MANATEES AND DUGONGS 
( Strenia) 
THESE animals on account of their aquatic habits have been 
frequently associated with the whales, but there seems no real 
relationship between them and it is probable that each has departed 
from the stock of the terrestrial mammals at a different point. 
Just what the affinities of the manatees are we have no more 
definite knowledge than in the case of the whales, nor does 
paleontology throw any light on the question. 
The resemblance between the manatees and whales is prac- 
tically limited to the flipper-like fore limbs, flat tail and scarcity 
or absence of hair on the skin. The tail of our manatee, how- 
ever, is not forked like that of the whales and the head is wholly 
different, relatively small and provided with a series of square- 
topped molar teeth, while some species have incisors as well. 
Only about eight species of these curious animals are known. 
THE MANATEES 
Family Trichechide 
This family includes only the manatees. The dugongs of 
the Old World and the peculiar Steller’s sea cow which formerly 
inhabited the north Pacific, being arranged in separate groups. 
Florida Manatee 
Trichechus latirostris (Harlan) 
Called also Sea Cow. 
Length. 9Q feet. 
Description. General shape cylindrical, neck short, not much con- 
tracted, forehead oblique, nose, as seen from the front, trian- 
gular, lips thick, upper one clothed with bristles and capable 

