220 THE VARIOUS ACCOUNTS , . [Niaa 1] 
may have a breadth of about two inches and a distance of one 
foot between them. This phenomenon or appearance, as already: 
stated, is often to be seen in our zoological gardens on sea-lions 
and seals. | 
In the Philosophical Magazine, Vol. LIV, 1819, Dr. Rarinesaur 
Says : ig 
“Dr. Mitchill informs me that General Hawkins has written a 
memoir on the sea-serpent of Massachusetts, which he has sent, 
with a drawing, to Sir Joseph Banks; it is a paper of some length, 
and much interest, as it relates facts, and all the circumstances 
attending the appearance and natural history of those huge animals, 
taken upon oath of eye-witnesses. He attempts to prove, with much 
probability, that several individuals have been seen, and two at 
least , if not three species; one with three collars, another without 
any, and a smaller one.” 
In Stuuiman’s Am. Journ. Sc. Arts, Vol. I, 1820, I have found 
the following extract from a letter ' the Editor, dated Boston , 
April 8, 1820: 
“1 have lately received a letter from Sir Joseph Banks, written 
by his own hand, in which he expresses his full faith in the 
existence of our Serpent in the Sea, and not only as it regards 
himself, but his friends, and he is grateful for every new commun- 
ication I have given him on that subject, and writes with the 
same enthusiasm that he did several years ago. Although he is now 
very infirm.” 
Evidently this was a letter from General Hawkins. 
Professor Bensamin Sinuiman, the Editor of this journal adds: 
“Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society of London, 
the Companion of Capt. Cook, is now at a very advanced age but 
still vigourous in his intellectual powers, and ardent in the pro- 
motion of every species of useful knowledge.” 
In Mr. A. pe CapretL Brooxr’s TZ'ravels through Sweden, we 
find at p. 41]: 
“For a length of time the most extraordinary accounts were cir- 
culated relating to it, till at last the whole story was generally 
considered as the fabric of American invention; and there are 
many, I believe, in this country” (Great Britain) “who do not 
consider it in any other light than that of a hoax. Judging, how- 
