256 THE SOOSOO OF THE GANGES. 



vical vertebrae, eleven or twelve dorsal and twenty- 

 eight lumbar, in all fifty-six or fifty-seven. 



" They are found in great numbers," says Dr. 

 Roxburgh (Asiatic Researches^ vii. 170), " in the 

 Ganges, even so far up as it is navigable ; but seem 

 to delight most in the slow moving labyrinth of 

 rivers and creeks which intersect the delta of that 

 river to the south and east of Calcutta. When in 

 pursuit of the fish on which it feeds, it moves with 

 great velocity and uncommon activity; but at all 

 other times, so far as I have been able to observe, 

 its motions are slow and heavy, often rising to the 

 surface of the water to breathe. Between the skin 

 and flesh is a coat of pale-coloured fat, more or less 

 thick, according to the state of the animal. On 

 this the Hindoos set a high value, as an external 

 remedy of great efficacy in removing pains, &c. The 

 flesh is like lean beef, but so far as I can learn, the 

 natives never eat it. In the stomach of the one 

 examined, rice and fragments of shells were found, 

 and many living ascarides, about two inches long." 



