VERMES. 63 
B.—Gorpiws maxiuus—Sea Long Worm.—Plate Wi fet 
Though the history of the Gordius fragilis be involved in a con- 
siderable degree of perplexity, by its rarity, and by certain peculiarities 
of habit, together with my reluctance to destroy any part of what I had 
so little prospect of replacing, no hesitation can restrain the free exami- 
nation of the present subject, which may be considered the type of the 
genus, assigning only a provisional place to the other. 7 
The ignorant spectator of the Sea Long Worm, might at first sight 
precipitately conclude, that here is an animal designed by Nature only — 
to be rendered an inconvenience to itself. But were we aware of all the, 
works, and of what was designed by the wisdom of Providence, we 
should find some marvellous examples of Omnipotent Power, instead 
of simply wondering at the exhibition of immoderate and disproportioned 
dimensions. 
If the elephant be the most gigantic among the modern terrestrial 
quadrupeds, so may the Séa Long Worm be deemed in relation to all its 
fellows among the vermicular tribes of the deep. We behold the elephant 
as an entire and perfect: animal, or, if having undergone accidental muti- 
lation, we can determine the defective parts ; we can know the loss, and 
can compute the precise effect of restoration. But who can affirm that 
he has ever beheld the Sea Long Worm entire 2? That he had before him 
this giant of the race, perfect im its simplicity, or that he can conjecture 
what is truly wanting ? Or who can presume that those apparently of 
largest size shall grow no more ? 
To credit the fishermen of the regions where this creature dwells, it 
is found twelve yards in length ; nay, some even describe it as double 
that extent. But none of many falling under my notice, have exceeded 
ten feet, or little more. 
A specimen six or eight feet long is about a quarter of an inch 
broad when extended, and somewhat less in thickness. But it is, indeed, 
most difficult to judge of the actual and relative dimensions of an animal 
whose size and proportions are varying every moment.—Plate VII. fig. 1. 
