THE WALRUS, OR MORSE. 



In order to accommodate itself to the position of the huge tusks, the lower jaw nar- 

 rows rapidly towards its point, so as to pass easily between the canines. The food of 

 the Walrus consists of small Seals, fish, shrimps, and various other animal substances, 

 with such vegetable diet as the sea can afford. It has been suggested that one object 

 diversified of the large tusks may be to drag the algae from their hold upon the rocks. 



A Walrus is a valuable animal, for even in this country its skin, teeth, and oil are in 

 much request, while among the Esquimaux its body furnishes them with almost every 

 article in common use. Among civilized men, the skin of the Walrus is employed for 

 harness and other similar purposes where a thick and tough hide is required. The 

 tooth furnishes very good ivory, of a beautiful texture, and possessing the advantage 

 of retaining the white hue longer than ivory which is made from the elephant tusk. 

 The oil is delicate, but there is very little to be obtained from each Walrus, the layer 

 of fatty matter being scarcely more than a hand's-breadth in thickness. Among the 

 Exquimaux the Walrus is put to a variety of uses. Fish-hooks are made from its tusks, 

 its intestines are twisted into nets, its oil and flesh is eaten, and its bones and skin are 

 also turned to account by these rude but ingenious workmen. 



In former days, the chase of the Walrus was an easy matter, for the powerful brutes 

 seemed to be so satisfied of their strength 

 that they would permit their assailants to 

 approach them closely, and to inflict fatal 

 wounds without any opposition. Now, 

 however, they have learned caution by 

 many a bitter experience, and are ex- 

 tremely wary animals. They are tena- 

 cious of life, and dangerous antagonists, 

 for although they seldom, if ever, com- 

 mence an attack, they are most furious 

 when opposed or wounded, and fight with 

 marvellous energy. In the conflict the 

 enormous tusks prove themselves to be 

 truly formidable weapons, and have been 

 known to pierce through the plankings of 

 a boat. Even the polar bear stands in awe 

 of these weapons, and has often been 

 beaten off by an old Walrus on whom it 

 had hoped to make a meal. 



The Walrus is found in vast herds, 

 which frequent the coasts of the arctic 

 and antarctic regions, and which congre- 

 gate in such numbers that their united 

 roarings have often given timely warning 

 to fog-bewildered sailors, and acquainted 

 them with the near proximity of shore. These herds present a curious sight, as the 

 huge clumsy animals are ever in movement, rolling and tumbling'over each other in a 

 strange fashion, and constantly uttering their hoarse bellowings. 



As soon as a Walrus gets out of the water, it lies down on the shore and would not 

 of its own free will stir from the spot on which it had first laid itself to repose. But 

 another Walrus soon emerges from the sea, and as it cannot very well climb over its 

 comrade, begins to butt him until he moves farther on, and makes room for the new 

 comer. Others land in rapid succession, and the whole strand is soon full of life, for 

 these unreflective creatures never think of taking a short walk inland, so as to secure a 

 quiet berth at ease, but must needs lie down where they land, although they are sure 

 to be disturbed by their comrades as they rise out of the sea. As many as seven thou- 

 sand have been seen in a single herd, so that to attack one of these assemblies is no 

 slight matter, for as soon as they take alarm, they all come scuttling towards the sea, 

 tumbling over each other in their haste, and presenting a formidable front simply by 

 the weight of their huge bodies. 



SKULL OF WALRUS. 



