The Portland daily press., 1867-04-01
Re mark n bic Statement.

The theory of Professor Darwin that all ami
NAL life has its origin in the primary cell, and
that its variety only presents the different
stages of development, from the lewest orders
to the most perfect creation, man, has been ap-
parently sustained by n startling example in
this city which will be likely TO engage in
high degree the attention of the scientific
During last fall, MIR. Charles Motzer, Ger
man citizen residing on Bay street, put up
| large quantity OF his favorite article of diet
known as sauer kraut, in the preparation of
| which he tested the efficacy of receipt sug-
gested to him by friend. The experiment
| proved a failure, as the introduction of some
description of alkali had the effect of reducing
| the cabbage into mash and causing q strong
fermentation, rendering the commodity entire
ly unfit for use as an article ofdet The mix
ture was left standing in the cellar undisturb-
ed until Thursday last, when curious circuIn-
stance led to an examination of the tubs i'm
which it was deposited, resulting in a most
wonderful discovery. On the day mentioned
a cat emerged from the cellar into MIR. Motzer's
kitchen, having in custody large reptile of
the lizard species, which wriggled violently
and seemed extremely tenacious of life MT
Motzer at once proceeded to the cellar and
found some dozen or more of the same descrip-
ton of re ptiles, which were exceedingly lively
and sought to secrete themselves under boards,
etc, on the approach of a light.
While prospecting about for the source of
these strange creatures, the tubs in which tho
sour kraut had been deposited were examined
anu pTtStuttu sSnb Truly Inc
substance had been transformed into a mass of
life and animation, and the curious reptiles
were observed in every stage OF Development.
The smallest specimens were about two inches
in length and seemed to be acquiring the least
degree of animation. OF these, the bodies
were quite transparent, with slight yelowish
tinge, and about the consistency of iellv.
Specimens in q more advanced stage assumed
| a pink hue wich bodies more opaque. The
| fully developed reptiles measured from six to
eight, and even ten inches in length, with bod
| les hard and fleshy, of brilliant crimson col
| or. The back deepens into a black line from
| the head to the tip of the tail, while the belly
| is of delicate pink merging into white. The
form of the reptile is said 70 be very similar to
| the chameleon having four legs, with indica-
| tiOns of claws and its movements are veyy
| lively. The eyes are sharp and serpent-lke,
| and surrounded with a yellowish ring, merg-
| ing into black. Several specimens have been
| secured by medical gentleman and are pre-
served in spirits. A microscopic examina-
| tion shows fine coating of scales,
| and serried formation of the back
| and tail. Mr.. MOtzer still allows the
| tubs to remain undsturbed, and is
| watching the progress of the curious freak of
nature it being evident that the entire stock
| OF the dainty commodity, which was intended
| to supply his table through the winter, will ul
| timately take to itself legs, if not wings, and
| travel off on its own account, in which action
| the kingdom of reptala is augmented by au-
other yery interesting species, II the climate of
| Canada will permit its propagation. This re-
| markable case presents a grave warning TO
| consumers of sauer kraut to take great care
| that its preparation is not congenial to the
generation of animal life, else n malady more
! fearful than the trtchina spirdts may be en-
| gendered-Hamitton &c. Wy Times Feb. q.