I am a shark! I am called "the tiger of the ocean," because I am so large, strong and terrible. I eat human flesh. [Illustration: (shark)] I guess I am not very good to look at. They say my mouth has a horrible, mean expression. I am about thirty feet long! I have six rows of strong, sharp-pointed teeth--sharper than any knife you ever had. I can raise or lower these as I wish. Most fish, when they drop their eggs, forget all about them. But I love and take care of my young ones. BY THE CRAB People say I am a quarrelsome creature. That is why cross persons are called "crabby." But I won't ever quarrel with you, little one. I am a first cousin of the lobster. I have a soft body protected with a hard shell. When I grow too big I throw it off and then I get a new one, just like Mr. Lobster does. I have five pairs of legs. Poor child, you have only one pair. I walk sideways. In walking I use the legs on one side of my body to push with and those on the other side to pull with. My short tail I carry folded under my body. See my two strong pairs of nippers! With these pinchers I defend myself from my enemies. I wouldn't hurt you, though. Oysters and other small sea animals often attach themselves to my shell and stay there a long time. Men catch us crabs in wicker pots that are sunk deep in the water. In each is placed some bait. Are you a "crabby" little person? I hope not. [Illustration: (crab)] BY THE WHALE "That she blows! Thar she blows!" That is what the sailors cry when they see me spout air and water out of the holes in the top part of my head. Sometimes I spout water 60 or 70 feet high. I am a Right or Greenland whale. I live in the cold north seas. Underneath my skin are layers of fat called "blubber," that keep my body warm. From this blubber men take large quantities of oil. It is very valuable. Some whales give as much as 300 barrels of oil. Just think of that! When I want my dinner I just open my mouth and collect thousands of small fish. I have no real teeth, but in my upper jaw are fringed plates known as "whale-bones." Maybe your mamma has sent you to the store to buy whale-bone for her new dress. My cousin, the sperm whale, lives in the warm part of the ocean. Your nice white candles are made from spermaceti. It is taken from the head of the sperm whale. He also gives you "ambergris," out of which fine perfume is made. The dolphin and the porpoise are smaller whale-like animals. They are playful and affectionate. [Illustration: (whale)] BY THE OYSTER Do you like oysters? I hope so. This is the oyster season. In the summer months, when I am busy laying eggs I am not good to eat. We lay about two million eggs each season. My children are full grown when they are three years old. You are little more than a baby at that age. [Illustration: (oyster)] I am called "fashionable" because I am not cheap like herring. I am considered quite a dainty.