THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 83 



points turning backward, which enables them to hold their 

 very slippery prey. 



The Morse is, perhaps, better known by the name 

 of Walrus (Fig. 41), or Sea Cow ; but this last is not a 

 correct name, for Walrus really means a Whale-horse ; 

 though it is difficult to say why even this term has been 

 applied, considering that the animal bears no resemblance 

 to the horse. Although a Seal in all its habits, its form 

 is by far more bulky, and more of the shape of land 

 quadrupeds : its teeth are quite different ; in fact, the 

 two canine teeth of the upper jaw grow to an immense 

 size, and form tusks like those of the Elephant, about two 

 feet long; but whilst the Elephant's tusks are directed 

 forward, those of the Walrus arc turned directly down- 

 ward, and the animal thus uses them not only as a 

 means of defence against the attacks of the Polar Bear, 

 but of progression : for he strikes them into the rocks in 

 climbing out of the water, which, you can well understand, 

 is no small matter, for his body surpasses that of the 

 largest ox in size, and by their means also he is able to 

 tear up the immense masses of sea-weeds on which he 

 feeds. 



The Walrus is pursued on account of its oil and its 

 tusks, which yield ivory. 



* 

 INSECTIVOBA, 



ALTHOUGH several of the animals belonging to other 

 groups of Maittmalia live on insects, still in this order we 

 find the whole construction specially adapted for such 

 prey; and when we remember the infinite number of 

 insects, and the rapidity with which they increase, we 

 shall again be led to feel gratitude for the creative wisdom 

 which has provided special agents for checking the legions 



which might otherwise become unbearable. 



P 2 



