fitted to produce speed or grace. The next most prominent feature 

 is the protuberant muzzle, large enough to accommodate the two big 

 tusks, which hang down from the upper jaw and measure about one 

 foot in length although they are often longer, and have been known 

 to weigh ten pounds each ; the small eye and the absence of an ex- 

 ternal ear are other interesting characteristics of this family. 



The food of this huge walrus seems inappropriate, as he lives 

 on mollusks and fish dug from the mud with his tusks ; also sea- 

 weed and a number of aquatic plants. Among themselves they are 

 peaceful and almost affectionate creatures, as is shown by their 

 behavior when they desire to make an expedition on land. Each 

 beast, as soon as he has touched shore, stretches himself for a com- 

 fortable rest, only to be butted by his nearest neighbor as a gentle 

 hint to move on and make way for the second comer. This is re- 

 peated again and again until the whole herd of perhaps several thou- 

 sand have found room. The entire proceeding is taken as a mat- 



236 



