must therefore be
altered at least to 1854. With reference to this point it may be
remarked that many circumstances indicate that the Rhytina herds
were rather driven away from the rich pastures on Behring Island
than exterminated there, and that the species became extinct because
in their new haunt they were unable to maintain the struggle for
existence. The form of the sea-cow, varying from that of most recent
animals, besides indicates that, like the long-tailed duck on
Iceland, the dront on Mauritius, and the large ostrich-like birds on
New Zealand, it was the last representative of an animal group
destined to extinction.

Mr. OSCHE, one of the Alaska Company's skin inspectors, a native of
Liffland and at present settled on Copper Island, informed me that
the bones of the sea-cow also occurred on the western side of that
island. On the other hand, such bones are said not to be found on
the small island described farther on lying off the colony on
Behring Island, although Rhytina bones are common on the
neighbouring shores of the main island.

This is the scanty information I have been able to collect from the
natives and others resident in the quarter regarding the animal in
question. On the other hand, my endeavours to procure Rhytina bones
were crowned with greater success, and I succeeded in actually
bringing together a very large and fine collection of skeleton
fragments.

When I first made the acquaintance of Europeans on the island, they
told me that there was little probability of finding anything of
value in this respect, for the company had offered 150 roubles for a
skeleton without success. But before I had been many hours on land,
I came to know that large or small collections of bones were to be
found here and there in the huts of the natives. These I purchased,
intentionally paying for them such a price that the seller was more
than satisfied and his neighbours were a little envious. A great
part of the male population now began to search for bones very
eagerly, and in this way I collected such a quantity that twenty-one
casks, large boxes, or barrels were filled with Rhytina bones; among
which were three very fine, complete skulls, and others more or less
damaged, several considerable collections of bones from the same
skeleton, &c.

[Illustration: SKELETON OF RHYTINA SHOWN AT THE 'VEGA' EXHIBITION AT
THE ROYAL PALACE STOCKHOLM. (After a photograph.) ]

[Illustration: ORIGINAL DRAWINGS OF THE