224 THE OCEAN. 



peculiarly adapted ; the broad valleys of these re- 

 gions, parched up to barrenness in the dry season, 

 and then inundated, so as to resemble seas during 

 the periodical rains, would not be suited to the capa- 

 cities of a terrestrial ruminant ; but the aquatic 

 habits of the Manatee enable it to avail itself of the 

 rich and abundant vegetation of the watery expanse, 

 as well as to range the coast when it is parched up 

 by the returning drought. Being exclusively her- 

 bivorous, the flesh is highly esteemed ; its flavour is 

 thought to resemble that of excellent pork, though 

 by some it has been rather compared to beef. Hunt- 

 ing this animal is a favourite amusement in the 

 countries of its resort ; a party proceed in a small 

 boat to its haunt, furnished with a harpoon, to 

 which is attached a stout line ; when the weapon 

 is infixed, the creature dives; in the meanwhile the 

 boat is rowed ashore, and the Manatee, exhausted 

 by its efforts to escape, is drawn on land by the 

 cord, and despatched. Many of its habits are ex- 

 ceedingly interesting: it is fond of sporting in the 

 water, and leaping from the surface in the manner 

 of the true Cetacea. Such is the attachment evinced 

 by these animals for each other, that it is said, when 

 one is harpooned, the rest of the herd will assemble, 

 and endeavour to drag out the harpoon with their 

 teeth. When basking on the shore, the young are 

 collected into the centre of the group for protec- 

 tion, and if a calf has been killed, the mother will 

 suffer herself to be secured without effort; while, 

 on the other hand, if the dam be taken, the young 

 will follow the boat to the shore. 



