“This animal third consists of a head, in shape, size, formation of eyes and nose, number, form and position of the teeth, like a monkey’s; of a long, slender neck; of a chest, having a sternum and several distinct pairs of ribs. It has long, ape-like arms, terminating in five fingers, of which the middle one is the longest and largest. On head and body, above the fishy portion, are here and there spots of fur remaining, like the fur of a monkey in length and texture, of a brown color. The closest scrutiny that can be given to reveal any traces of the union of the animal and fishy parts. Physiologists tell us that such a union is impossible; and of the medical and other experts who have examined this monster, some, baffled to discover by eyesight any deception, simply rest on this deception, and others admit that nothing but a dissection can really settle whether this be a most ingenious fraud or a lusus naturæ. For my own part, I must confess I can see no trick, though it may be one. it is a perfect staggerer. I should have said, in addition, that this mermaid is shortly to go to the United States. The Japanese say that it came from a lake in the interior. This is new as to their locality. During my stay
