254 



Fifteenth Genus. — SOOSOO. 



llie beak is long, slender, compressed at the sides, and ex- 

 panded at the extremity, so that it is larger at this part 

 than in the middle ; it is also somewhat curved at its ter- 

 mination. 



THE SOOSOO OF THE GANGES. 

 PLATE XXVIII. 



Soosoo Gangeticus, Lesson. — Delphinus Gangeticus, Roxburgh, 

 Leheck, &c Platanista of Fr. Cuvier. 



Of all the beaked Dolphins, says Cuvier, the most 

 extraordinary, and that perhaps -which most merits 

 being formed into a distinct genus is the Soosoo of 

 the Ganges. 



This genus at present comprehends but one living 

 species, vrhich is generally described under the name 

 of the Dolphin of the Ganges ; the name Soosoo is 

 that given it by the natives in Bengal. Cuvier 

 thinks it is probably the Platanista of Pliny. The 

 bony frame-work proves the peculiarities of this 

 genus more than any other portion of it, and on 

 this Cuvier dwells wdth his wonted acuteness. 

 f L. C 279.) Of the manifest characters, the great 

 lateral compression of the lower jaw, which approxi- 

 mates the two rows of teeth, and the great length of 

 the symphysis, are the most remarkable. Accord- 



