The morse is said to roar or bellow loudly, but the animal we slew made no
outcry, for the half sneezing, half snorting sounds it uttered I conceive
to have been the consequence of its hasty dive, which had apparently
prevented its taking in sufficient breath, and occasioned it to admit some
water down its windpipe. Nevertheless, the immense size of its larynx or
thropple, which William dissected out and brought with him to England,
seems to indicate vast powers of voice in this animal; but I am at a loss
to conjecture why it should be provided either with this unusual capability
of "blaring," or with the exceedingly strong whiskers that arm its muzzle,
organs which, though nominally of little or no importance except in
Bond-street, must really be of consequence to the walrus, since their roots
are imbedded in two thick cushions of tough blubbery substance, so large as
to give a marked character to the countenance, and evidently pointing out
the growth and nourishment of these whiskers as a matter of some
consideration in the eye of nature.
* * * * *
SEAL'S WEDDING.
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