THE SEA SERPENT AGAIN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 116, 28 April 1870, Page 7

THE SEA SERPENT AGAIN.

Everybody will be glad to hear that the sea serpent has turned up again, and what makes the intelligence doubly gratifying is that not only does it seem in good health and spirits, but since we last heard of it it has given birth, to to a small serpent. There can be little doubt that the domestic arragements consequent upon this interesting event have been the cause of its temporary seclusion. Captain Allen, of the barquo Scottish Bride, was fortunate enough to meet the mother and and her child on the 23rd of last month, in latitude 33. 16, longitude 74.09. and ful accounts of the appearance of both are given in the American papers. It appears that Captain Allen (who has been " interviswed" on the subject by the "Commercial Advertiser") was in the cabin at dinner when he was summoned on deck by his second mate. There he found the crew assembled on the starboard side of the vessel, looking with " awe-stricken" faces into the water. He also joined them, and a sight met his eye, the memory of which, he says, will never fade. About four feet from the vessel lay the monster, " accompanied by a smaller specimen of its own species." It (the mother serpeut) was about 25 feet in length, and proportionately thick ; its head was very large and flat, while at each side, on extreme edge, were set two brilliant scintillating eyes," looking dangerous and wicked." Its back was covered with large scales, like the crocodile, about three inches iv length, which hooked together and formed, an impenetrable armour. Its belly was of a tawny yellow colour, and altogether hideous. The child serpent was but a few feet in length, but in shape and colour closely resembled its mother. The captain gave orders to have a boat lowered to attack the monster, but the little serpent was too sharp for him. Its attention had by this time been called to the presence of the vessel ; it raised its head a few inches above the surface and then went towards its parent, and seemed to tell her of the circutnstauce ; upon which she immediately disappeared head downwards, her body describing a circle like a hook, thus exposing to veiw her tail which Capt. Allen says tapered off to a point. Tho calm that had beset the vessel now gave way to a storm, much to the alarm of the sailors, who during the whole of the next night would not go on deck without lanterns, such was the fear of again meeting this disagreeable creature with her offspring . The officers and crew of the ship testify, we are told, to the truth of. the story in all its essential points.—" Pall Mall Gazette.,'