The Sun.
London, England, 1850-09-03 00:00:00

THE SEA SERPENT AGAIN.

The present being the age of wonders, it will ex-
cite no surprise to learn that his mightiness the sea
serpant has been sporting his dimensions in the peace-
able waters bounding the west coast of Cork. Let
those who may be incredulous of the fact read the
following letter, addressed to the Cork Constitution,
by a gentleman, who, sailing in his own yacht, had
the apocryphal pleasure of seeing the monster so-
lacing his idle moments by a comfortable scratch
against a neighbouring lighthouse, with a view, it
would seem, of ridding itself of its old and useless
scales. But let Mr. Travers tell his own story :
" Courtmasherry, Aug. 29.
" Sir,—The following particulars, the accuracy of
which need not be questioned, will, I doubt not, interest
many of your readers :
" The different fishing establishments on the shore of
this extensive bay, extending from the Old Head of
Kinsale to the Seven Heads, have been within the last
few days abundantly supplied with fish of every de-
scription, and the greatest activity prevails to profit by
the bounty which has been thus sent to us literally in
shoals. It has been noticed, too, that some description
of fish, haak for instance, have been captured further
within the limits of the inner harbour than was ever
known before. In fact, as I heard it observed, the fish
was literally leaping ashore.
" These novel appearances, however, it was my lot to
see fully accounted for yesterday. At about one o'clock
A.M., when sailing in my yacht, with a slight breeze off
shore, about two miles to the south of the beacon erected
on the Barrel rocks, on of the party ef four gentlemen
on board (Mr. 8., f Bandon) drew attention towards
the structure mentioned, with the interrogatory of Do
you see anything queer about the Barrels?' In an in-
stant the attention of all on board was rivetted on an
object which at first struck me as like the up-heaved
thick end of a large mast, but which, as it was made out
plainer, proved to be the head of some huge fish or
monster. On bearing down towards the object we
could distinctly see, with the naked eye, what I can
best describe as an enormous serpent without mane or
fur or any like appendage. The portion of the body
above water, and which appeared to be rubbing or
scratching itself against the beacon, was fully 30 feet
long, and in diameter I should say about a fathom. With
the aid of a glass it was observed that the eyes were of
immense size, about nine inches across the ball, and the
upper part of the back appeared covered with a furrowed
shell-like substance. We were now within rifle-shot
of the animal, and, although some on board exhibited
pardonable nervousness at the suggestion, it was resolved
to fire a ball at the under portion of the bo.iy whenever
the creature's unweildly evolutions would expose its
vulnereble part. The instant the piece was discharged
the monster rose as if impelled by a painful impulse to
a height which may appear incredible,—say at least
thirty fathoms,—and culminating with the most rapid
motion dived or dashed itself under water with a splash
that almost stopped our breaths with amazement. In a
few moments all disturbance of the water subsided, and
the strange visitor evidently pursued its course to sea-
ward. On coming up to the beacon we were gratified
to find adhering ,to the supports numerous connected
scaly masses, such as one would think would be rubbed
from a creature coating,' or changing its old skin for a
new one. These interesting objects can be seen at the
Horse Rock Coast Guard station, and will repay a visit.
" These particulars I have narrated in the clearest
manner I am able, and if others, in other boats, who had
nut so good an opportunity of seeing the entire appear-
ance of the animal as those in my boat had, should send
you a more readable account of it, I pledge myself none
will more strictly adhere to the real facts.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
" ROGER W. TRAVERS."

BEARS FROM CALIFORNIA:—Among the passengers
brought by the West India mail-packet Avon, which arrived
at Southampton on Sunday, were three grisly bears from
California. They were caught in the following manner :
At one of the gold diggings the carcase of a bullock had been i
hung up nan open place. Its magnitude was reduced con-
siderably one night, and the owners suspecting that a human
thief was in the vicinity, set a watch, when an enormous
grisly bear was seen approaching the carcase. Bruin was
caught violating the laws of meuna and tuum, and, of course,
was killed by the watchers. It proved to be a she bear
giving suck. Her den was tracked, and three very young
cubs were found. They were purchased in California by one
of the passengers on board the Avon, who brought them to
England. They were very docile on board, and were allowed
to run loose about the deck. One of them particularly was
so tame that it would play and roll about the ship with the
boys on board. They grew amazingly after they left
Chagres. The passenger who brought them home brought
to Southampton 23,000 dollars' worth of gold-dust in skins,
after paying his passage for himself and bears, which cost
him about 800 dollars.

PROPOSED FORTIFICATIONS IN MILFORD HAVEN.
—The contemplated fortifications and defences for the more
efficient protection of the important naval station and esta-
blishment at Pembroke-dock, will shortly be commenced.
During the week Lieutenant-Colonel Victor, of the Royal
Engineers, with the other officers of that corps, have been
busily engaged in examining and inspecting all the com-
manding situations, with the view of selecting the best sites
for the erection of the proposed works. The Stack Rock,
Thorn Island, Dale Point, &c., have been severally exa-
mined; and it is now understood that on the Stack Rock,
situate at the entrance of the harbour, a fort will be erected.
and martello towers be constructed on other commanding
positions. These will be mounted with guns of heavy calibre,
fixed on traversing carriages. The works will entail the
erection of additional barracks for the accommodation of the
men necessary for their defence.
On 'Thursday last a dreadful accident, occasioned
by fire-damp, occurred at the works of Messrs. Kenworthyp,
Heys Colliery, Ashton•under-Lyne, by which three persons
came to their deaths. At the inquest the jury returned a
verdict that there was no evidence to satisfy them how and
by what means the sulphur was ignited.