MR Stirling's evidence. SI 9 



the fossil reptiles somewhat approaching the sea-serpent 

 in size and other characteristics, the orbit is very large ; 

 and, in this respect, as well as in having short paws or 

 flappers, the descriptions of the Northern sea-serpents 

 agree with the supposed appearance of some of the 

 antediluvian species." This important identification had 

 been suggested (probably, however, without Mr Stirling's 

 knowledge) nearly two years before, by Mr E. Newman, 

 r.L.S., the able editor of the Zoologist.^ 



The most valuable portion of Mr Stirling's communica- 

 tion is its closing paragraph: — "In concluding this hurried 

 statement, allow me to add my own testimony as to the 

 existence of a large fish or reptile of cylindrical form. (I 

 will not say sea-serpent.) Three years ago, while becalmed 

 in a yacht between Bergen and Sogn in Norway, I saw 

 (at about a quarter of a mile astern) what appeared to be 

 a laro'e fish rufflins: the otherwise smooth surface of the 

 fjord, and, on looking attentively, I observed what looked 

 like the convolutions of a snake. I immediately got my 

 glass, and distinctly made out three convolutions, which 

 drew themselves slowly through the water ; the greatest 

 diameter was about ten or twelve inches. No head was 

 visible, and from the size of each convolution I supposed 

 the length to be about thirty feet. The master of my 

 yacht, (who, as navigator, seaman, and fisherman, had 

 known the Norwegian coast and North Sea for many 



* To the philosophic candour with \\hich the Zoologist has been 

 opened to reports and discussions on such mooted questions as these, 

 natural history is much indebted. Not a little of the evidence adduced 

 in this chapter I have derived thence. 



