246 



VAR. 



Thichechui Clusii. 

 Clusius's Manati. 



In Clusius's Exotics is given a figure and de- 

 scription of a Manati from the West Indies ; but 

 it is not easy to ascertain the species. Clusius 

 says it had short nails and broad feet; and that 

 the tail was broad and shapeless. The Count de 

 Buffon, in his supplement, vol. 6. makes it a dis- 

 tinct species. Mr. Pennant suspects it to be the 

 same with the Guiana species above described. 



Trichechus Amazonius. 

 Oronoko Manati. Pennant. 



This is an inhabitant of the South- American 

 rivers, and is said to grow to an enormous size. 

 We are told by Father Gumilla, that one was 

 taken in a lake near the Oronoko, which was so 

 large that twenty-seven men could not draw it 

 out of the water. On cutting it open, two young 

 ones were found in it, which weighed twenty-five 

 pounds apiece. This species is said most to 

 abound in the river Amazons and the neighbour- 

 ing lakes. Sometimes, however, they are found 

 in the sea, and near the mouths of rivers. As an 

 article of food it is said to be superior to any other 

 animal of this genus, particularly the young. 



It is taken by means of harpoons. At the time 

 when the waters of the Oronoque (which annually 



