Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-11-16
A LIVE MERMAID. AND NO MIS-
TAKE

A prodigious excitement prevails in Ire
land, especially in the North, in conse-
quence OF an actual Aoing Mermaid, which
was recently caught in salmon net at
Honneraw Point, in the county of Donegal
There can be no mistake in this fact, as
five or six papers corroborate it. in the
important points: but the Derry Sentinel"
and the "Fermanagh Journal" are the
most enthusiastic and particular in their
descriptions. The first announcement
appeared in the Sentinel. as follows:
A Mermaid and no Mislake-A very
general disbelief in the existence of The
Mermaid is likely to receive a severe shock
from the truth of following statement:-
A creature in every respect answering the
usual description ofthe ''sea woman" was
caught lately in the salmon nets at Hume
raw Point, near Fahan, county Donegal.
She is at present under the protection of q
gentleman of that neighborhood. who has
kindly permitted the country people. who
ale flocking in hundreds about the place,
to 'see and believe"
The members of the Londonderry Natu.
raj History society we understand are to
investigate this extraordinary Phenomenon
for the purpose of sending an immedIa
report of their observations to the British
Association, sitting at Newcastle. We
understand that if the novel monster should
survive the sudden change in her situation
she will be sent to Vlscount Melbourne as
present 10 the Queen; if not, the body
will be preserved IN spirits, and will grace
the now forming museum Of our local
society. A minute description shall be
given in our next"
The effect of this notice ives, that at
least fourth ofall the inhabitants of Derry
who could afford the expense. proceeded in
a body to Huneraw, where lhey were ad
mitted TO an inspection of the singular
creature; which is thus described in the
Fermanagh Journal.
The Mermaid. This is certainly a sea
acoman, and has such an expression of intel
hgence in its cOuntenance, that we are alb
solutely inclined to believe that it is crea
ture of reason, rather than Of instinct. We
do not mean to insinuate tina, 1t has any
notion OF abstract IDEAS; but the fact is,
hat there is an appearance Of confusion
about 1t that would seem to indicate senl-
ments of shame. fear, aud application. 1t
weighs about seventy pounds, and is alto
gether human in its out,0ard organization
from the headsto the navel, when the fins
begin to develope itself, and remainder is
formed very much like the extremity of a
large dolphin. The skin of the face and
he breast is whitlsh brown--,he eyes are
black, and the nose pure acqueline; and its
eye brows, lips and chm, are models for a
sou lptor. The hair is long ard thick; and
the creatures prncipa amusement seems
to be to stroke it downward with her web
bed, but otherwise very perfect fingers.
II looks TO be twelve or fourteen wears
old /; and regards people, occasionally. as il
it had an inclination 10 speak, and we are
soIemniy Of opnson that, when in its native
| element. it makes its wishes known lhro
the medium OF its tongue. Altogether
indeed, it is the most singular being we
ever witnessed, and excites feelings in the
breasts Of bebolders. at least as much akin
| to awe as to curiosity. Can it have sou
and be an accountable creature? At ali
events, we shall examine it CLOSELY this
week, and report particulars"
We shall look with great anxiety for
our next files of Irish papers, on the re
ceipl OF which we trust to be able to fur.
| nsh our readers with some fuller informa
lion in relation to this surprising phenome
non.
A LooPHoLE IN A NosE.-A man named