APPENDIX. 
157 
grampus would have spouted, the shark never 
raises its head out of the water, and the porpoise 
skips and plays; neither have such appearances on 
their backs, or such a head as this animal. The shark, 
it is true, has a fin on its back, and often the fluke 
of his tail is out of the water; but these appendages 
would not display the form, and certainly not the 
number, of protuberances which this animal exhibited ; 
nor is it the habit of the shark to avoid a boat. 
The water was extremely smooth, and the weather 
clear. We had been so habituated to see him, that 
we were cool and composed. The time occupied 
was from a quarter past eight to half past eleven. 
A cloud of witnesses, exceeding two hundred, brought 
together for a single purpose, were all alike satisfied 
and united as to appearances, and of the length and 
size of the animal ; but you must deduct the in¬ 
fluence which his passage through the water and the 
manner he propelled himself might have as to the 
apparent protuberances on his back, and the ripple 
occasioned by his motion on his real length, — of all 
which you can judge equally well, and better than 
myself. I must conclude there is a s'trange animal 
on our coast; and I have thought an unvarnished 
statement might be gratifying to a mind attached to 
the pursuit of natural science, and aid in the inquiries 
on a controverted question, which I know to have 
interested you. I have ventured on the description, 
being also induced to hope, that if anything of the 
marvellous is stated as coming from me, you will 
correct it. 
Accept the respects and attention of, 
Dear Sir, yours sincerely, 
J. Prince. 
Hon. Judge Davis. 
