view of an enormous head of an unknown animal

view of an enormous head
of an unknown animal
Originally uploaded by suttonhoo.

Found in New Orleans, 160 miles from the sea, and 75 feet from the earth's surface.

Weighing 1700 pounds.

Reduced from the original head, 18 feet by 7

Quoting directly from the text on this scientific plate from 1835, on display in the Rare Books Room of Chicago's Field Museum.

Tonight was Members' Night, where The Field throws open the doors and lets the common folk run through the scientific offices and storerooms.

Fun.

And I brought my wide angle.

Will post pics soon.

(And for what it's worth, I'm pretty sure this one's a whale.)

Posting by cameraphone on the road home.