CROCODILES. 



463 



base of the tongue prevents the water from passing into the hmgs, and tlie reptile 

 may even come to the surface antl breathe without letting go its holil on its ])rey. That 

 the reptile uses its tail to sweej) animals off the bank into its jaws savoi's rather of 

 the fancy, though this apiiendage is often used in self-defence, anil is an eflicient 

 organ. Not infrequently the alligator can be induced to take the hook, and, when 

 thus captured, will test the strength of the strongest ' shark-tackle.' It is, however, 

 when captured, of a most disagreeable nature; not only does it use its jaws freely, but 



''^^^<^^ JA^s^U^. --^^^^^ ^^ 



^^^i^^sS 



Fig. 2(i7. — Alligator mississippiensis, alligator, 



it emits a most disagreeable odor of musk, which is almost unendurable ; it has, how- 

 ever, been used by some as food, Catesby saying : " The Hind-part of the Belly & 

 Tail are eat by the Indians. The Flesh is delicately white, but has so ]ierfumed a 

 Taste of Smell, that I could never relish it with Pleasure." It is also maintained that 

 the negroes, during the colder months, often dig it from the mud in which it is hiber- 

 nating, and use its flesh. In the stomach are often found the most unexjiected 

 articles: stones, bottles, boots, and in one case a camp-stove performed its share of 

 the grinding operation. 



