Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 3, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1859 — A Monstrous Lusus Naturae. [ARTICLE]

A Monstrous Lusus Naturae.

From an authentic source, which forbids us to doubt the truth of the story, the following facts have been received: One day, week before last, the passengers on board a ferry boat near Quebec were attracted by the singular appearance of a woman who occupied a rather secluded position, and who seemed to be under the care of some persons who acted as if anxious to shield her from observation. Her arms were bandaged, but not so closely as to prevent a constant and very unusual motion, and her bead, which was completely covered and hidden from sight, was observed to sway incessantly backward and forward, beneath the fold of cloth. As soon as the ferry boat readied the shore the figure was conveyed to the train of cars in waiting, nnd seated therein; but at this moment a sort of struggle and tumult again attracted the notice ol the by-standers, and the car was filled with eager inquirers. Those who entered, however, hastily returned, their laces pallid with horror. Among them was the conductor of the train, who begged that no one would approach, for the bandages had been th.own off', and it hud been discovered that the creature was a monster, possessing the form of a woman except the head and arms which were those of a pig! No mere human resemblance, but the absolute fact. This would seem incredible, were it the only case of the kind. It is known, however, that there lived in Albany, N. Y., a few years ago, a similar creature, having a woman's body and jfiops head; in this instance the arms we-e human. This being was always kept in close confinement and never suffered to leave a certain room in the house where those who had charge of her resided, excepting when no visitor* were about. She Could talk imperfectly, arid .was capable of

some degree of mechanical labor, foj* her sewirfg was said to be very beautiful. Her head was in every respect that of a pig—no particular was wanting—ears, bristles, even tusks, all were there. This creature died at the age of about thirty-five years, after having been for some time destitute of the little reason she once possessed.— Boston Cour■