CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS 



149 



even a huge 25-footcr, as witnessed by the writer in tlic Norman River, North Queensland, 

 will make tracks for and hurl itself into the water, if disturbed during its midday siesta by 

 the near impact of a rifle-bullet, is a revelation. Crocodiles, moreover, as might be inferred 

 from the slit-like contour of the eye-pupil, as shown by daylight, are to a large extent 

 nocturnal, displaying their greatest activity, and being in the habit of traveling long distances 

 along and away from the river-banks in search of food, or in connection with their migratory 

 or mating instincts, under the cover of darkness. 



Of all living animals the crocodile and its allies are probably equipped most efficiently 

 for both defence and aggression. The thick, horny shields, quadrangular on the back, tail, and 

 under-surface, and adapted in shape and size to cover the head, limbs, and sides, constitute 

 an almost impenetrable cuirass. As weapons of offence the formidable array of trenchant teeth, 

 with which the powerful jaws are armed, have not alone to be reckoned with by the victim 

 assailed. The crocodile's limbs and claws are relativelv weak, and incapable of aggressive 



J>holo by Mr, It: R.iu] 



[PhiUddphiu 



A CROCODILE 



N:'tt tfie mutui'e character of the taily a lueapon zvhcrcivith the creature can duah'.e a horse or an cr, or stveep smaller prey into the ivater 



mischief; but in the lung, compressed, muscular tail the reptile possesses a tcrribl)' effecti\-e 

 weapon, wherewith, with one swift, unexpected side-stroke, it will sweep a smaller animal into 

 the water, or deal a blow of sufficient power to fell or disable a man or bullock. Thus 

 well-nigh invulnerable, and cognisant of its marvellous power of jaw and tail, a full-grnwn 

 crocodile will not hesitate to try conclusions with even such puissant adversaries as the bear, 

 the tiger, and other large carnivora, when they approach the river's brink to drink. Not 

 infrequently, too, the crocodile comes off the victor in these contests; while, as sometimes 

 happens, both of the well-matched foes are found dead side by side at the water's edge. The 

 dread in which crocodiles are held by the natives of tropical countries, and the heavy toll they 

 levy upon the riverside population, and more especially the wc mien-folk in their accustomed 

 avocations of water-carr_\ing or laundry work, are too familiar to need dissertation. Hence it 

 is that in every countr_\', excepting those particular locations where the creature is a subject uf 

 misguided veneration or fetish worship, it may be said that every man's hand is against them, 

 and the enmity most cordially reciprocated. 



All the members of the Crocodile Family propagate by egg-production. The eggs are 



