592 



THE MANATEE, OR COW-FISH. 



also an inch or more in thickness. The fins of the fore-limbs, 

 consist of bones exactly corresponding to those of the human 

 arm, with five fingers at the extremity — every joint distinct, 

 although completely encased in its thick inflexible skin. 



The manatee ranges from the mouth of the Amazon to the 

 upper waters. It feeds on the grass growing on the borders 

 of the lakes and rivers. It swims at a rapid rate, moved by 



THE MANATEE. 



the tail and paddles. The creature is hunted and killed by 

 the natives with harpoons, the flesh being much sought after. 

 The taste is somewhat between that of pork and beef The 

 natives dress it by catting the meat into small pieces and 

 sticking them on skewers, which they place in a slanting 

 position over the flames to roast. 



The female produces one, though sometimes two at a birth, 



