THE GIANT SQUID. 
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A large specimen, called MoroteutMs robusta , found in Alaska by Mr. Dali, is allied here. 
Three mutilated specimens were seen, the largest measuring fourteen feet in length. Certain 
parts of the structure of the “pen” recalls the Beleminites. 
The last family is the Ommastrephidce , in which the body is long and tapers to a point 
behind. The arms are short, and without hooks, but furnished with two rows of suckers ; the 
tentacular arms are not retractile, but terminate in an expanded club, armed with four rows 
of suckers. The eyes have lids, and the cornea is perforated so that the salt water penetrates 
and bathes the lens. The typical genus is Ommastrephes, of which one species, 0. illecibrosus , 
is the most common Squid north of Cape Cod. Economically, it is an important article ; its 
use for bait by the deep-sea fishermen is very extensive. It swims in large shoals, and is 
frequently seen following shoals of young mackerel for food. Prof. Verrill once told me of 
his observing a large specimen while it was making havoc among some fishes. It advances 
stealthily, says Prof. Verrill, toward the intended victim by undulations of the fins, when it 
suddenly seizes it by means of the tentacular arms, and kills it by biting the back of the neck 
with their powerful parrot-bill jaws. As these creatures swim or dart backwards, it is a ques- 
tion how do they so quickly seize upon their prey. In fact, they dart with great swiftness 
backwards, and then turn obliquely and throw the tentacles to the victim, which close over it 
like the blades of forceps. 
Many quaint old stories are extant concerning these creatures, or imaginary forms called 
Poulpes. Bishop Pontoppidan, of Norway, is responsible for one notable drawing, which is 
published in his “ History of Norway,” and reproduced in numerous later publications. One 
description of this creature, which stranded in Ireland, was published in 1673, and is as 
follows: “This monster was taken in Dingle I Cork, in the county of Kerry, being driven 
up by a great storm ; having two heads, one great head out which sprung a little head, two 
foot or a yard from the great head. With two great eyes, each as big as a pewter dish, the 
length of it being about nineteen foot, bigger in the body than any horse, having upon the 
head ten horns, some of six, some of 8 or ten One of eleven foot long, the biggest horns as big 
as a mans Leg, the least as big as his wrist, which horns it threw from it on both sides, And 
to it again to defend itself having two of the ten horns plain, and smooth that were the middle 
and biggest horns. The other eight had one hundred Crowns apeece, placed by two and two 
on each of them, in all eight hundred Crowns, each Crown having teeth, that tore anything 
that touched them, by shutting together the sharp teeth, being like the wheels of a watch, the 
Crowns were as big as a mans thumb, or something bigger. Over this monster’s back was 
a mantle of a bright red color, with a fringe round it, it hung down on both sides like a carpet 
on a table, falling back on each side, and faced with white — : the Crowns and mantle were 
glorious to behold. This monster had not one bone about him, nor skin, nor scales, nor feet 
but had a smooth skin like a man’s belly. It swoom by the lappets of the mantle. The little 
head it could dart forth a yard from the great, and draw it in again at plesure, being like a 
hawks beak, and having in its little head two tongues, by which it is thought it received all 
its nourishment. When it was dead and opened the liver wayed 30 pounds.” 
Any one that has seen the Giant Squids that have recently been discovered, will at once 
recognize the above as a faithful description of the same. 
Whalers have long been in the habit of telling that the sperm whales live on Squids of 
great size, portions of the latter being often found in the stomachs. Yet it has so chanced 
that science comes tardily to recognize them. 
The first reliable account we have on record is in the year 1873. The jaws of a large Squid 
were described as taken from the Grand Banks. Since that time, nearly thirty specimens of 
the species have been seen. 
These are referred to three species — Architeuthis princeps , A. harveyi , and A. megaptera. 
Some five or six species have been described from other parts of the world. Those of our 
coasts are all from Newfoundland or Grand Banks. The Irish specimen measured thirty-one 
feet. Measurements of some of the American specimens are as follows : One from the coast of 
Labrador, which was used for dogs’ meat before it could be saved for other purposes, measured 
fifty-two feet, the tentacles being thirty-seven, leaving fifteen feet as the length of the body. 
