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The ne ne following Description of the Eight-armed Cuttle-fish, is extracted from Shaw's Zoological Lectures.

MR. PENNANT, in the fourth volume of his British Zoology, speaking of the eight-armed cuttle, tells us, he has been well assured from persons worthy of credit, that, in the Indian seas, this species has been found of such a size as to measure two fathoms in breadth across the central part; while each arm has measured nine fathoms in length; and that the natives of the Indian isles, when sailing in their canoes, always take care to be provided with hatchets, in order to cut off, immediately, the arms of such of those animals as happen to fling them over the sides of the canoe, lest they should pull it under water and sink it. This has been considered as a piece of credulity in Mr. Pennant, unworthy of a sober naturalist.It is certain, however, that a great variety of apparently authentick evidences seem to confirm the reality of this account. The ancients, it is evident, acknowledged the existence of animals of the cuttle-fish tribe of a most enormous size. Witness the account given by Pliny, and others, of the large Polypus, as he terms it, which used to rob the repositories of salt fish on the coasts of Carteia, and which, according to his description, had a head of the size of a cask that would hold fifteen amphora; arms measuring thirty feet in length, of such a diameter that a man could hardly clasp one of them; and beset with suckers, or fasteners, of the size of large basins that would hold four or five gallons apiece. The existence, in short, of some enormously large species of the cuttle-fish tribe in the Indian and northern seas can hardly be doubted; and though some accounts may have been much exaggerated, yet there is sufficient cause for believing that such species very far surpass all that are generally observable about the coasts of the European seas. A modern naturalist chooses to distinguish this tremen

dous species by the title of the Colossal cuttle-fish, and seems amply disposed to believe all that has been related of its ravages. A northern navigator, of the name of Dens, is said, some years ago, to have lost three of his men in the African seas, by a monster of this kind, which unexpectedly made its appearance while these men were employed, during a calm, in raking the sides of the vessel. The Colossal cuttle-fish seized these men in its arms, and drew them under water, in spite of every effort to preserve them. The thickness of one of the arms, which was cut off in the contest, was that of a mizen-mast, and the acetabula, or suckers, of the size of potlids.

But what shall we say to the idea of a modern French naturalist, who is inclined to suppose, that the destruction of the great French ship, the Ville de Paris, taken by the English during the American war, together with nine other ships which came to her assistance, on seeing her fire signals of distress, was owing, not to the storm which accompanied the disaster, but to a groupe of Colossal cuttle-fishes, which happened at that very time to be prowling about the ocean beneath these unfortunate vessels?

These accounts, whether true or false, naturally recall to our recol lection the far-famed monster of the northern seas, often mentioned in a vague manner, under the name of Kraken or Korven. The general tenour of these accounts is, that in some parts of the northern seas, during the heat of summer, while the sea is perfectly calm, a vast mass, resembling a kind of floating island, about a quarter of a mile in diameter, is seen to rise above the surface, appearing to be covered with a profusion of sea-weeds, corals, and other marine substances. When it is fully risen, it seldom fails to stretch up several enormous arms,

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Description of the Grotto of Zinzanusa, or the ancient Temple of Minerva, near the Town of Castro, in Apulia.

[Extracted from a letter from Naples, written at the end of May, 1809.]

NEAR the little town of Castro, beneath overhanging rocks, are several grottos, which can only be approached by means of small boats. The most remarkable is, the grotto of Zinzanusa, which has given name to the others, and of which the sides, incessantly beaten and hollowed out by the waves, seen from a distance, resemble tattered garments.

determine the import, or even in what language they are written.There are also small idols and statues, images of animals (among others, the figure of an owl, the symbol of Minerva) flowers, fruits, and foliages, in carved work, and of very correct design.

In one of the three divisions stands a large table, supported on each side by two columns. The ceiling is formed by the natural arch, to which the walls are built up. The vault, somewhat sunk, is encrusted with brilliant crystals, arranged in the most

kind cover the columns and the whole interiour of the grotto. By the light of torches, I fancied that I perceived all the ideal images with which the imagination of the poet has peopled the palace of Armida.

These grottos are situated at the bottom of a small gulf, which, extending itself in a half circle, forms a kind of port. From this part nothing is visible but a mass of blocks of rock, ranged like the steps of a stair-elegant forms; stalactites of the same case. From the highest of these steps we discover a vault supported by a hundred columns of hewn stone. In the midst, among these columns, rises a spring of fresh water, and not far off, runs a gallery of rocks dangerous to be followed, because of the inequalities of the surface, and of the frightful gulfover which it hangs. Arrived at the end of this gallery, we discern a grotto of a rectangular form, the most regular and interesting of all that are hitherto known, among these rocks. Four rows of columns support and embellish this natural palace. The two first are only demicolumns, intended to ornament the walls. The two others are composed of whole columns, rising singly or in couples. They are all of the same proportions, and divide the rectangular space into three parts. The walls are covered with inscriptions, of which nobody has yet been able to

The highest columns are about 70 palms [20 feet] in height: their diameter is somewhat more than two palms [8 inches.] Small openings formed in the wall, and closed with stones which may be removed, lead to grottos not so extensive, nor equally interesting, yet curious to behold. Every where we discern the hand of man. Remains of ashes and coals, manifest that these places have, at some period served for human habitation. Bones and tombs have also been found. In one of these caves there is a well. In another is a column higher than those of the temple. There is even one which seems not to have been placed

The in its proper situation: it re

lying on the floor.

he grottos hitherto known occupy the extent of a mile. The greatest is that beyond the rectangular one. It has not yet been explored; its depth, the mud with which it is filled, and the stench which issues from it, having prevented its being examined. In all the cavities which have been entered, only one small orifice to admit light has been noticed. The learned prelate Mgr. Duca, bishop of Castro, sent to the former king of Naples a small statue, and some pieces of crystal, which had been, with great labour, detached from the walls. He proposed that these grottos should be carefully inspected, and drawings made of whatever was worthy of being examined. He stated also his sentiments on the antiquity and destination of these excavations; but his advice was not followed, and one of the most remarkable monuments of early ages was forgotten.

This work, beyond a doubt, must

be attributed to the first inhabitants of the kingdom of Salentum, or to the Greeks who settled there under the conduct of Iapyx, or under that of Idomeneus. Both fable and history unite to place this temple of Minerva in the remotest antiquity. The wonders it contained rendered it famous among the ancients.

Many ancient writers, among them Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Servius, and Virgil, agree in saying, that long before the fall of Troy, there was, on the shore of lapyx, a very rich and famous temple of Minerva. Some add, that here was kept the Palladium, or statue of Minerva, taken from the Trojans by Ulysses and Diomed. Others say that Diomed, after the sackage of Troy, consecrated to Minerva the arms which he had received from Glaucus, son of Priam. Virgil has availed himself of the celebrity of this temple, and has also increased it, by describing Eneas as landing on this shore, after quitting that of the Acro-Ceraunians, or Epirus, which is directly opposite.

Jackson, in his Account of the Empire of Morocco, gives the following Anecdotes of the Serpents of that country.

THE Boah, or desert snake, is an enormous monster, from twenty to eighty feet long, as thick as a man's body, and of a dingy colour. This inhabitant of Sahara is not venomous, though it is not less destructive. The Arabs (speaking of it figuratively) affirm, that, as it passes along the desert, it fires the ground with the velocity of its motion. It is impossible to escape it. It will twist itself round an ox, and after crushing its bones, will swallow it, gradually, after which it lies supinely on the ground two or three days, unable to proceed till the animal be digested. Two of these monsters stationed themselves near the road from Morocco to Terodant, near to the latter city, a few years since. One of them was killed. The other remained there several days, and prevented travel

lers from passing the road. They were both young ones, being about twenty feet long. Various stories are related by the Arabs of Sahara respecting the Boahs, but they are mostly ingenious fables, originally intended to inculcate some moral truth, ortrait of human nature, which, by the embellishments of tradition, added to the credulity of the Arabs, are now related as facts. Without speaking of all the various kinds of serpents which are either `timid, harmless, or not venomous, I must observe, that:

The domestick serpents claim some attention. In the city of Morocco these animals abound. There is scarcely a house without its domestick serpent, which is sometimes seen moving along the roofs of the apartments. They are never molested

by the family, who would not hurt them on any consideration, conceiving them a benediction on the household; they have been known to suck the breasts of women whilst asleep, and retire without offering any further injury. They are so susceptible as to be sensible of enmity towards

FEUDAL CLAIMS.

them, and it is thought impruclined, incur their displeasure. For this air, son the inhabitants of Morocco trea them kindly, and as members of the family, not wishing to disturb an animal that claims the rights of hospitality by settling in their house.

MISCELLANY.

THE following is a specimen of as curious a claim as has been set up since the days of Eolus, of doubtful fame. It has the advantage of being a faithful record from the annals of history.

In the end of the fourteenth century, the celebrated, but long since destroyed, monastery of Augustinians, at Winshieur, in the province of Overyssel, were desirous of erecting a windmill, not far from Zwolle; but a neighbouring lord was desirous to prevent them, by declaring that the wind in that district belonged to him. The monks, unwilling to give up the point, had recourse to the bishop of Utrecht, under whose jurisdiction the province had continued since the tenth century. The bishop, highly incensed against the pretender, who wished to usurp his authority, affirmed that the wind of the whole province belonged to him, and gave the province express permission to erect a windwill wherever they thought proper.

TURKISH SCIENCE.

A Turkish merchant observing me direct my instrument towards the city, had the curiosity to look into the glass, and was surprised to see a tower turned upside down. He immediately spread a report that I was come to overturn the city [Alex, andria.] It was mentioned to the governour; and my Janissary would no longer walk with me, when I proposed carrying my instrument with me. Near a village of the Delta, an honest peasant paid great attention to my operations, as I was taking VOL. III.

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different angles. To show him something curious, I made him look through the same glass. He was greatly alarmed to see the village to which he belonged, turned upside down. My servant told him, that government were offended with that village, and had sent me to destroy it. He instantly entreated me to wait but a few moments, that he might have time to save his wife, and his cow. He then ran in great haste towards his house, and I went again on board my boat.-Neibuhr.

Turkish Opinions of Musical Science.

We played some solemn tunes, which are more to the taste of the orientals, than our gayer musick. He seemed to be pleased, and offered each of us an half-a-crown at parting. The Arabs refuse no presents, however small; and he was not a little surprised, when we declined accepting his money; especially, as he could never conceive what inducement any person could have to learn musick, if not to gain by it. Neibuhr.

UNCOMMON METEOR.

Ferentino, June 15, 1808. May 21, about 3 o'clock in the morning, at the rising of the moon, the atmosphere of this town and its vicinity became suddenly extremely dark, for a few moments; after which certain fiery meteors, violently agitated, appeared on the adjacent mountains, which, on their approaching each other, formed two distinct globes of fire, when with the velocity of a cannon ball they darted from east to south, and with a tremendous noise united, and afterwards burst, making a still more

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Hindoo Veneration for venomous

Serpents at Vizigapatam. July 6, 1809. This week we have killed two venomous snakes. One was found near the dwelling house of Ananderayer, who, two nights ago, felt it at his side when he awoke; but, providentially, it made off without hurting him. The natives (who are very averse to killing these animals, because they are the objects of their worship) earnestly entreated us to spare their lives, and to deliver them over to their care. However, as we could see no good end to be obtain ed by such a measure, we despatched them. The natives immediately exclaimed, with enthusiastick joy: "They are gone to be eternally happy in the presence of Vishnu !"

FEMALE NUDES THREATENED. Augsburg, Sept. 13, 1809.-The inn-keeper André Hofer, chief of the insurgent mountaineers in the Tyrol, has issued a proclamation which is distinguished by its religious tenour. It treats of the sins of the people, and of the repentance necessary to be instantly exercised, in order to avoid the further visitations and chastisements of God. This instrument concludes in these terms:"Many of my brethren, in arms, are scandalized that the women expose too much of their arms, and their bosoms, or display them through transparent dresses, whereby they give occasion to guilty passions, which cannot but be singularly dis

pleasing to God, as well as to every one bearing the name of Christian. It is hoped, therefore, that these women, to turn away Divine wrath, will reform their fashions immediately; otherwise, if they do not, they will have nobody to blame but themselves, if their uncovered parts should be covered in a manner not very pleasing to them.”

THE LATE QUEEN OF FRANCE.

MR. J. WEBER, author of the interesting Memoirs of the late Queen of France, MARIE-ANTOINETTE, has lately been honoured with a very flattering mark of approbation from her majesty, the queen of Sicily. That sovereign has not only condescended to address to Mr. W. a letter, replete with sensibility, and at the close of which she subscribes: "I am ever your grateful friend, Charlotte," but has added, with her own hand, a postscript to the following purport: "I have been deeply affected by the perusal of your volume, and with this proof of grateful remembrance on your part, for the memory of my unhappy sister! The sufferings of her latter years have embittered the remainder of my days. We were sisters, friends, and companions from our infancy. What indissoluble bonds! And, therefore, my grief for the irreparable loss of her, will accompany me to the tomb."

CLOCK, AT BASLE, SWITZERLAND.

EVERY traveller knows, that the computation of time, in this city is, one hour in advance. Various reasons are assigned for this usage. A story, however, prevails, that when the cathedral was built, the architect, by mistake, turned the side whereon was placed the sun-dial, too much to the east, and caused this erroneous reckoning. There have been several attempts made to reform the singularity. Some years ago an Englishman went to reside at Basle, and being desirous of setting the Baslois right in this particular, he used his utmost endea

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