VEEMES. 63 



B. GORDIUS MAXIMUS Sea Long Worm. Plate VIII. fig. 1. 



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. 



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 Sea 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 ? That he had before him 

 this giant of the race, perfect in 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 VIII. fig. 1. 



