2oS THE WHITE SHARK-. 



their families, friends, and country. To convince theni 

 that their bodies could never be re-animated, he or- 

 dered the corspe of one that was just dead to be 

 tied by the heels to a rope, and lowered into the 

 sea. It was drawn up again a's quickly as the 

 united force of the crew could do it; yet, in that 

 very short time, the Sharks had devoured every part 

 but the feet, which were secured by the end of the 

 cord *. 



Persons, while swimming, have often been seized 

 and devoured by the Sharks. A gentleman now 

 living, and well known, in this country, was some 

 years ago swimming at a little distance from a ship, 

 when he saw a Shark making towards him. Struck 

 with terror at its approach, he immediately cried out 

 for assistance, A rope was instantly thrown; and 

 even while the men were in the act of drawing him 

 up the ship's side, the monster darted after him, and, 

 at a single snap, tore oif his leg. 



In the pearl-fisheries of South America, every ne- 

 gro, to defend himself against these animals, car- 

 ries with him into the water; a sharp knife, which, if 

 the fish offers to assault him, he endeavours to strike 

 into its belly; on which it generally swims off. 

 The officers who are in the vessels keep a watchful 

 eye on these voracious creatures ; and, when they ob- 

 serve them approach, shake the ropes fastened to 

 the negroes to put them on their guard. Many, 

 when the divers have been in danger, have thrown 



* Penn. Brit. Zool. iii. jo6. 



