216 PLEASANT WAYS IN SCIENCE. 



out his knowledge, by Mr. E. Newman, the editor of the 

 Zoologist. Let us briefly inquire into "the circumstances 

 which suggest the belief. 



If we consider the usual account of the sea-serpent, we 

 find one constant feature, which seems entirely inconsistent 

 with the belief that the creature can be a serpent. The 

 animal has always shown a large portion of its length, from 

 20 to 60 feet, above the surface of the water, and without any 

 evident signs of undulation, either vertically or horizontally. 

 Now, apart from all zoological evidence, our knowledge of 

 physical laws will not permit us to believe that the portion 

 thus visible above the surface was propelled by the undula- 

 tions of a portion concealed below the surface, unless this 

 latter portion largely exceeded the former in bulk. A true 

 fish does not swim for any length of time with any but a very 

 small portion of its body above water ; probably large eels 

 never show even a head or fin above water for more than a 

 few seconds when not at rest. Cetaceans, owing to the 

 layers of blubber which float them up, remain often for a 

 long time with a portion of their bulk out of the water, and 

 the larger sort often swim long distances with the head and 

 fore-part out of water. But, even then, the greater part of 

 the creature's bulk is under water, and the driving apparatus, 

 the anterior fins and the mighty tail, are constantly under 

 water (when the animal is urging its way horizontally, be it 

 understood). A sea creature, in fact, whatever its nature, 

 which keeps any considerable volume of its body out of 

 water constantly, while travelling a long distance, must of 

 necessity have a much greater volume all the time under 

 water, and must have its propelling apparatus under water. 

 Moreover, if the propulsion is not effected by fins, paddles, 

 a great flat tail, or these combined, but by the undulations 

 of the animal's own body, then the part out of water must of 

 necessity be affected by these undulations, unless it is very 

 small in volume and length compared with the part under 

 water. I assert both these points as matters depending on 

 physical laws, and without fear that the best-informed 



