740 



THE UNIVERSE. 



The naturalist even attributes the inexplicable disappear- 

 ance of some of our ships to these formidable tenants of the 

 ocean. He is so convinced of the truth of this fact that he 

 devotes one of the plates of Buffon's work to the exhibition 

 of it. We there see a monstrous cuttle-fish with flaming 

 eyes, the horrible arms of which are twined round the masts 

 of a ship of war, which they are tightly straining, while the 

 animal looks as if he would devour it. 



208. Marine Monster. Facsimile from the Work of Olaus Magnus : 

 De Gentibus Septentrionalibus. 



Trees themselves and plants, notwithstanding their calm 

 and peaceful life passed in the broad light of clay, have still 

 their legendary history and their superstitious traditions. 

 Some have become celebrated on account of the strange 

 animated progeny which has been attributed to their leafy 

 tops ; others for their medical or cabalistic power. Rous- 

 seau complained that plants had been defiled by transform- 

 ing them into disgusting remedies. We should be more 

 correct in accusing those who attribute ridiculous virtues to 

 them. 



Several water-birds were long considered to be the prod- 

 uce of certain trees which grow in the marshes or borders 



