440 SEA MONSTERS UNMASKED. 



some of them of gigantic size, may have their ordinary 

 habitat in the great depths of the sea, and only occasionally 

 come to the surface ; and I think it not impossible that 

 amongst them may be marine snakes of greater dimensions 

 than we are aware of, and even a creature having close 

 affinities with the old sea-reptiles whose fossil skeletons tell 

 of their magnitude and abundance in past ages. 



It is most desirable that every supposed appearance of 

 the "Great Sea Serpent" shall be faithfully noted and 

 described ; and I hope that no truthful observer will be 

 deterred from reporting such an occurrence by fear of the 

 disbelief of naturalists, or the ridicule of witlings. 



