224 THE OCEAN. 
peculiarly adapted; the broad valleys of these re- 
gions, parched up to barrenness in the dry season, 
and then inundated, so as to resemble seas during 
the periodical rains, would not be suited to the capa- 
cities of a terrestrial ruminant; but the aquatic 
habits of the Manatee enable it to avail itself of the 
rich and abundant vegetation of the watery expanse, 
as well as to range the coast when it is parched up 
by the returning drought. Being exclusively her- 
bivorous, the flesh is highly esteemed ; its flavour is 
thought to resemble that of excellent pork, though 
by some it has been rather compared to beef. Hunt- 
ing this animal is a favourite amusement in the 
countries of its resort; a party proceed in a small 
boat to its haunt, furnished with a harpoon, to 
which is attached a stout line; when the weapon 
is infixed, the creature dives; in the meanwhile the 
boat is rowed ashore, and the Manatee, exhausted 
by its efforts to escape, is drawn on land by the 
cord, and despatched. Many of its habits are ex- 
ceedingly interesting: it is fond of sporting in the 
water, and leaping from the surface in the manner 
of the true Cetacea. Such is the attachment evinced 
by these animals for each other, that it is said, when 
one is harpooned, the rest of the herd will assemble, 
and endeavour to drag out the harpoon with their 
teeth. When basking on the shore, the young are 
collected into the centre of the group for protec- 
tion, and if a calf has been killed, the mother will 
suffer herself to be secured without effort; while, 
on the other hand, if the dam be taken, the young 
will follow the boat to the shore. 
