The mermaid.—This is certainly a sea woman, and has such an expression of intelligence in its countenance, that we are absolutely inclined to believe that it is a creature of reason, rather than of instinct. We do not mean to insinuate that it has any notion of abstract ideas; but the fact is, that there is an appearance of confusion about it that would seem to indicate sentiments of shame, fear, and supplication. It weighs about seventy pounds, and is altogether human in its outward organization from the head to the navel, when the fins begin to develope [sic] itself, and remainder is formed very much like the extremity of a large dolphin. The skin of the face and the breast is a whitish brown, the eves are black, and the nose pure acqueline [hooked or curved]; and it eye brows, lips and chin, are models fur a sculptor. The hair is long and thick; and the creature’s principal amusement seems to be to stroke it downward with her webbed, but otherwise very perfect fingers.
It looks to be twelve or fourteen years old ; and regards people, occasionally, as it had an inclination to speak, and we are solemnly of opinion that, when in its native element, it makes its wishes known thro’ the medium of its tongue. Altogether indeed, it is the most singular being we ever witnessed, and excites feelings in the breasts of beholders, at
