296 A BOOK OF .WHALES 



as is elsewhere the case in the animal world, by a 

 sensitive beak. Grain has been found in the stomach 

 of this dolphin ; but Dr. Anderson believes that its 

 presence is accidental and not deliberately caused by 

 the dolphin. The most generally used vernacular 

 term for this Cetacean is Susu ; this and some of the 

 other expressions used by natives in different parts 

 of its range are onomatopoetic words intended to 

 imitate the sound made during spouting. As every- 

 thing that breathes seems to form the food of some 

 tribe or individuals, it is unnecessary to state that the 

 Susu is devoured by many natives. 



The animal may reach a length of 9*5 feet, but is 

 not usually so large. As to external characters, the 

 most striking point which would be at first noticed 

 is the existence of a distinct neck. Its long snout 

 is curiously suggestive of that of the Gavial of the 

 same region of the world. 



The next genus, INIA, has only a rudimentary 

 dorsal fin, but large ovate pectorals. The teeth have 

 often a distinct additional tubercle. The maxillary 

 crests are not largely developed. The palatines are 

 separated in the middle line by the vomer. Scapula 

 normal. 



This genus, like Platanista, includes but a single 

 species. The genus itself is in some respects the 

 most central type of the Platanistidae. It is much 

 more un-dolphin-like than Pontoporia, but not so 

 highly abnormal in the bulk of its characters as is 

 Platanista. 



