f 
26 
which and the Carolina hipes, I have already pointed 
out some striking resemblances.^ 
If 1 do not greatly mistake, Mr. Ellis has figured 
two distinct species of Siren. The smaller animal 
(B.) seems to be the Siren which I have particularly 
attended to. It is, certainly, upon the whole, more 
nearly allied to my animal than is the larger one, 
which, if it be correctly represented, cannot be the 
Siren which I have before me. — Upon the Avhole, al- 
though T am not yet prepared, and indeed, have not 
time, to exhibit a full view of all the differences be- 
tween Mr. Ellis’s large Siren and my animal, I ra- 
ther incline to believe, that they are two distinct spe- 
cies, or at least two strong marked varieties. Or, 
possibly, they are only the different sexes. Future 
inquiries will completely determine these points. 
Of these two Sirens, and of two or three others of 
which I have some knowledge, I intend to publish, at 
some future, (but not, I fear, very near) period, a full 
and particular account, illustrated by accurate engra- 
vings, for which several drawings are already prepa- 
red,! Ill meainvhile, I shall only observe, that 
South-Carolina possesses a large four-footed Siren ; 
and that a species (probably the very same,) with 
four feet also, has been seen and examined by one 
of my pupils,! in iii® neighbourhood of the Bed- 
river, which empties itself into the Mississippi. The 
Louisiana animal was three feet in length, and six 
inches in circumference. 
May I flatter myself, that the time is not very dis- 
* See page 20. | S^e the prefatory Note, 
t; Dr. Peter Custis, of Virginia. 
