408 
THE STORY OF THE WALRUS. 
are, now at least, extremely rare. The tusks of females seldom exceed 
twenty inches in length. In the Pacific walrus the tusks are longer and 
thicker, and more convergent. 
Up to the year 1890 they were still found in innumerable herds where 
the waters of the Arctic Sea join with those of Behring Strait, and also in 
Behring Sea; but since that date their diminution has been rapid. Between 
the years 1890 and 1900 close on 2,000,000 gallons of walrus-oil, and 400,000 
pounds weight of ivory were obtained from these regions; thus representing 
the destruction of not far short of 100,000 animals. 
Our party once captured a young walrus and, after a few days, it felt 
at home and became a favorite among the crew. It quickly formed an 
acquaintance with an Eskimo dog which was on board. They ate out of 
the same dish, although “Jamie,” the walrus, took good care always to get 
the larger share. Whenever the dog went to his barrel to sleep, “Jamie” 
bundled right on top of him, and as doggie rebelled against such a bed¬ 
fellow, it usually ended in “Jamie” having it all to himself. He seemed to 
know his name well, for even if fast asleep, the instant one cried out “Jamie!” 
he would rouse up, gaze about, and grunt in reply. When alone on deck he 
appeared a picture of misery, endeavoring to make his way down “’tween 
deck” after the men. If the cabin door were open he at once waddled in, 
laid himself before the stove and went to sleep; but if the cabin were empty 
he would not remain a moment. After being on board four months, he fell 
ill and died. The expression of this creature’s countenance during his sick¬ 
ness was for sympathy from any one who came near. He took his medicine 
to the last, and when his dead body was thrown into the ocean, regret was 
felt by all on board. Even the dog mourned the loss of his strange com¬ 
panion. 
The walrus is found in vast herds, which frequent the coasts of the Arctic 
and Antarctic regions, and which congregate in such numbers that their 
united roarings have often given timely warning to the 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. 
The movements of the walrus when on land are of a very clumsy char¬ 
acter, as might be supposed from the huge, unwieldly body of the animal, 
and the evident insufficiency of the limbs to urge the weighty body forward 
with any speed. When this creature is hurried or alarmed, it contrives to 
