mi»<JJSJbi;A:NJ!iUUB UUBEKVATIONS. IbS 



exaggerated. From the mode of its capture might we not 

 presume this to be the Basking Shark (Selachm maximus) 1 



On the 15th January, 1851, a shark eleven feet in length 

 was captuied with a hook and line at Ireland Island, and 

 when opened, was found to contain the head and fore quarter 

 of a calf with the skin upon them, also two turtles with 

 shells about nine inches in length, and a few other delica- 

 cies. One of the turtles appeared to have been kiUed but 

 a short time ; the heads of both had disappeared. The 

 species of this shark was not ascertaiaed. — J. L. H. 



Yellow Fbvee. — It is customary with many of the medi- 

 cal profession in the Islands of Bermuda, to describe yellow 

 fever as an epidemic, generated by local causes existing in 

 the atmosphere, which local causes are ascribed to the miasma 

 of swamps, ill ventilated and dirty streets, crowded convict 

 hulks, and so forth. Then the disease is stated by them to 

 be neither infectious or contagious in its nature ; and in 

 support of these views scientific terms and professional sta- 

 tistics are largely appealed to. 



I am quite aware that the opinion of a mere non-pro- 

 fessional iadividual can have little or no weight in the esti- 

 mation of these gentlemen. Notwithstanding this dis- 

 couragement, let us enquire into the truth of these assertions, 

 and. endeavour to approach the real character of the disease. 



With regard to its being generated by local causes — ^what 

 is there in the shape of marshes, pools, etc., that can generate 

 a deadly miasma? The marsh land of the Bermudas is 

 trifling in extent, and from my own experience I can truly 

 affirm, that the proximity of a marsh is neither unpleasant 

 to the senses or prejudicial to health. Of stagnant pools, 

 there are a few which give forth unpleasant exhalations 



