So far as the scientific world is concerned, this is the only fish of
its kind ever captured. Length, 45 feet; weight, 30,000 pounds;
circumference, 23 feet 9 inches; diameter 8 feet 3 inches; mouth (open),
31 inches; mouth, 38 inches wide; mouth, 43 inches deep; tongue, 40
inches long; several thousand teeth; hide, three inches thick, no
scales; had swallowed an animal weighing 1,500 pounds; tail measures 10
feet from tip to tip; pectoral fin, 5 feet long, 3 feet wide; dorsal
fin, 3 feet long, 2 feet 9 inches wide; gills, 4 feet; the liver weighed
1,700 pounds.]
It is generally believed that some volcanic eruption drove the fish to
the surface where, owing to the difference in water pressure, the
swim-bladders burst, making it impossible for him to return to his
level.
* * * * *
What is an Armored Railway Car Like?
The armored car shown in this picture is the first of a new type of
armored car to be constructed by the United States. It was designed
under the direction of the Board of Engineers of the U. S. Army, and was
constructed by the Standard Steel Car Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., at their
Hammond, Ind., plant. The car was designed and built within twenty-seven
days.
[Illustration: THE RAPID FIRE-GUN HERE SHOWN IS A MODEL OF A THREE-INCH
FIELD GUN MOUNTED UPON A SPECIAL CARRIAGE. THE WELL IN WHICH THE GUN IS
LOCATED MAY ALSO BE USED AS A FIGHTING TOP FOR TROOPS ARMED WITH RIFLES
OR MACHINE GUNS.
_Courtesy of the Railway Age Gazette and Standard Steel Car Co._]
The car consists of heavy steel plate structure, erected upon a flat car
of standard type. The interior is divided into three compartments. The
end compartments are for use of troops operating machine guns and rifles
through the port-holes shown on side of car. The center compartment,
which is not the full height of the car, is used for ammunition storage,
and is capable of holding a large quantity of ammunition, either for
small arms or for the rapid-fire gun which is mounted on top of the car.
The rapid-fire gun here shown is a model of a three-inch field gun
mounted upon a special carriage. The well in which the gun is located
may also be used as a fighting top for troops armed with rifles or
machine guns.
[Illustration: THE FIRST OF A NEW TYPE OF ARMORED CARS[55]]
[Illustration: THE HEAVY STEEL PLATE STRUCTURE IS ERECTED UPON A FLAT
CAR OF STANDARD TYPE[55]]
This car is known as a light-armored car. It is armed with a three-inch
rapid-fire gun, two machine guns and any number of rifles which the
troops occupying it may carry. The service for which this car is
intended is primarily to guard railroads and depots adjacent to
railroads. It is not ordinarily to be employed in aggressive movements.
In effect, it is a movable block-house which may be used at any point
along the line, or it may be used as a retreat for troops when
necessary. It may also be used for transporting troops past danger
points, and for transporting explosives or other perishable material
which might be damaged by fire from the ends. The car as constructed
weighs 86,200 pounds. It is 47 feet long, 9 feet 3 inches wide, and 7
feet high at the ends. When used for transportation of troops, it will
accommodate a company of infantry seated on camp stools or benches. When
used for patrol purposes, there would not be more than twelve men in the
car, to operate the rapid-fire gun and machine guns.
[Illustration: THE INTERIOR IS DIVIDED INTO THREE COMPARTMENTS
_Courtesy of the Railway Age Gazette and Standard Steel Car Co._]
The car was shipped to the Sandy Hook proving grounds to be equipped
with rapid-fire guns and ammunition and thoroughly tested and inspected
by the Engineer and Ordnance Officer of the U. S. Army.
What is an “Electric Eel”?
This is an eel abundant in the fresh waters of Brazil and the Guianas,
which possesses organs capable of developing a strong electric current
and thus of giving a violent shock to any one touching the eels. These
organs replace the lower muscles along the sides of the tail. The eels
can be taken by driving horses into the water to be shocked and seizing
them when thus weakened.