1881.] 



MISS A. CRANE ON THE MANATEE. 



457 



the area of these quarters appears somewhat limited when compared 

 with the bulk of the animals, the Manatees seem perfectly comfort- 

 able and, being of a sluggish disposition, rarely explore the whole of 

 their small domain. Nor do they, so far as I have observed, avail 

 themselves of the shallowness of the water and, by supporting their 

 bodies on the tail-fin, keep their heads above the surface and avoid 

 the constant repetition of the upward movement in order to 

 breathe the necessary air. They habitually rest side by side at the 

 bottom of the tank, with the caudal fin stretched out quite straight, 

 and the tips of the fore fins just touching the ground (see sketch). 



Sketch of the Manatee in the Brighton Aquarium. 



Thence they rise gently, often with the least perceptible movement 

 of the tail and flapping motion of the paddles, raising the upper part 

 of the body until the head reaches the surface, when the air is 

 admitted through the nostril flap valves, which are closely shut after 

 the operation, and the original and usual position is gently resumed. 

 They seem generally to be compelled to rise to the surface for aerial 

 respiration every two or three minutes ; but the interval between 

 respiration varies much at different times. In one quarter of an hour, 

 during which one was carefully timed, it rose nine times, at very 

 irregular intervals. I have been informed that they occasionally 

 remain under water for a much longer period; but have never 

 observed them to exceed six minutes, although I have timed them 

 before and after feeding, and at all hours of the day. The respi- 

 ratory movement appears to be repeated almost mechanically and 

 without effort. 



When the water is run off in the early morning, the animals are 

 left stranded on the floor ; and the strength latent in the caudal 

 fin becomes apparent, as it is struck violently on the dry floor of 

 their tank when they are aj)proached or disturbed. But the Manatees 

 rarely make any serious attemjit at progression, merely rolling lazily 

 over from side to side. Indeed the small fore paddles seem ludi- 

 crously inadequate for the support of the unwieldy body in the act 

 of terrestrial locomotion, although the animals move with easy 

 grace in their native element. The fore fins are then often 

 employed, when swimming slowly, the tips being applied to the 



Proc. Zool. Soc— 1881, No. XXX. 30 



