234- STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



The manatee, or as it is sometimes called, the sea cow, is 

 about sixteen feet or more in length, and several feet in cir- 

 cumference ; it is covered with a black rough skin, upon 

 which axe large wrinkles and inequalities, particularly on the 

 sides, and is scantily supplied with hairs. The breasts, upon 

 which are two fleshy fins about a foot and a half in length, 

 resemble those of a woman : the tail is somewhat like a whale's. 

 The head is like that of a hog, and the nostrils like those of an 

 p^c. It ha.s. auditory holes, but no external ears. The eyes, 

 which are very small, are placed between the ears and snout. 

 Its mouth is large, and beset with bristles on each side ; 

 without teeth in the front, and its tongue is so small as to be 

 scarce seen in the mouth : its neck is very short. Most com- 

 monly, it is found in fresh water rivers, but sometimes on 

 the coast: it never quits the water entirely. The flesh of the 

 manatee is fat, and much like veal. 



The bats are twice as large as those of England, and are 

 without tails. They are covered with brown hair, of which 

 the texture is very soft and fine. The inhabitants usually 

 sleep in hammocks, so that the feet are mostly uncovered : 

 whilst they are asleep, the bats often open the veins of the 

 feet without waking them, and then suck till they are satisfied ; 

 and the person upon waking finds himself faint, and his feet 

 bathed in blood. They make similar attacks upon cattle. 



