FIG. 7. A TYPICAL 'GATOR "HOLE." 



Only a few yards across, and surrounded by a dense growth of vegetation. On the 

 far side is seen an opening in the surrounding grass and flags where the ground is 

 worn smooth by the alligator in crawling out of the hole. Under the bank, probably 

 near the place where the alligator "pulls out," is the deep cave into which the in- 

 habitant of this hole quickly goes on the approach of danger. As this cave may be 

 fifteen or twenty feet deep it is not an easy matter to get the animal out. When a 

 female alligator inhabits such a hole, a nest may often be found within three or four 

 yards of the water, though it is sometimes at a greater distance. Such a hole as this 

 may be connected by narrow, winding "trails " with larger ponds, as noted under 

 Fig. 6. (From a Photograph by the Author.) 



