APPENDIX. 331 



still further than does the Indian species from the Dugong 

 of the Australian coasts. 



Without a knowledge of the modifications of the dental 

 system of the immature individuals of the Halicore Taber- 

 naculi of Riippel its claim to specific distinction must re- 

 main very problematical : and it is the possession of this 

 information that has chiefly induced me to pronounce 

 so decidedly on the specific distinction of the Halicore 

 australis. 



The development and long retention of a sixth small an- 

 terior tooth, of use in mastication, is a strong character of 

 the species ; but, passing from the analytical to the syntheti- 

 cal point of view, we may discern in this character, an ap- 

 proach to the Manatee — to that other generic form of 

 apodal pachyderm, or herbivorous Cetacean, with still more 

 numerous molar teeth, which still exists (Manatus, Cuv ) . 

 And thus is exemplified that tendency to the common 

 type, which is manifested in Halicore australis, as in other 

 animals, at an early stage of life, and which was lost as the 

 individuals approached maturity, when the numerical for- 

 mula of the molars of the Australian species was reduced to 

 the f | of the old Indian Dugongs. 



