New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-28
SEA COWS At THE MUSEUM
THEY WERE KILLED AND EATEN-THEIR RE
MAINS FOR THE MUSEUM COLLECTION
WITH THAT OF MR. CROWLEY.

Jeauness Richardson, the taxidcrmfst at the Museum
OF Natural History, has been occupied for week
with the preparation Of two seacows, manatecs for
the Museum collection. They purchased for the
Museum by Morris X. Jcssup, the president. These
are especially interesting from belonging to the species
which were formerly found in the Florida rivers in
great numbers but arc now disappearing rapidly, and
In few years will probably become extinct. Other
varieties are found In the West Indian islands and
along the South American and African coasts, but
they differ in several important features from the
Florida sea-cow.
The manatce in appearance Is like q small whale
Those purcha by the Museum about eight feet
long and the body at its thicest portion three feet
in diameter; their weight about 800 pounds each
In the geological scale these mammals represent that
stage Of development between the seal and the whale
They amphbious, and formerly found in
herds in rivers running into the sea they per-
fectly harmless living grasses and other vegetable
life, and were easily tanned when captured. They
have tail like the whale and fins at each shoulder
shaped like hands They will dive and remain under
the water for several minutes. but Obliged like
the whale the seal, TO to the surface at In
tervals to breathe.
The Museum specimens are a male and female
both young. They were brought to the city on a
sailing vessel last summer from Florida and pur-
chased for exhibition in museums and fairs. The
about ard fed on the freshly cut grass which was
furnished them They became SO tame that their
keeper would enter the water with them when clean
ing their tank, would stand the back Of Of
them while It carried him around the tank The
owner at first refused to sell them, but having no
facilities to for the animals during the winter
when they are extremely susceptible to the cold, he
was obliged reluctantly to let them CO. and HIS family
were overcome with grief at the loss At the Mu-
scum Mr.. Richardson kept them alive for some
time, all the officials became attached
to them, and 1t unpleasant duty TO kill Them
II the mcnagerie in Central Park had had the
to for the manatees Director Conklln would
have taken charge Of them for the winter.
The Is regarded great delicacy In the
localities where they are found, aud they hunted
largely for food. In Catholic communities 1t Is said
Is taken on Friday the priest and his parishioners
are able TO participate In the dclcacy on that day.
" hen the manaiees were killed al the Museum the
caterer who provides the meals in the building for
choice steaks tendcrolns. roasts and ribs. and for
week sea-cOw stcak has been on the bill OF fare
Some difference exists a. TO flavor OF the meat,
which all pronounced excellent either fish. flesh
fowl Mr.. Richardson thought the steaks had the
Juicy flavor of the buffalo, while Professor Bckmore
whose gastTonOmc experience in his varied travels
the earth has been larce, was certain that he
detected the peculiar flavor which Chinese epicures
extOl I'm birds nests, and Professor Allen. the
OrnlthOOgst, found in the meat that wild and gamey
flavor whicn Is only possessed by few birds IL
intended to send few of the choicest steaks 10
President Jesup, but his absence from the cty pre-
vented his enjoyment OF the delcacy. MIR. Richard
son expects 10 have the skeletons OF the manatees
and the skins prepared for the Museum COLLECTIONS
Of mammals during the winter, with lhat OF Mr.
Crowley, the chlmpanzee, who is undergoing the same
process