PLxiTE LVII. 



The first of these, the Troglodytes of Bontius, Linnaeus had 

 previously described in his Systema Naturae, as a species of man, un- 



now combioed, it would be contrary to every known analogy in nature, and 

 to every indication we perceive in the object itself. By admitting soch an 

 explanation as above suggested, we at once arrive at a probable solution 

 of the appearance which the former designs exhibit. But we have even 

 then to learn by what singular metamorphosis the split caudal iin of one of 

 the squali has become the tail of the common Salmon ! and how at the same 

 time the anal fin became of greater magnitude than is usual in that fish. 



Having so minutely exemplified the characters of this compound being, 

 it will not be amiss to notice the conclusions that have been deduced as to 

 its habits and manners of life. 



" On the lower part of the body (says the writer) it has seven fins, one 

 dorsal, two pectoral, three ventral, and the tail. The two pectoral and tw o 

 ventral are horizontal, and evidently formed to support the animal when it 

 is in the attitude generally described as seen, combing its hair ; and from 

 the number and situation of the fins, together with the assistance which the 

 hands give in swimming, it appears to be completely fitted for making a 

 rapid movement through the water." 



Every one is aware that the fins of the Salmon are small in proportion 

 to the magnitude of the body. We are to recollect however that the head 

 is also small, and pointed, and that its fins are therefore of sufficient size 

 and consequently power, to enable it to swim with facility, and even swift- 

 ness. But when we are told how happily this anomalous being is adapted 

 for swift movement in the water, the preponderating figure-head must be to- 

 tally forgotten. This being, if real, would have to carry and move as well 

 forward as in every other direction with a head, arms, and trunk perhaps 

 twenty times the weight of the head the Salmon is ordained to sustain, to say 

 nothing of the pointed form of the latter, which, as before observed, is so 

 well calculated to facilitate its progress. The Salmon we are told is an 

 excellent swimmer : this is very true, but the hapless Orajag-Outang 

 engrafted in its sldn cannot possibly swim, even for a few seconds. 

 This we know from the evidence of Labardierre, who by singular 

 chance has seen them in the water ; and who observes that they turn upon 

 the face and die with suffocation, unless very promptly rescued from their 

 danger. This observation of Labardierre, which is strictly to our purpose, 

 is the more remarkable since many animals of an unweildy form can 

 readily swim as we see exemplified itt the Ox, the Bear, and Horse, the 

 Dog, and many other animals j and which completely discountenances the 



