The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-20
.RB.ycg1rERoUs vEBTEBRArE."
Tho Mysterious Fish Monster in One OF the
Spectacle Ponds of Porter, Me.

PORTER Me-. June l0.-In the town OF FOR
ter. in the southern part OF OXFORD county
about mile from the village OF keZar talls
are two bodies Of water known locally as the
Spectacle ponds" They are OF nearly the
same size. and are joined by stream Tow
rods long. These ponds have always been
famous breeding places for pickerel. and ilsh-
ermen come for miles around to lure these
gamy fish from under the lily pads. and he was
u poor fisherman indeed who did not nave
something to show as the result OF an hours
fishing in either Of these ponds. few years
ago the local fishermen. to protect themselves
and to prevent the determination OF the pick
erel bv visitors from distance. pettioncd the
Legislature. and law was enacted whereby
the ponds were closed to fishing from the first
OF September 10 the tenth day OF the next June
for term of years.
The first day OF the open season has been an
tcipated eagerly each year. for the first ones
at the ponds were sure to make big catches.
This year was no exception. and on Saturday.
June 10. every available boat was put to use.
and scores who were unable to get boats had
to content themselves with fishing from the
shores. Jack Fox and Grant and Herman Gill
patrick were fishing from boat on the west
erly side Of the upper pond. when suddenly
they noticed commotion in the water several
rods astern. Hundreds OF minnows were jump
ing from the water. as though trying to escape
some great peril. and az the boys continued to
look big fish came up and began to move
around. evidently in pursuit OF the minnows.
The occupants OF the boat cautiously moved
their craft in the direction OF the big fish and
| stopped when within two or three rods Of the
| monster. for monster 1t certainly was After
chasing the minnows for some time the fish
started in the direction Of the boat occupied by
pulled away Tor dear, liie. When they had sut.
ppiisI ashore Gu and DIT told H evervGedy they met
whatever it was. looked some like a pickerei.
but that 1t was as big around as a nail keg
and story S voted
The following Tuesday Oscar Cousins and
was not little startled TO see what he, had
The lily pads, start in the direction q his bait
moment later there was tug that nearly
p Of the Ra hs h
the fight Of his lie. After moment's prellm.
and tho fishermen, The situation was not
long drawn out. for the line parted and the fish
Cousins and Lord are middle aged men, re-
garded as perfectly Trustworthy; and their tes,
| three boys has been taken as conclusive evil
| Upper Spectacle Pond. They said the fish was
| OF a muddy gray color. and that It was at least
eighteen inches in diameter and all Of twelve
| feet long.
Prof, Mcdaniel OF New Ham pshirc. who is re-
garded Us authority on the subject OF fish. saws
| that from what crcumstantia evidence he can
| gather he has decided that what the boys and
men saw was without doubt " branchlferous
| orteeost omous vertebrate. with derma plates
| or membrane bones superadded to the pri.
mordial Uranium and shoulder girdle. and
| with the hranchiR free outwardly.' Whether
| 1t is survivor OF some nearly extinct species
| he is unable to say but thinks it possible that
| such may be the case.
This frightened some OF the more timid ones
| but every day since Cousins ana Lord had their
| experience the pond has been covered with
| fishermen, all eager to have the honor Of cap
| turing the monster that has caused SO mucl,
| excitement. The ordinary outfit for pickere
| fishing has given place to heavier appliances
and one man. whose father Is retired whaler
made his appearance on Wednesday with Il
HARMON and lance and as much OF q regular
whaer's outfit as he could carry comfortably
in small boat. There Is even talk OF an at
tempt to drain the pond.