THE CROCODILIANS 79 



the Malay Archipelago tales are many of the loss of 

 human life owing to these bold brutes. It appears that 

 the species does not occur far inland in any portion of 

 its range, preferring the coastal swamps and inlets, or 

 the larger rivers within tidal limits. 



As an example of the Salt-Water Crocodile's vicious 

 disposition, the writer remembers an experience with 

 several specimens arriving in the port of New York 

 from Singapore. They were on one of the big freight- 

 ers that so often bring a miscellaneous collection of 

 mammals, birds and big snakes from the East. Having 

 word from the ship, the writer hurried to inspect the 

 cargo. Arriving after dark, he was shown down into 

 the hold by the light of several lanterns. The place 

 looked like the interior of the Ark. Pairs of luminous 

 eyes, moving this way and that, revealed the restless 

 pacing of leopards and other cats. Snarls, growls, 

 hisses and a stamping of hoofed feet, denoted varied, 

 restless forms, much crowded in their miserable quarters 

 — many behind bars, others in slatted crates, a few of 

 the weaker in weird bamboo cages, and yet more in 

 closed boxes from which came no signs of life ; the latter 

 contained the snakes. As the inspection began, two 

 black panthers became continually vociferous in spitting, 

 snarling fashion. Yet above the voicing of their temper 

 came a steady series of sharp hisses from an elongated 

 crate. For a time the writer was too much occupied 

 to pay much attention to the latter, unusual sound. It 

 is a fascinating process to look over a newly-arrived 

 contingent of animals from India. In the dingy hold 

 of the ship some of the creatures with handsome pelts 

 appear in startling contrast; and there are others with 

 somber hues and ferocious mien that harmonize with 

 their uninviting quarters. We find tiger cats, or 



