300 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
present in one other mammal, namely, Hoffmann’s Sloth: this 
does not apply to the Dugongs or to Rhytina. 
It was noticed that the Manatee formerly in the Zoological 
Gardens was unable to move when its tank was dry, from which 
it may be inferred that its habits are entirely aquatic, and that it 
cannot progress upon land. It inhabits the shores and rivers of 
Eastern South America and Western Africa, feeding exclusively 
on water-weeds. The animal now in the Gardens is fed on 
lettuces. In its motion through the water there are none of the 
lateral movements characteristic of Seals; the flexions of the 
body are vertical. It puts the tips of its flippers into its mouth 
somewhat like a cat licking its paws. 

































































The Manatee is said to have been trained to come to a call, 
for though having no external ears there is a small outer opening 
for the ear, with a drum and ossicles, differing essentially from 
fish, which have only internal ears and no drum, and not receiving 
definite sounds. It is hunted by the Indians of South America 
for food, the flesh being highly prized, and described as resembling 
pork; it also furnishes a clear oil, which does not become rancid. 
Above is a sketch of the animal now in the Gardens; it is a 
young one, and has yet to grow considerably. 
It will be noticed that there is no trace of hind limbs 
externally, and in the skeleton only two small girdle bones 
represent them. Like the Whale, it has to come to the surface 
of the water from time to time to breathe; in the tank at the 
Gardens it comes up every two and half minutes. 
The South American Manatee which lived for some time in 
the Westminster Aquarium was described in ‘ The Zoologist’ of 
1878 (p. 285), from which some facts in the above account have 
been taken. To this the reader may be referred for a description 
of the very singular mode of feeding in this animal, effected by 
