628 FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 



are formed into paekages of two skins each, the hair being out, and in 

 this from are stowed in the company's steamers. They are counted by 

 Government agents both at the islands and at San Francisco, after 

 which they are shipped via New York to London, where they are plucked 

 and dyed. The commercial value of a dyed skin varies from $25 to $75, 

 the variation in price depending upon the fineness of the fur, and the 

 evenness and indelibility of the dyeing. 



It will be noticed that the same number of skins is not taken every 

 season ; this is due to the fact that the Alaska Commercial Company in 

 sustaining the trade has to agree, when the market is dull, not to take 

 the full quota allowed by law, otherwise the prices fall and the result is 

 loss to both parties. 



SIRENIANS. 



THE MANATEES. 



Two species of Manatees, Trichechus latirostris and T. manatus, occur 

 on our Southern coast, but not abundantly. The Florida Manatee for- 

 merly ranged from the more northern part of the Atlantic coast of that 

 State and along the Gulf coast, perhaps as far as the Mississippi Eiver. 

 At present it is confined to the southern part of Florida, occurring in 

 the most inaccessible regions, and being but very seldom seen. Mana- 

 tees are known to occur in the Indian River and the Saint Lucie on the 

 Atlantic side, and are reported to occur in the Myakka, the Caloosa- 

 hatchie, and other small rivers and streams south of Charlotte Harbor 

 on the Gulf coast. It is doubtful whether any occur to the westward 

 of Florida at the present time, except perhaps in Texas, where the 

 species is probably the South American form. There is credible tes- 

 timony to the appearance of a specimen near Saint Augustine, Fla., in 

 1874. The Florida Manatee is frequently stated by travelers to have a 

 length of 12 or 13 feet, but I do not know of any reliable measurements 

 of individuals of such great length. On account of the rarity of these 

 animals there is no regular industry connected with them, although 

 their flesh is said to be excellent meat and their hide forms an impervious 

 leather. The best observations on the habits of these animals relate 

 to specimens in zoological gardens and may not be quoted here. The 

 Florida Manatee should be carefully protected from destruction or it 

 will inevitably become extinct in a few years. 



THE RHYTINA. 



As the Rhytina docs not occur on the coast of the United States or 

 off any of its outlying provinces, it can scarcely claim attention in this 

 connection. A specimen was, however, sent to the Exhibition from 

 Bering Island, being one of a valuable collection made by Dr. Stejneger 

 at that place. There is very little new to add to the history of the spe- 



