SYSTEM OF NATURE. 
19 
i 
sume to point out its similarity to the beasts of prey. 
There may be reason in hesitating whether it associate 
more naturally with the Belluae or the whales, but its sole 
connexion with the beasts of prey is to be found in ficti¬ 
tious figures, which give it a fancied resemblance to the 
seal. Now if we associate into one group all the marine 
Mammalia, as we do the aquatic birds, we shall find it 
much more easy to reconcile the differences in their struc¬ 
ture. The station supposed to be occupied by this group 
approximates it to four others, — Ferae, Primates, Belluae, 
and the true fishes, — thus :— 
Fer,®. 
a Primates, 
b 
CETE. C BELLUiE. 
D 
PISCES. 
At A I would place the seals : the walrus, though 
certainly constituting a distinct family, perhaps belongs 
to the same primary division of Cete, and as both have 
been so long associated with the Ferae, I need say 
nothing to enforce this view : at B I think the Manatidae 
will be naturally located. u They have two mammae on 
the chest, and mustachio-like hairs [on the upper lip] ; 
two circumstances which when observed from a distance, 
as they raise the anterior part vertically above the water, 
may give them some resemblance to man or woman, 
and hence have probably arisen those fabulous accounts 
of Tritons and Sirens which some travellers pretend to 
c 2 
