5'4 



THE WALRUS, OR MORSE 



These huge teeth measure, in large specimens, from fourteen inches to two feet in length, 

 the girth at the base being nearly seven inches, and their weight upwards of ten pounds 

 each. In ordinary specimens, however, the length is about one foot. In some examples 

 they approach each other towards their points, and in others they diverge considerably, 

 forming in the opinion of some writers two distinct species. As, however, the relative 

 position of these teeth varies slightly in every specimen that has yet been examined, the 

 structure seems to be of hardly sufficient importance for the establishment of a separate 

 species. The ivory which is furnished by these extraordinary weapons is of very fine 

 quality, and commands a high price in the market. 



WALRUS, OR MORSE. Trlchecus Rosmarus. 



By means of the great development of these teeth, which are necessarily buried deeply 

 in the upper jaw, the muzzle is much enlarged in order to afford room for their sockets, 

 and assumes the remarkable prominence that gives to the animal so ferocious an aspect. 

 As there would be insufficient space for the nostrils if placed in their usual position, 

 they are removed to a much higher locality than that which they occupy in other Seals, 

 and open nearly vertically above the muzzle. 



The other teeth of the Walrus are very small in comparison with the two canines of 

 the upper jaw, and in number are exceedingly variable, according to the age of the animal. 

 During the earlier years of its life, it is furnished with six incisors in each jaw, two 

 canines, ten molars in the upper jaw and eight in the lower. But when the animal ap- 

 proaches maturity, the incisors all fall out, and even in a prepared skull, they come 

 away together with the soft substances. The tooth which is sometimes considered to be 

 the first molar of the lower jaw, is in reality the lower canine. 



