Today, more and more sharks die because of humans’ activities. Sharks’ living conditions are very hard these days. Sharks are among the oldest animals on the earth. There are over 500 kinds of sharks living in the oceans. Most of sharks are quite large and they are about two meters long. Yet some are small, for example, the dogfish shark is less than 20cm long. The shark has a strong feeling of smell. This feeling helps sharks find their food. Sharks eat fish and plants in the ocean.

Sharks grow slowly. About forty percent of all sharks lay eggs. The others give birth to baby sharks. Some sharks carry their babies inside their bodies as humans do. Some sharks are not able to have babies until they are twenty years old. And each of them gives birth to at most ten baby sharks.

People kill sharks for food, medicine and their skin (皮肤). Experts say the market needs much more sharks.

One night, John came into the stable, calling, “Wake up. Beauty!”

He put my saddle and bridle on and rode up to the front door of the house. The Squire was there.

“John,” he said, “Mrs Gordon is very ill. Ride to the doctor’s and give him this note.”

“Now, Beauty, do your best.” said John. I went as fast as possible. When we arrived at Dr White’s house, John told him: “Mrs Gordon is very ill. Squire Gordon thinks she is going to die Please go to her immediately.” “Yes,” said the doctor, “but my son has my horse. Can I have yours?” he asked.

The doctor was heavier than John, and not such a good rider. But I did my very best and went as fast as possible. When we got to Birtwick Park, Squire Gordon was at the door. The doctor went into the house with him, and Joe led me to the stable. I was glad to be home. My legs were shaking, and I was very wet. Joe was young and he forgot to put a warm blanket on me. Then he gave me cold water to drink. Soon all my body began to shake, and I felt very cold. A long time later John came back. He covered me with two or three warm blankets, and ran to the house for some hot water. He gave me some warm food, and then I think I went to sleep.

Over and over again, John said to himself: “Stupid boy! Stupid boy!”

I was now very sick, and John was nursing me night and day. When the Squire came to see me, John said, “Black Beauty went so fast, he seemed to know what was wrong.”

Many people think that animals in the zoo are very happy, but most of them are not. Do you know why? Animals like tigers, lions and bears usually live in the forests or mountains. They run, jump, play with their children and catch small animals for food. But now they have to stay in small rooms in the zoo. They do not have to find food by themselves because the workers in the zoo give food to them. They just eat, walk and sleep in the zoo every day. Their life in the zoo is so easy and safe, but they are not free.