29 
similar animals of wliich we have acquired our prin- 
cipal knowledge since the crepusculum viiae of the 
great Swedish naturalist ; in regard, I say, to the 
generic name Siren, I hope it will ultimately be ex- 
punged from the books of natural history ; so far, at 
least, as it is made to apply to the Mud EeF’ of 
America, and to its immediate congenerees. I need 
hardly mention to you, what were the circumstances 
which induced Linnseus to call the American animal 
Siren. He entertained the highest opinion of Hr. 
Garden, from whom he learned the very improbable 
tale, that the Siren, at a particular season, sings, 
or utters a plaintive note, considerably similar to 
that of young ducks, but more shrill, and clear.’^^ 
I have just intimated that I do not think there is any 
foundation of the Siren’s history. The cantus of 
the animal has never once been mentioned to me, by 
any of the many persons, — acquainted with the Si- 
ren in his native domains, — with whom I have con- 
versed, on the subject of this animal. Neither my- 
self nor others, who have assiduously attended to the 
two living Sirens in Philadelphia, during a period 
of little less than twelve months, have ever heard the 
animals utter a sound like that which Garden and 
Linnseus have mentioned. It is probable that Gar- 
den received his information from the Negroes, who, 
although they certainly see more of the Siren than the 
white inhabitants do, are not the best authorities in 
Natural History. 
But the Siren is not wholly mute. At times, he is 
heard to give out a hissing noise, but no. ways enti- 
t See a preceding note. Page 16 
