The 'septum' of the nose is pierced, and the crescent-shaped tooth, of the dugong is worn in it on state occasions; large holes are also made in the ears, and a piece of wood as large as a bottle cork, and whitened with pipe clay, is inserted in them.
"The Overland Expedition of The Messrs. Jardine"
Frank Jardine and Alexander Jardine
As to the dugong he admits its resemblance to the mermaid, but repudiates the idea of its having given rise to the fable, by being mistaken for one.
"Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon"
J. Emerson Tennent
dugong, 68, 69. abundant at Manaar, 69. origin of the fable of the mermaid, 69. Dutch belief in the mermaid, 70. Eagles, 245. See Birds.
"Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon"
J. Emerson Tennent