Genre:

Introduction; Address, Spoof

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Animal Behaviour, Hunting

    Reports on a speech, putatively made by Babylon W Baldeagle, concerning the recent American capture and antics of the 'great national monstrum', particularly its collision with an iceberg (198). Baldeagle proceeds to argue that the 'incomparable basilik' is 'eminently and exclusively' the property of America and urges others to leave it alone, wherever it may roam or whatever it does. Claims that the 'people will rise up a mass' and 'chastise the dastards' who threaten or 'offer indignities' to the serpent. (199) Laments the fact that the serpent lies in its oceanic cavern, with an injured fin, and calls on the American people to attend to the sick beast.