The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1855-09-07

strength was almost exhausted. The whale
men then came ashore and gradually hauled the
line In The body was within fifty feet OF TIE
shore, when renewed life appeared to have been
given him, and with one dart he carried nearly
all the line out. This was his last great effort
He was slowly dragged ashore, and the WIG
est excitement and tumut ever known IN the
vicinity of silver lake. -Four or hve ladies'
tainted on seeing the, monster, who, although
ashore, was la<hing his body into tremendous
folds, and then straightnins himself out IN hls
agony, with noise and power that made the
very earth tremble around him. The harPoon
had gone entirely througha thick muscular part
of bin about eight feet from his head.
The snake, or animal, is 6tynine feet nine
inches in length, and is a most disgusting look
ing creature A thick slime covers his hldeouS
length, quarter OF an inch thick, which, after
being removed, is almost instantly replaced by
exudaton. The body Of this creature is varia-
bic in size. The head is about the size OF iuli
grown calrs: within eight feet OF the head the
neck gradually swells up 10 the thickness OF a
foot in diameter, which continues for fifteen
inches. and then tapers down the other way,
constantly increasing in SIZE. however, as II re-
cpdpS from the head, until the body OF the mon
Il
tire. giving girth Of over six feet. Il then Ia
pers of toward the tail, which ends in I'm
/ which can be expanded in the shape OF tan
/ until il has three feet across, or closed ID
4 sheath Along the belly, from the head tot
/ tail, are double rows OF fins, a loot IN length
! NOT opposite each other, but alternately plac-
/ ed.
/ The head is most singular affair. The eyes
are very large, white, staring and terrihe- At
ached 10 the edge of The upper and lower
/ lids, which are like those OF human be-
/ ing, Transparent film, or membrane Is seen,
/ which. while il protects the eye OF The animal,
does not interfere with IFS vision. He has no
nostriIs or gills, apparently. The mouth OF this
serpent, or whatever it may be, is underneath
is almost counterpart Of the mouth OF fish
| called sucker, possessing the same yalVnlar
power. pnrsed up-but it can be stretched SO as
TO take in a body the diameter OF foot or loot
| and a half No teeth can be discovered. Il
hard hony substance extends In two parallel
lines around the upper and lower part OF the
head His color is dusky brown on the sides
and back, but underneath the belly it is OF DIR
ty white. Il is sinuous like snake, but has a.
long lis back, and on each side, row OF hard
substance, knob-like in shape-the largest rais-
ed four inches from the surface OF the body, eX'
and before night hundreds and hundreds oi peo
pie from the neighboring towns aud villages hac
collected 10 see this wonder. The animal still
has the harPoon in him. 1t passed through the
muscular portion of the back, and touched nc
mortal part. He lies in the water, an ingenious
| contrirance OF ropes having been placed on him
while hr was on shore, keeping his body in a
curve, preventing him from getting away or
proving dangerous. He can use but his head
and tail, with which he occasionally Stirs up
the water, except when he rrars it mp as if look
ing around, and presents most fearful aspect.
/ When rearing be expands his mouth and exhib-
Its cavity, biood-red, most terrible to look up
on. As be does this, air rushes forth with a
heavy, short puff. I have no more time to
write you. The hotel is f,,ll, and people have
a great difficulty in getting meal at the village.
Some OF them go up TO CASTLE to get their meals.
The whalemen contemplate keeping the mon
] ster in bis present position until an agent of
/ Mr. BarHum arrives, who has been teIegraphed
/ He is expected here tonight. Very truly your
Trend aud subscriber. o. A.. E,