1 79 
of the Dugong . 
correspond, and become parallel with the elongated 
portion of the upper jaw. This portion of the lower 
jaw has eight alveolar excavations, which are some- 
times empty, and sometimes contain the rudiments 
of teeth. 
The vertebras are fifty two in number, seven to the neck, 
eighteen to the back, and twenty seven to the tail. 
Ribs, eighteen on each side. 
Sternum nearly a foot long, bifurcate at the apex, and 
articulated to the cartilages of the upper ribs. 
There is no pelvis or posterior extremities, but there are 
found opposite to the eighth or tenth lumbar vertebra 
two bones, one on each side, lodged in the flesh, 
which are narrow and flattened, and not above five or 
six inches in length. Scapulae broad and thick ; 
humerus short and strong, as is also the radius and 
ulna. The whole of these are firmly articulated to 
each other ; and though externally the fins offer no 
appearance of fingers, all the corresponding bones are 
found complete even to the last phalanges. 
The food of the dugong appears to consist exclusively of 
fuci and submarine alg£e, which it finds at the bottom of 
shallow inlets of the sea. The position and structure of the 
mouth, enables the animal to browse upon these vegetables, 
much in the same manner as a cow in a meadow ; and the 
whole structure of the masticating and digestive organs 
show it to be truly herbivorous. The flesh resembles young 
beef,, and is very delicate and juicy. The individual, of 
