A returned traveller from Kuangsi
(Guangzi-Zhuang) Province tells of a strange fish found in the Kweiling [ i.e.
Gweilin – R] river of that province. The fish is black in colour, has four feet
and walks like a quadruped. The natives call it dog fish from its similarity to
that animal. When quiet reigns late at night the fish crawls out of water and
climbs to the top of trees in search of birds and eggs which seem to be its
favourite food. It is said that the fish also inhales the rays of the moon and
regulates and trains its breathing powers so that its agility and cunning excel
anything in the air,on earth or in water. To capture it, it is necessary to keep
very quiet, spread a net under the tree up which the fish has climbed and when
it descends fold over the net; otherwise no bullet or arrow or line or hook will
take it. As the natives believe it an infallible cure in consumption or other
diseases of general debility , it is much sought for. A certain Canton
So what have we here? Some kind of
seal or otter?
1. The North
China Herald and S.E. & C.China Gazette 9/1/1891
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2 comments:
Sounds like an otter.
After a chat with Richard Freeman I believe these were probably otters with some strange folklore beliefs added (i.e the moon ray aspect)
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