45 
Of all the Cetacese, none is more curious than the Narwhal, (Monodon 
monocerosj with its enormous tusk or horn projecting from the snout in a 
straight line with the body, which has given to the animal its common name 
of Sea Unicorn. There are in fact two tusks, hut that on the right side is 
usually rudimentary. This appendage helongs to the male animal only. 
It is from five to ten feet long, tapering to a point and with a spiral twist 
through its whole length. 
The Seal is the most valuahle of all Arctic animals to the natives, as it 
supplies them throughout the winter with food, clothing, light, and fuel. 
The sagacity of the Seal-hunter is taxed to the utmost in its capture, as its 
senses of hearing and smell are remarkably acute. The animal is caught 
either by watching a Seal-hole at which it comes up through the ice to. 
breathe, and by striking it through the head with a spear, or by following 
the chase upon the open water in the native "Kayak" or skin-canoe. The 
former process entails great privations upon the hunter, who is frequently 
out for several days and nights at a time in a temperature of — 50 Q 
Fahr. The principal species of Seal inhabiting the Arctic regions are the 
Common Seal (Phoca vitulina), the .Rough Seal ( P. fcetidaj and the Great 
or Bearded Seal (P. barbata.J The Seal is carnivorous, feeding on fish, 
Crustacea?, and water-fowl. 
The Walrus or Morse far exceeds in size the largest Seal, being some- 
times 20 feet in length. It is gregarious in its habits, large numbers being 
frequently seen lying in heaps upon floating ice. It uses its tusks to aid its 
movements in climbing or dragging its unwieldy body from crag to crag. 
It lives on fish and marine vegetation. The hide of the Walrus supplies 
the Esquimaux with the best material for their sledge-lines, the flesh forms 
a large portion of their winter and spring food and the blubber is used for 
their lamps. Both the Seal and Walrus are known to swallow large 
quantities of gravel and stones, but what purpose this serves is unknown. 
Of quadrupeds the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimusj for his great strength, 
activity, cunning and ferocity is pre-eminent. This animal is the terror of 
all smaller and less powerful tribes whether terrestrial or aquatic, as he is 
equally at home on the land, in the water and on the ice Exploring 
parties suffer much from his attacks upon their caches of provisions, which 
though constructed with great care and labour generally fall an easy prey 
to these tigers of the ice. Captain Hall states, on the authority of the 
natives, that the Bear in his conflicts with the Walrus ascends the cliffs 
and hurls enormous stones upon the head of his prey, fracturing the skull. 
Most writers agree that he does not attack man except when provoked or 
wounded, and McClintock says no instance is known to the contrary. 
