THE WAtttlJSi 257 



Description, &c. 



and the upper one is cleft, and furnished with 

 several thick and semi-transparent bristles. The 

 eyes are remarkably small ; and instead of exter* 

 nal ears, there are only two small circular orifices. 

 In the upper jaw are two long tusks, bending 

 downwards, and weighing from ten to thirty 

 pounds each ; which are used in scraping shell- 

 fish and other prey out of the sand, and from the 

 rocks. The skin is thick, and scattered over 

 with short brownish hair. On each foot are five 

 toes, connected by webs, and the hind feet are 

 considerably broader than the others. The tail 

 is extremely short. Some of these animals are 

 said to be eighteen feet long, and ten or twelve 

 in circumference. 



The disposition of the walrus is perfectly in- 

 offensive, except when attacked or irritated ; in. 

 which case they become furious, and exceedingly 

 vindictive. When surprised on the ice, the fe- 

 males first provide for the safety of their off- 

 spring, by flinging them into the sea, and convey- 

 ing them to a secure distance; after which they 

 return to revenge any injury they have received. 

 They will sometimes attempt to fasten their teeth 

 on the boats, in order to sink them, or will rise 

 under them in great numbers, with the intention 

 of oversetting them, at the same time roaring in 

 a dreadful manner, and gnashing their teeth with 

 great violence. 



Instances have occurred of their attacking 

 small boats, merely through wantonness, and of 



,vo. vj. 2 K 



