MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 183 
exaggerated. From the mode of its capture might we not 
presume this to be the Basking Shark (Selachus maximus) ? 
On the 15th January, 1851, a shark eleven feet in length 
was captured with a hook and line at Ireland Island, and 
when opened, was found to contain the head and fore quarter 
of a calf with the skin upon them, also two turtles with 
shells about nine inches in length, and a few other delica- 
cies. One of the turtles appeared to have been killed but 
a short time; the heads of both had disappeared. The 
species of this shark was not ascertained.—J. L. H. 
YELLOW FEeveR.—It is customary with many of the medi- 
cal profession in the Islands of Bermuda, to describe yellow 
fever as an epidemic, generated by local causes existing in 
the atmosphere, which local causes are ascribed tothemiasma 
of swamps, ill ventilated and dirty streets, crowded convict 
hulks, and so forth. Then the disease is stated by them to 
be neither infectious or contagious in its nature; and in 
support of these views scientific terms and professional sta- 
tistics are largely appealed to. 
Iam quite aware that the opinion of a mere non-pro- 
fessional individual can have little or no weight in the esti- 
mation of these gentlemen. Notwithstanding this dis- 
couragement, let us enquire into the truth of these assertions, 
and endeavour to approach the real character of the disease. 
With regard to its beg generated by local causes—what 
is there in the shape of marshes, pools, etc., that can generate 
a deadly miasma? The marsh land of the Bermudas is 
trifling in extent, and from my own experience I can truly 
affirm, that the proximity of a marsh is neither unpleasant 
to the senses or prejudicial to health. Of stagnant pools, 
there are a few which give forth unpleasant exhalations 
