lided quietly over the water and looked down into the depths alongside,
we saw more than one hideous man-eating shark of the dreaded white
species, stealthily in search of human prey. Though they feed on other
fish, the white sharks seem to prefer human flesh to all other, and will
remain patiently for days at a time in the same spot, watching for a
chance to satisfy this terrible appetite. Sad accidents from this source
are not infrequent, two young lads from an overturned boat having been
seized and eaten by these voracious creatures just one week previous to
our arrival in Sydney. The instance here referred to was particularly
afflicting as we heard it described. The father of one of the boys was
the horrified witness of the scene, without being able to render his son
the least assistance.

The sharks which frequent the coast of Norway, the catching of which
forms a regular industry there, are what are termed the mackerel shark,
because they feed mostly upon that fish. The size of this kind averages
from six to eight feet in length; but those which frequent the coast of
Australia will measure from ten to twelve feet, and have enormous mouths
furnished with four or five rows of long sharp teeth. They are well
called the tigers of the sea.

CHAPTER V.

A Zigzag Railway.--Wonderful Series of Caves.--Immense
Sheep-Runs.--Sheep-Shearing.--Central Australia.--City
Characteristics.--Fine Architectural Development.--Steam
Tramways.--Labor Unions.--Colonial Federation.--The
Tariff.--Loyalty to England.--Spirit of Local Rivalry.--The
St. Giles of Sydney.--City Clubs.--The Laughing
Jackass.--Public Parks.--Gold Mines.

There is one special excursion which should not be neglected by
travellers to Sydney; namely, a visit to what are called the Fish River
Caves at Tarana. No person would neglect them who could anticipate the
novel experience to be enjoyed by such a visit, which need occupy but
four days' time. We had not even heard of these singular wonders of
Nature's handiwork before coming hither. The short journey to the caves
takes one through a delightful though wild and mountainous region,
replete with grand natural scenery. The route leads through the Emu
Plains and over the Blue Mountains by the Zigzag Railroad, from whose
various elevations lovely far-reaching views are enjoyed of the district
left behind and the gleaming Nepean River winding gracefully through it.
T