[Illustration: WALRUS.]
These enormous animals closely resemble seals, both in the shape of
their body and the structure of their limbs, but are distinguished by
the shape of their head, and by the enormous tusks which project from
their upper jaw. These remarkable weapons sometimes measure two feet in
length, and are of proportionate thickness. The great size of the bones
of the face required for holding these teeth renders their appearance
peculiarly striking, their nostrils being pushed so far upwards that,
instead of being situated at the extremity of the snout, they are placed
near the top of the head.
Their food seems to consist of sea-weed (which they detach from the soil
by means of these tusks, which act like garden rakes), as well as of
animal substances. They frequently measure from twenty to twenty-five
feet in length, and a full-sized Bull Walrus, weighing three thousand
pounds, will yield six hundred pounds of blubber, from which excellent
oil is procured. Its hide is used for harness, shoe soles, and the
rigging of ships, as well as for the manufacture of glue.