j70 the arctic walrus. 



by webs, and the hind-feet are considerably broader 

 than the others. The tail is extremely short. 



They are harmless animals, unless when attacked 

 or provoked, in which case they become furious, 

 and exceedingly vindictive. When surprised on 

 the ice, the females first provide for the safety of 

 their young, by flinging them into the sea, and 

 conveying them to a secure distance ; they then 

 return to the place vmh great rage 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 num- 

 bers, with the intention of oversetting them, at the 

 same time time exhibiting all the marks of rage, 

 roaring in a dreadful manner, and gnashing their 

 teeth with great violence. They are strongly at- 

 tached to each other, and will make every effort in 

 their power, even to death, to set at liberty their 

 harpooned companions. A wounded Walrus has 

 been known to sink to the bottom, rise suddenly 

 again, and bring up with it multitudes of others, 

 who have united in an attack on the boat from 

 whence the insult came *. 



These animals always visit the Magdalene Islands 

 early in the spring. These seem particularly a- 

 dapted to their wants, abounding in large shell-fisb, 

 and aflbrding them a convenient landing. Imme- 

 diately on their arrival they cravl up the sloping 

 rocks of the coast in great numbers, and frequently 



* Feun. Arct. Zool, i, 1 17. 



