THE GREAT SEA SERPENT. 395 



the time, and which, from the many affidavits proffered by respectable 

 individuals, as well as from other circumstances narrated, leaves no 

 manner of doubt as to the existence of some such animal." 



Well! one would think so. It looks convincing, and 

 there is a savour of philosophy about it that might lull 

 the suspicions of a doubting zoologist. What more could 

 be required ? We have accurate measurements and a 

 sketch taken of the animal as it lay upon the shore, minute 

 particulars of its outward form, characteristic portions of 

 its skeleton preserved in well-known museums, and any 

 amount of affidavits forthcoming from most respectable 

 individuals if confirmation be required. And yet, 



" Tis true, 'tis pity; 

 And pity 'tis 'tis true," 



the whole fabric of circumstances crumbled at the touch 

 of science. When the two vertebrae in the Museum of the 

 Royal College of Surgeons were examined by Sir Everard 

 Home he pronounced them to be those of a great shark of 

 the genus Selache, and as being undistinguishable from 

 those of the species called .the " basking shark," of which 

 individuals from thirty to thirty-five feet in length have 

 been from time to time captured or stranded on our coasts. 

 Professor Owen has confirmed this. Any one who feels 

 inclined to dispute the identification by this distinguished 

 comparative anatomist of a bone which he has seen and 

 handled can examine these vertebras for himself. If they 

 had not been preserved, this incident would have been cited 

 for all time as among the most satisfactorily authenticated 

 instances on record of the appearance of the sea serpent. 

 As it is, it furnishes a valuable warning of the necessity for 

 the most careful scrutiny of the evidence of well-meaning 

 persons to whom no intentional deception or exaggeration 

 can be imputed. 



