This formidable animal is the dread of mankind in the seas where it is
found. There is no safety in bathing where this monster abounds.
The late Sir Brooke Watson was at one time swimming at a little
distance from a ship, when he observed a shark approaching towards him.
Struck with terror at its appearance, he immediately cried out for
assistance. A rope was instantly thrown out for him; and even while the
men were in the act of pulling him up the ship's side, the shark darted
after him, and at a single snap derived him of one leg.
In the West Indies, the negroes have frequently the hardihood to engage
the shark in single combat, by diving beneath him, and, in ascending,
stab him before he sees where they are. In these combats they
frequently conquer this formidable creature; and thus, through courage
and tactics, overcome his great strength and ferocity.