“ The upper canines are developed in adults of both sexes into immense tusks, each from 15 inches to 2 feet long and weighing 10 pounds and upward. In some individuals the points converge toward, and in others they diverge from each other. The most important function of these tusks is digging shell fish, the favorite food of the walrus, out of the banks and mud of shoal water. They also raise the body out of the water, by digging into ice floes, which probably gave rise to the legend of the rosmarine ”

“ Walruses are gregarious, and are found on the seashore and on ice floes; some keep guard while those of the main body sleep, and when danger threatens the sentinels awaken the others by bellowing. They are said to be monogamous, and the female brings forth at nine months one calf, usually on the ice floes. In disposition they are quiet and inoffensive, unless attacked or during the love season, or if their young are in danger; when they become desperately aggressive, and furiously attack the hunters on the ice or in boats. ”