no incisors or 

 canines; and the jaw itself is narrow in front, so as to fit in 

 between the large canines of the upper. The Walrus is pursued 

 for the sake of its oil and skin ; its flesh also is very palatable. 

 It inhabits the polar regions of both hemispheres ; but it is much 

 less abundant than formerly. 



204. The animals of this family are of the greatest use to 

 the natives of the countries near which they abound ; the fol- 

 lowing account of the various purposes, to which the Seal is 

 applied by the Greenlanders, is given by Crantz, a Danish 

 traveller. " Its flesh supplies them with their most palatable 

 and substantial food ; the fat furnishes them with oil for lamp- 

 light, chamber and kitchen fire ; and whoever sees their habita- 

 tions presently finds that, even if they had superfluity of wood, 

 it would not be of use, they can use nothing but oil in them. 

 They also mollify their dry food, mostly fish, with oil ; and 

 finally they barter it for all kinds of necessaries with the factors. 

 They can sew better with fibres of the seals' sinews than 

 with thread or silk ; of the skins of the entrails they make 

 window-curtains for their tents, and shirts ; part of the bladder 

 they use as a float to their harpoons ; and they make oil-flasks 

 of the stomach. Neither is the blood wasted ; but is boiled up 



