14 The Manatee. 



one particular corner of its tank, and, folding its 

 flippers under it and closing its eyes, composes 

 itself apparently for a long and comfortable sleep, 

 which, however, never lasts more than two minutes 

 and a half, at the expiration of which time it is 

 forced to the surface for air. If, as we sincerely 

 hope may be the case, it should live to attain to 

 maturity, a new house will have to be provided for 

 it, as it would certainly outgrow its present tank. 

 As, however, the lives of all animals, especially 

 tropical ones, in confinement are somewhat pre- 

 carious, we would advise all our readers interested 

 in natural history, who are able to do so, to lose no 

 time in paying a visit to this interesting representa- 

 tive of a very old-world but steadily-diminishing 

 race. 



