CETACEA. 117 



square crown, marked with two transverse elevations. Vestiges of nails 

 are discoverable on the edg-es of their fins, which they employ with tolera- 

 ble dexterity in carrying their young-, and in creeping-; hence the comparison 

 of these organs witli hands, and the name of Manatus applied to the animal, 

 of which Lamantin is a coiTiiption. From their manner of living, they are 

 also called Sea Cows, Mermaids, &c. 



They arc found near the mouths of rivers in the hottest pai-ts of the At- 

 lantic Ocean, and it appears that those of the American rivers are specifically 

 different from those of Africa. They grow to the lengtli of fifteen feet. 

 Their flesh is used as food. 



IIalicore, Illig.(l) 



Grinders composed of two cones laterally united; the teeth implanted in the 

 incisive bone arc permanent, and increase to such an extent as to become 

 true pointed tusks, but covered by tliick fleshy lips, bristled with musta- 

 chios. The body is elongated, and the tail terminated by a crescent-shaped 

 fin. One species only is known, the 



JIal. dugong; StJ-en,- Sea Cow,^c. (The Dugong.) It inhabits tlxe Indian 

 Ocean, and is frequently confounded by travellers with the Manatus. 



Stellekus, Cuv. 

 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 Stel- 

 ler, the first, and hitherto the only one who has described them, their sto- 

 mach also is much more simple. 



One species only is known, wliich is confined to the north part of tlic 

 Pacific Ocean. 



FAMILY II. 



CETACEA ORDINARIA. 



The Ordinary Cetacea are distinguished from the preceding by 

 the singular apparatus from which they have received the name of 

 Blowers. As a large quantity of water passes into their huge mouths 

 along with their prey, some way was necessary by which they could 

 get rid of it; accordingly, it passes through the nostrils by means of 

 a peculiar disposition of the velum palati, and is accumulated in a 

 sac situated at the external orifice of the cavity of the nose, whence, 



(1) Ilalicore, Maidoftlic Sea. 



