MANATEE', or LAMANTIN, Manatus, a genus of herbivorous cetacea or manatidcs (q.v.), readily distinguished by the rounded tail-fin, and further characterized by the presence of small flat nails at the edge of the swimming paws, and by the structure of the grinders, which have square crowns with two transverse ridges. The species, which are all inhabitants of tropical coasts, feed not only on algm, but on the plants which grow along tlte shore, and are rendered accessible to them by the which, after it has retired, often exhibit plain proofs of their browsing. They live chiefly in shallow bays and creeks, and in the estuaries of rivers, and often ascend rivers to a great distance from the sea. The best known species (41f. Amerieanus) is found in the West Indies and on the western coasts of tropical America. It sometimes attains a leng•th of 20 ft., and a weight of 8 or 4 tons. The skin is very thick and strong, and is almost destitute of hair. The fingers can be readily felt in the swimming paws, and, connected together as
they are, possess considerable power of motion, whence the name manatee (from Lat. inanus, a hand). The manatee is usually found in herds, which combine for mutual protection when attacked, placing the young in the center, When one is struck with a harpoon, the others try to tear out the weapon. The females show great affection for their young. No animal is more gentle and inoffensive than the manatee. It has been tamed and rendered familiar enough to come for food when called. Vast numbers were formerly found in places where it is now comparatively rare, as its capture is easy, and its flesh—which has been variously likened to beef and pork—is held in considerable esteem. A common name for the manatee is sea-cow.—Another species is found on the coast of Florida, and a third on the w. coast of Africa.