WALRUS. 127 



and the largest of 11 feet, from the tip of the snout to the root of the tail. Other 

 individuals have, however, been recorded, measuring somewhat more than 12 feet 

 in total length; but the statements of 15 or even 16-feet walruses must be 

 received with hesitation. There is still much uncertainty as to the weight which 

 these animals will attain. Parry gives the weight of an immature female as 

 1550 Ibs.; while other trustworthy writers set down the weight of full-grown 

 males at from 2250 to 3000 Ibs. Larger weights have, indeed, been suggested, 

 but it is probable that in those cases the estimates were far too high. In regard 

 to the size of the tusks of the Atlantic walrus, a line pair mentioned by Mr. 

 Allen had a total length of 24 inches, of which probably about 18 inches would 

 have protruded from the jaw during life ; the weight of each of these being 4 Ibs. 

 Others have, however, been obtained with a total length of 31 inches, and a weight 

 of upwards of 8 Ibs. apiece ; but such are, now at least, extremely rare. The tusks 

 of females seldom exceed 20 inches in length. In the Pacific walrus the tusks 

 are said to be longer and thicker, and more convergent ; but we have not met 

 with any account of their maximum dimensions. 



In addition to this difference in the form of the tusks, the Pacific walrus has 

 the muzzle proportionately broader and deeper, while the bristles on the upper lip 

 are shorter and smaller. Important differences also occur in the form of the skull 

 of the two varieties. 



The geographical range of the walrus has been considerably 



Distribution. . ? 6 . / 



restricted in modern times owing to the incessant persecution or the 



animal in all accessible regions, and it is now exterminated in many places where 

 it was formerly abundant. Its numbers have, indeed, been sadly diminished 

 everywhere, and unless it receive prompt and efficient protection it is one of those 

 creatures which stand a good chance of becoming extinct ; this being more 

 especially the case with the Pacific variety. The Atlantic walrus was known in 

 Europe during the latter part of the ninth century, and appears to have been 

 hunted on the coast of Finmark about a century later, while by the year 1600 

 walrus-hunting was a regular trade. Occasionally these animals wandered as far 

 southwards as the coasts of Scotland ; and they were abundant on many of the 

 islands near the northern coast of continental Europe, and even on the shores of 

 the continent itself ; while eastward their range extended into Asia as far as the 

 River Lena. Northwards the walrus appears to extend as far as vessels have 

 penetrated. In 1600 it was very abundant on Cheric, or Bear Island, lying 

 about two hundred and eighty miles to the northward of the North Cape, in 

 Norway ; no less than six or seven hundred having been killed on one occasion in 

 six hours, while on another from nine hundred to a thousand were slaughtered in 

 less than seven hours. The animals were accustomed to collect in large parties on 

 the shore ; and the plan adopted was first to shoot those nearest the sea, whose 

 bodies then formed a barrier, cutting off the retreat of the rest. In less than eight 

 years the walruses on Bear Island had become scarce and shy, and it was not long 

 before they were completely exterminated. The retreating walruses were then 

 followed to Spitsbergen and Greenland, and even there their numbers have so 

 diminished that walrus hunting cannot be profitably conducted unless carried on in 

 conjunction with whaling. Baron Nordenskiold states that at the present day 



