*The' Sea^Serpent Non^Existent l8l 



fishermen who had measured the body with a one-foot 

 rule, and had made all manner of wild statements 

 about it having six legs, both ends alike, etc., etc., 

 was reinstated, and gravely discussed de novo by 

 quasi-scientific gentlemen who should have known 

 better. 



In conclusion, although it is not necessary to give 

 a list of all the various appearances which have simu- 

 lated the Sea-serpent for excited observers, it may be 

 stated with the utmost plainness that none of the 

 reports of Sea-serpents made yet have been such as 

 would stand a cross-examination without revealing 

 their true explanation or their true origin as fiction 

 pure and simple. And this may be truly said, without 

 in the least denying that the civilised world may one 

 day be startled by the appearance of some vast and 

 hitherto unknown monster from the depths of the 

 ocean. 



