THE WHITE SHARK. 211 



that they derive their confidence of safety from their 

 experience, that they are able to repel the attacks of 

 those devouring monsters *." 



An Indian, on the coast of California, on plunging 

 into the sea, was seized by a Shark -, but, by a most 

 extraordinary feat of activity, cleared himself, andi 

 though considerably wounded, threw blood and 

 water at the animal to show his bravery and con- 

 tempt. But the voracious monster seized him with 

 horrid violence a second time, and in a moment 

 dragged him to the bottom. His companions, 

 though not far from him, and much affected by the 

 loss, were not able to render him any assistance 

 whatever f. 



We are told that, notwithstanding the voracity of 

 these creatures, they will not devour any feathered 

 animal that is thrown overboard ; but that they will 

 readily 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 offf. 



Their flesh is sometimes eaten by sailors on long 

 voyages ; and, though exceedingly coarse and rank, 

 it is generally thought better than that of any others 

 of the tribe. The skin is rough, hard, and prickly ; 

 and, when properly manufactured, is used in co- 

 vering instrument cases, under the name of sha* 

 green. 



Portlock's Voyage, 303. t Venegas, ii. 115. 



I St. Pierre's Voyage to the Isle of France, %$, 



P2 



