The facts relating to this apparition (entered in various log-books) agreed in most respects asto the shape of the object or creature in question, the untiring rapidity of its movements, itssurprising power of locomotion, and the peculiar life with which it seemed endowed.

If it was awhale, it surpassed in size all those hitherto classified in science.

Taking into consideration themean of observations made at divers times-rejecting the timid estimate of those who assignedto this object a length of two hundred feet, equally with the exaggerated opinions which set itdown as a mile in width and three in length-we might fairly conclude that this mysterious beingsurpassed greatly all dimensions admitted by the learned ones of the day, if it existed at all. Andthat it DID exist was an undeniable fact; and, with that tendency which disposes the human mindin favour of the marvellous, we can understand the excitement produced in the entire world bythis supernatural apparition.

As to classing it in the list of fables, the idea was out of the question.