WALRUS. 
127 
and the largest of 11 feet, from the tip of the snout to the root of the tail. Other 
individuals have, however, been recorded, measuring somewhat more than 12 feet 
in total length; but the statements of 15 or even 16-feet walruses must be 
received with hesitation. There is still much uncertainty as to the weight which 
these animals will attain. Parry gives the weight of an immature female as 
1550 lbs.; while other trustworthy writers set down the weight of full-grown 
males at from 2250 to 3000 lbs. Larger weights have, indeed, been suggested, 
but it is probable that in those cases the estimates were far too high. In regard 
to the size of the tusks of the Atlantic walrus, a line pair mentioned by Mr. 
Allen had a total length of 24 inches, of which probably about 18 inches would 
have protruded from the jaw during life; the weight of each of these being 4 lbs. 
Others have, however, been obtained with a total length of 31 inches, and a weight 
of upwards of 8 lbs. apiece; but such are, now at least, extremely rare. The tusks 
of females seldom exceed 20 inches in length. In the Pacific walrus the tusks 
are said to be longer and thicker, and more convergent; but we have not met 
with any account of their maximum dimensions. 
In addition to this difference in the form of the tusks, the Pacific walrus has 
the muzzle proportionately broader and deeper, while the bristles on the upper lip 
are shorter and smaller. Important differences also occur in the form of the skull 
of the two varieties. 
The geographical range of the walrus has been considerably 
Distribution. . ® 1 . & J 
restricted in modern times owing to the incessant persecution of the 
animal in all accessible regions, and it is now exterminated in many places where 
it was formerly abundant. Its numbers have, indeed, been sadly diminished 
everywhere, and unless it receive prompt and efficient protection it is one of those 
creatures which stand a good chance of becoming extinct; this being more- 
especially the case with the Pacific variety. The Atlantic walrus was known in 
Europe during the latter part of the ninth century, and appears to have been 
hunted on the coast of Finmark about a century later, while by the year 1600 
walrus-hunting was a regular trade. Occasionally these animals wandered as far 
southwards as the coasts of Scotland; and they were abundant on many of the 
islands near the northern coast of continental Europe, and even on the shores of 
the continent itself; while eastward their range extended into Asia as far as the 
River Lena. Northwards the walrus appears to extend as far as vessels have 
penetrated. In 1600 it was very abundant on Cheric, or Bear Island, lying 
about two hundred and eighty miles to the northward of the North Cape, in 
Norway; no less than six or seven hundred having been killed on one occasion in 
six hours, while on another from nine hundred to a thousand were slaughtered in 
less than seven hours. The animals were accustomed to collect in large parties on 
the shore; and the plan adopted was first to shoot those nearest the sea, whose 
bodies then formed a barrier, cutting off the retreat of the rest. In less than eight 
years the walruses on Bear Island had become scarce and shy, and it was not long 
before they were completely exterminated. The retreating walruses were then 
followed to Spitzbergen and Greenland, and even there their numbers have so 
diminished that walrus hunting cannot be profitably conducted unless carried on in 
conjunction with whaling. Baron Nordenskiold states that at the present day 
