20 Maynard on the Mammals of Florida. 



their horns and the does are heavy with young, which they 

 drop in March. Before the moult the hair is of a bluish 

 color, but after shedding they take on a sleek coat of fine 

 reddish hue. This animal is found in all sections, even 

 on the Keys. They inhabit small islands where they can 

 obtain little or no fresh water, yet Deer from these localities 

 are noticeably larger than those from the mainland. Of 

 this fact I have been assured by Lord Parker, an English 

 gentleman who has spent several winters in Florida, and 

 who has killed a large number of these animals in all sec- 

 tions of the state. 



12. Trichechus manatus Linn. Manatee. — This sin- 

 gular animal is found in large numbers about the inlets of 

 Indian River, and Capt. Dummett informs me that he has 

 captured specimens as far north as his place, which is within 

 five miles of the head of the river. I have been informed 

 by creditable authorities that it is remarkably abundant 

 upon the western coast in the various rivers and creeks 

 which abound between Tampa Bay and Cape Sable. I have 

 never seen it in Mosquito or Halifax Lagoons and am con- 

 fident that it does not occur there. This species is said to 

 feed upon the leaves of the mangrove during the night. 

 It does not now occur on the west coast, thus it is confined 

 to the Indian River, where possibly a few may still be found ; 

 but the species is nearly extinct in Florida. 



13. Delphinus erebennus Cope. Porpoise. — A large 

 number of Porpoises, which I take to be this species, occur 

 abundantly about the bays, salt water rivers and along 

 the entire coast of Florida. It is also probable that a sec- 

 ond species may he found. 



14. Lasiurus noveboracensis Gray. — Red Bat. Com- 

 mon in the more northern sections of the state, frequenting 

 the woods. During the day they rest hanging head down- 



