CURIOUS CREATURES. 265 



happens to make an attack upon a shipwrecked mariner 

 or a child. If, however, the animal is turned over, it 

 loses all its power; for when it is thrown upon its 

 back, the arms open of themselves. 



" The other particulars which the same author has 

 given, appear still more closely to border upon the 

 marvellous. At Carteia, in the preserves there, a 

 Polypus was in the habit of coming from the sea to the 

 pickling tubs that were left open, and devouring the fish 

 laid in salt there for it is quite astonishing how eagerly 

 all sea animals follow even the very smell of salted 

 condiments, so much so, that it is for this reason that 

 the fishermen take care to rub the inside of the wicker 

 fish-kipes with them. At last, by its repeated thefts 

 and immoderate depredations, it drew down upon itself 

 the wrath of the keepers of the works. Palisades were 

 placed before them, but these the Polypus managed to 

 get over by the aid of a tree, and was only caught at 

 last by calling in the assistance of trained dogs, which 

 surrounded it at night, as it was returning with its prey ; 

 upon which, the keepers, awakened by the noise, were 

 struck with alarm at the novelty of the sight presented. 



" First of all, the size of the Polypus was enormous 

 beyond all conception : and then it was covered all over 

 with dried brine, and exhaled a most dreadful stench. 

 Who could have expected to find a Polypus there, or 

 could have recognised it as such, under these circum- 

 stances ? They really thought that they were joining 

 battle with some monster, for at one instant, it would 

 drive off the dogs by its horrible fumes, and lash at them 

 with the extremities of its feelers ; while at another, it 

 would strike them with its stronger arms, giving blows 

 with so many clubs, as it were ; and it was only with 



