234 



ARCTIC WALRUS. 



Trichechus Rosmarus. T. dentibus laniariis superiorihus exsertis 



remotis. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 59. 

 Trichechus with distant, exserted tusks. 

 Rosmarus. Jonst. pise. t. 44. 

 Le Morse. Buff. 1 3. /. 358. pi. 54. 

 Arctic Walrus. Pennant Quadr. 2. /. 266. Cook's last <voy. vol. 



2. /. 456. pi. 52. Naturalist's MisceUany,pl. 76. 



This animal inhabits the northern seas, and is 

 principally found within the Arctic circle. It 

 grows to a very large size, having been sometimes 

 seen of the length of eighteen feet, and of such a 

 thickness as to measure twelve feet round the 

 middle of the body. The Walrus is of an in- 

 elegant form; having a small head, short neck, 

 thick body, and short legs: the lips are very 

 thick, and the upper lip is indented or cleft into 

 two large rounded lobes : over the whole surface 

 of this part are scattered numerous semitranspa- 

 rent bristles, of a yellowish tinge, and of such a 

 thickness as almost to equal a straw in diameter : 

 they are about three inches long, and are slightly 

 pointed at their extremities: the eyes are small: 

 instead of external ears there are only two small, 

 round orifices : the skin on the whole animal is 

 thick, and more or less wrinkled, and is scattered 

 over with short brownish hair : on each foot are 

 five toes, all connected by webs, and on each toe 

 is a small nail: the hind feet are considerably 

 broader than the fore feet : the tail is extremely 

 short. In the upper jaw are two large and long 



