RACE WITH A SHARK.

Kumara Times, Issue 1335, 11 January 1881, Page 2

RACE WITH A SHARK.

Warren Smith, the American sculler, whilst practising on Bedford Basin near Halifax, the other day, was pursued by a shark, which several times tried to seize the boat in its jaws. The Detroit Free Press thus humorously describes the race between roan and shark : " They both got away in good style, Smith slightly in advance, the shark making a good second. Smith occasionally looked at the shark in a nervous way, and began steering wildly. The shark at the first half-mile stake made a spurt, increasing his stroke to 137 in the mitiute, while Smith madly forged ahead in bad form. At the three-quarter stake the shark came over on Smith's course, and plainly endeavoured to foul the latter's boat. Smith, instead of calling to the referee gave a spurt and a yell, leaving the shark half a boat's length in the rear, and giving him the wash of his oars. At the end of the first mile it became evident that Smith was more anxious to win the race than to exhibit any particular kind of stroke. The shark practised the celebrated 'git thar stroke,' but its steering Was bad, goin» all over the course. As they approached the shallow water the shark was noticed to hold up its fin, signifying tflfc ifc had a stitch in its side. Smith w3b pretty sick, too, but he was bound to win the race. The shark went out. of the harbor and bathed its head in cold, water.