ABOUT THE DUGONG. 425 



The anterior limbs of the dugong, which frequents the 

 shores of the Indian Ocean, are nail-less. 



The manatee sometimes attains the length of twenty 

 feet ; but neither the manatee nor the dugong often ex- 

 ceeds ten to twelve feet. They agree exactly in their 

 habits, living upon aquatic plants, sea- weed, and the usual 

 littoral vegetation. Their flesh is edible. 



