hardly coincide with our modern ideas of a sea-born aphrodite, but anatomically they are human. The usual bucal and nasal apertures are present, whilst the eyes have been protected with eyebrows, rudiments of which may yet be seen. The trunk to the waist-line, which is sharply defined, is that of a woman of more than ordinary proportions, and, moreover, is absolutely typical even to the two breasts. The arms, wrists, and hands bear a marked resemblance to the human. The latter have the same number of fingers, whilst the wrist bones, ulna and radius, are there in situ, the same as the ordinary being, only of somewhat smaller dimensions.     From below the umbilical region the fish is the dominant type, the body tapering away and ending in a fish-like tail. Lying alongside is the vertebral column, which was removed when evisceration took place. There are, in addition to the column itself, ribs attached, as in man, to the sternum, or breast-bone, floating ribs, lumbars, etc. Enclosed in a coffin-like case of gargantuan proportions is the merman, over eight feet in length. The same characteristics are present as in his female companion, while in addition two savage-looking tusks adorn the upper jaw.     The history of these two paradoxes is shortly this. They were brought by Arabian Arabs in a dhow, and had been so their captors asserted, caught in the nets during fishing operations. The Arabs, not liking the look of the captives, incontinently speared them, and took them into the port, a journey of about 100 miles, where Mr. Foy purchased them.

Since their arrival at Medlow Bath they have been inspected by more than a dozen medical men, all of whom have remarked more especially on the human-like aspect of the wrist-bones. The dark mahogany coloring which characterises the appearance of the strange pair is attributable to the use of formalin, in which they were pickled in order to preserve them. The Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 -1942). 22 Aug 1913. Trove. National Library of Australia.