The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-10-11
Grltft Nlisrlloup.
The Sea serpent UGthe Norvye-
gi:ln Seas.

The existence o an immense marine ami
NAL, with the form and motions Of a serpent
has long been believed in Norway. Many
traditions, as well as recorded atcstatons, of
a serpent. on the Norwegian coast, have been
preserved for many years. Among other ac-
counts. the missionary, Hans Egcdc, declares
that he witnessed dltaGlrl Sta ,LCns;tl
resembling huge serpent in 1874, in CT de-
grccs Of latitude. Its body was as bulky as
ship, and three or tonr times os long. In
Pontoppidon's Natural history of Norway,
the existence of this animal is recognized
The learned bishop says Il have questioned
its existence myself, till that suspicion was
removed by full and sufficient evidence from
crcdita bic and experienced fishermen and sail
lors. of which there are hundreds who can tes-
:ify that they have annually seen him." He
also publishes number of documents from
persons of great responsibility, all going to
show that an enormous monster exists on
that coast, which appears to be about SIX hun
dred feet long, that it lies in the water in
many folds. and these appear Ike SO many
hogsheads Heating in line at considerable
distance from each other.
An animal resembling the description given
OF the sea serpent, was stranded on the island
of Stronsa, one of the Orkneys, in the year
1908. 1t was examined by many individuals,
and afterwards broken up, and the skull, the
upper bones Of the swimming paws portions
OF the verttbr:c, &c, were preserved and de-
posted in the Royal College ofSmgeons. An
able paper relating to this animal was prep
AIRED by DR.. Barclay, and read before the
Wernrrian Society and may be found among
its transactions. This animal measured fifty
six feet in length and twelve in circumference
The head was small-and the neck slender,
extending to the length of fifteen feet. 1t
had blow holes, and something like brisil-
ing name; also three PAIR Of fins or paws, con-
nected with the body-the anterior ones
measured four feet In length, and their en-
trcmitics were somewhat like toes, being par
TALLY webbed. The skin was smooth, with
out scales, and of a ereyish color, and the
flesh was like coarse illtiavored beef. Many
atiidavits of respectable individuals, as well
as other circumstances, go far to show the
existence of such an animal as is above des-
cribcd.
In the same year, 1908, an ANNA! Of a
similar kind was seen by Mr.. McLcrn, the
parish clergyman of Egg, on the coast of Coll.
near the Isle of Gamma, one OF the western isles
of Scotland. lie followed the boat into the
mouth Of a creek, and appears to have frigh-
tened the worthy clergyman very much. lie
was also seen by the crews of three fishing
boats who were much terrified, and FASTENED
to the shore as fast as possible.
1t is stated by DR.. Hilbert that the great
sea serpent has been recognized occasionally
i'll the Shetland seas, and he specifies one
which was seen off the Isle ofStonness, Vac
ley Island Dunvossness.
Sir Arthur De Capcl Brooke, in his TRAY
els in Norway" makes allusion to this ami
mal--which according to the statement of
many fisherman and others. was seen in the
folden Floid in 1877. 1t also made its APP
ptarancc IN 1919 of Olersun in Norway and