Mermaid.—Naturalists have hitherto doubted of the existence of Mermaids and Mermen; we have it now in our power to set at rest the doubts of sceptics upon this duplex order of animals, one having been lately discovered basking upon the rocks of Derrygimla, in Erresbeg (Ireland), after the ebbing of the tide.
    It was discovered by a female of the lower order, who was then about four months pregnant ; she was suddenly startled by a kind of scream, which was followed by the plunging of an animal half female and half fish, her lower extremities having the conformation of a dolphin. This woman was so terrified, as to miscarry. The tide being out, the animal had some difficulty in reaching the water. A gentleman just arrived upon the coast in time to witness her last plunges; having gained the water, she disappered for a few moments, but again appeared perfectly composed. He now had a favourable opportunity of examing this so long doubted genus—it was about the size of a well grown child of ten years of age; a bosom prominent as a girl of sixteen ; a profusion of long dark brown hair ; full dark eyes, hands and arms formed like the human species, with a slight web connecting the upper part of the fingers, which were frequently employed in throwing back her flowing locks, and running there through her hair ; her movements in the water seemed principally directed by the finny extremity ; for near an hour she remained in apparent tranquility, in view of upwards of three hundred persons, until a musket was leveled at her, which having flashed in the pan, she immediately dived and was not afterwards seen. She did not appear to him to possess the power of speech ; for her looks appeared vacant and there was an evident want of intelligence.
    It is extremely probable at the time she was first discovered, she was in search of some place to deposit her young. Several depositions upon oath were made as to this animal’s appearance.

De Curagaosche Courant. 14 Jan 1820. Provided by KB (Koninklijke Bibliotheek). The European Library. Conference of European National Librarians (CENL).