8 



made ; in fact, where the tish bej^ins and the monkey 

 leaves off. The fish has large scales, spines on the back, a 

 square tail, and appears to be a species of chub. It is quite 

 perfect except the head, which only seems to have been re- 

 moved to make the joint. Total length, about sixteen 

 inches ; colour of monkey, dull slate ; the fish, its natural 

 colour ; and the whole in a state of excellent preservation. 



This specimen of Japanese manufacture was shown and 

 explained by Dr. Murie at the close of the lecture, as 

 were also several photographs of manatees, and other 

 animals of the order sirenia. The lecture, of which the 

 above is an abstract, was delivered without notes, and was 

 listened to throughout with the utmost attention. On re- 

 suming his seat. Dr. Murie was loudly and deservedly 

 applauded. 



Colonel Cox then rose, and in a few appropriate remarks 

 proposed that the cordial thanks of the Society be given to 

 Dr. Murie for his able, entertaining, and instructive 

 lecture. 



Mr. DowKER seconded the motion, and in the course of 

 his remarks asked Dr. Murie to what particular classes of 

 animals the order Sirenia was allied P 



Dr. MuEiE replied that the order might be placed be- 

 tween the cetaceous and the pachyderm —between the 

 whale and the hippopotami. As to the mermaids, pure and 

 simple they were only the manatees transformed into the 

 supposed shape of half women, half fish, by the imagination 

 of the poets, or by the old Grecian and Roman sailors, who 

 seeing animals of this tribe, transformed them into sweet 

 damsels playing on lutes. (Applause.) 



The cordial thanks of the Society were then awarded to 

 Dr. Murie, and having been suitably acknowledged by that 

 gentleman, the meeting adjourned. 



