CHAPTER" V. 



Genus? — Steller; Steller us, C. 



JRylina, 111. Trichecus, Gmel. Manatus, Stell. 

 GENERIC CHARACTERS. 



The head is blunt, joined to the body by a short 

 indistinct neck, and has no external ears; the eyes 

 are defended by a sort of cartilaginous membrane 

 instead of lids; the nostrils are situated at the ex- 

 tremity of the snout; both upper and lower lips are 

 vertically divided. The anterior extremities end 

 in flippers similar to those of the sea-turtle. The 

 caudal fin is very broad, crescent shaped, and ter- 

 minates on each side by a large point. The skin 

 is hairless, but is defended by an uncommonly thick 

 epidermis, composed of fibres perpendicular to the 

 true skin. The stomach is simple; the intestines 

 upwards of 400 feet in length; the coscum of vast 

 size, and divided into huge pouches. 



Dental System. 



" r c 



•5 J 2 Upper j 2 Molar, 

 v | 2 Lower < 2 Molar. 



