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TURTLE 1,000 YEARS OLD CAUGHT - : . YOKOHAMA. Japan. February 27. A turtle measuring six feet from head to tail and five feet across its shell, the heart being fifteen inches in circumference, was caught recently by Japanese fishermen and released by Ah Long, Chinaman, who paid 5 for the privilege of giving the turtle Its freedoni. Incidentally the turtle weighed 60O pounds and its age was estimated at 1,000 years. Probablv tle reason for the" purchase and the freedom given to the turtle is that the reptile is a sort of sacred emblem and the Chinaman who can set-one free in the ocean considers" hifriself especially blessed. , An interesting ceremony followed the financial transaction. Ah Long fed the turtle With several liowls of sake, the favorite alcoholic drink of the Japanese prohibition having made little inroads here, and accompanied by as many frjepds as could be accommodated in two sampans sailed out to sea, and after many prayers were said the turtle was released.
