THE MAN ATI. 141 



the eyes are very small in proportion to the head ; and 

 the ear-holes are of so diminutive a size, that it is 

 scarcely possible to conceive that any sound could pe- 

 netrate through them : as a substitute for teeth, it has 

 a solid white bone running from the extremities of each 

 jaw, which enables it to chew, though not tear its 

 food ; and the tongue is so short as scarcely to be per- 

 ceptible : the breasts , of the female are placed like 

 those of a woman, and she carries her young in her 

 paws, presses it to her bosom, and never parts from it 

 until it is able to protect itself. 



The manati can scarcely be called an amphibious 

 animal, as it never entirely quits the water, merely ex- 

 tending its head and neck out of the stream to reach 

 the grass and vegetables which grow upon its sides, 

 upon which it entirely feeds. This animal chiefly in- 

 habits South America, though it is sometimes met 

 with in the Kamschatcan seas ; and now and then it is 

 found in the bays of India, quietly reclining among 

 the turtles, with which they abound. 



The fat of the manati, when exposed to the sun, 

 sends forth a remarkable pleasant smell, and the taste 

 of it resembles the oil of sweet almonds : the lean is 

 like beef, but of a redder colour, and may be kept a 

 long time in the hottest climate without acquiring any 

 taint, and is thought to possess the flavour of beef; 

 whilst the flesh of the young ones looks like veal, and 

 in taste is not unlike. Upon the whole, the flesh is al- 

 lowed to resemble turtle ; and, if equal pains were taken 

 in dressing, might probably be as great a treat. 



