The Mighty Deep 



or two or at most a very few young ones are 

 brought into existence at a time, as with higher 

 animals. 



If among wild beasts of the Ocean cuttle- 

 fishes represent tigers, then perhaps we may say 

 that sharks represent lions or panthers. But 

 the reputed nobility of the lion is never found 

 in sharks. 



Fearsome creatures they are; often huge in 

 size, long -shaped, flat -tailed, with cavernous 

 mouths, cruel teeth, immense strength, and 

 bloodthirsty dispositions. Cannibals too, since 

 they feed largely on lesser fishes. To the bigger 

 kinds a human being is merely a tasty morsel, 

 which may be disposed of in two snaps and a 

 couple of gulps. 



Though exclusively inhabitants of the salt 

 sea, they sometimes chase their prey into a 

 river, putting up with fresh water for the 

 nonce. 



Sharks are found nearly all over the world, 

 but much more abundantly in hot climates. 

 Their numbers gradually diminish, farther and 

 farther from the equator. In tropical waters they 

 are often present in overwhelming multitudes ; 

 and a man who should venture to bathe in such 

 parts, would be as a scrap of bread flung to a 



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