THE NORTHERN SEA-COW 1 69 



and the lack of sufficient helpers, Steller was unable 

 to accurately study more than one stomach. These 

 parasitic worms hence remain for ever undescribed : 

 Riippell and Owen however found ascarides in the 

 allied dugong. 



The discovery of the rhytina was one of the many 

 side issues of the persistent search for the North- 

 West Passage. When one reflects on that long 

 long history of brave effort and persistent endeavour, 

 of heroic fortitude and calm resolve, one realises 

 indeed the feelings of the crew when on July 20th, 

 1879, the blue-yellow ensign of Sweden ran up the 

 masthead of the " Vega " and the Swedish salute 

 pealed over the icy sea. The sufferings of Barentz 

 and Behring, of Hudson and Franklin, were all 

 forgotten : the North- West Passage had been 

 achieved ! 



