THE WHITE SHARK. 461 



foe with redoubled ardor, and by the aid of an ebbing tide, dragged 

 him on shore. Here he ripped up the bowels of the animal, obtained 

 the severed remainder of his friend's body, and buried it with the 

 trunk in the same grave. This story, however incredible it may ap- 

 pear, is related in the history of Barbadoes, on the most satisfactory 

 authority. 



The South Sea islanders are not in the least afraid of the Sharks, 

 but will swirn among them without exhibiting the least signs of fear. 

 " I have seen," says Captain Portlock, " five or six large Sharks 

 swimming about the ship, when there have been upwards of a hun 

 dred Indians in the water, both men and women : they seem quite 

 indifferent respecting them, and the Sharks never offered to make au 

 nttack on any of these people, and yet at the same time would greedily 

 seize our baits ; whence it is manifest that these people derive their 

 confidence of safety from their experience, that they are able to repel 

 the attacks of those devouring monsters." 



A sailor, on the coast of California, on plunging into the sea, 

 was seized by a Shark ; but, by a most extraordinary feat of activity, 

 he cleared himself, and, though much wounded, threw blood and 

 water at the animal, to show his bravery and contempt. But the 

 roricious monster seized him with horrid violence a second time, 

 and in a moment dragged him to the bottom. His companion*, 

 though not far from him, and much affected by the loss, were not 

 able to render him any assistance. 



We are tolc 1 that notwithstanding the voracity of these creatures, 

 they will not devour any feathered animal that is thrown overboard ; 

 but that they will read^y take a bait of a piece of flesh fastened on an 

 iron crook. They are so tenacious of life, as to move about long after 

 their head is cut off. 



Their flesh is sometimes eaten by sailors on long voyages ; and, 

 though exceedingly coarse and rank, it is generally considered better 

 than that of any others of the tribe. The skin is rough, hard, and 

 prickly ; and, when properly manufactured, is used in covering instru- 

 ment cases, under the name of shagreen. 



THE HAMMER-HEADED SHARK. 



The TTammer-headed Shark inhabits the same latitudes. This 

 curiously constructed fish closely resembles the White Shark in all 

 respects but the head, which is widened out at each side, exactly like 

 a double- hea< Jed hammer or mallet. The eyes, being placed at each 

 extremity of the Load, must of course possess a very extended powei 

 of vision. 



