At low-water spring-tides
two connecting bands are exposed--a sand-bank and a broad, flat coral
reef, between which is a lagoon, in which the water may be 6 or 7 feet
deep. The horses of the estate are in the habit of making excursions to
Kumboola, the desire for change being manifested so strongly that
occasionally they will swim across when the tide is full. One of the
horses was returning from an outing when there was a depth of about 3
feet on the sand-bank. As it approached the beach a shark, apparently
making out from the lagoon, was seen suddenly to change its course, and
follow the horse at a discreet distance. When only 50 yards from the
beach the shark made an impetuous rush, and snapped at one of the
horse's forefeet. The horse swerved, plunged and lashed out vigorously
and with such excellent precision that the shark was kicked like a
football out of the water. It appeared to be 5 or 6 feet long, and to be
quite satisfied that the horse, like a black, was not to be molested
until it was past resistance. The horse bore the marks of the affray on
the pastern for weeks.
Again when a favourite dog jumped overboard from the boat in an eager
but ridiculous venture after a "skipper," a shark detected the dog and
shadowed it.
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