204 MAMMALIA. 
which soon disappear. Vestiges of nails are discoverable on the 
edges of their fins, which they employ with tolerable dexterity in 
carrying their young, and in creeping; hence the comparison of 
these organs with hands, and the name of Manatus applied to the 
animal, of which Zamantin is a corruption. From their manner of 
living, they are also called Sea Cows, &c., and from their mammez, 
Mermaids, &c.—Trichechus manatus, bint! 3; Buff. XIII, vii. 
They are found near the mouths of rivers in the hottest parts 
of the Atlantic Ocean, and it appears that those of the American - 
rivers are specifically different from those of Africa.(1) They 
grow to the length of fifteen feet. Their flesh is used as food. 
Hauicorg, Illig.(2)—Dueone, Lacep. a. 
Grinders composed of two cones laterally united; the teeth implanted 
in the incisive bone are permanent, and increase to such an extent 
as to become true pointed tusks, but covered by thick fleshy lips, 
bristled with mustachios. The body is elongated, and the tail 
terminated by a crescent-shaped fin. One species only is known, the 
Hal. dugong; Siren; Sea Cow, &c.; Renard, Poiss. des Indes, 
pl. xxxiv, f. 180; Home, Phil. Thane. and F’. Cuv. Mammif. 
(The Dugong.) It inhabits the Indian Ocean, and is freq 
confounded by travellers with the Manatus. 
STELLERUS, Cuv.—Rytina, Illig.(3) . 
The Stelleri appear to have but a single compound grinder on each 
side, with a flat crown, and bristled with plates of enamel. Their 
fins have not even the little nails observed on those of the Manatus. 
According to Steller, the first, and hitherto the only one who has de- 
scribed them, their stomach also is much more simple. 
One species only is known, which is confined to the north 
part of the Pacific Ocean.(4) 
FAMILY I. 
CETACEA ORDINARIA. 
The Ordinary Cetacea are distinguished from the preceding 
by the singular apparatus from which they have received the 
(1) See Oss. Foss. tom. I. 
(2) Halicore, Maid of the Sea. 
(3) Rytina, wrinkled. 
(4) Nov. Comm, Petrop. II, 294, et seq. Ithas never been figured. 
