THE ALBANY REGISTER — JANUARY 22, 1875
A strange monster was captured recently in the river, opposite Canton, by some fishermen in their seine while dragging for fish. We know not what to call it, or what it looks like, or how to describe it, for it is unlike any creature of earth, air or water, that we have ever seen. It is not a fish, nor is it an alligator or crocodile, or a turtle, it resembles the pictures we have often seen in books, of the mythyical dragon. It is a hideous-looking and apparently savage monster—the last of a past age. It has a huge, slimy, scaly body, short, strong legs, and immense claws, long, serpent-like tail and sharp teeth set in, like those of a saw. It chaws up ravenously everything with which it comes in contact, but seems loth to leave the water even in quest of food, and can only be seen when drawn out by the chain with which it is made fast. We think it to be at least ten feet in length, and weighs probably five hundred pounds. When provoked it makes a nolse similar to a sea lion.
The parties having it in charge are having a large tub or tank made for it, and they intend to take it to Quincy and St. Louis, for exhibition. They have refused a thousand dollars for it.
From— The Albany Register. (Albany, Or.), 22 Jan. 1875. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
