Sub-Order PINNIPEDIA— WALRUS AND SEALS. 



Family TRICHECHID^. 

 Genus Trichechus. 



THE WALRUS. 



Trichechus rosmarus (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 12. 



The Walrus or Morse — the first-mentioned name being derived from 

 the Scandinavian Hvalros (" Whale-horse "), the latter from the Russian 

 Morss (" Sea-horse "), inhabits the Polar seas and has only rarely been 

 seen or captured in British waters. 



The adult Walrus usually measures about 10 or 11 feet in length, 

 but old males often exceed this and will even reach 15 feet in length. 



This animal is remarkable for the great bulk and weight of its body 

 and corresponding strength, and will weigh up to 3000 lbs. (Millais). 



The long curved tusks, possessed by both sexes, are used as weapons of 

 defence, and are also necessary to the animal when grubbing up molluscs 

 among rocks and shingle while feeding under water. They are also said 

 by some authors to be a help in climbing ice or rocks. The muzzle 

 is furnished with a thick moustache of bristles, the skin on the face is 

 wrinkled with seams and furrows and on the shoulders forms massive folds. 



The colour of the Walrus is in general a pale yellowish brown, 

 becoming deeper and redder on the underparts, but the hair on the 

 older animals often wears away or disappears, leaving bare the leathery 

 surface of the skin. 



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