140 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
head of it. Round this is fastened some meat, the end of the cord — 
being secured to a tree. This device is thrown into the water. 
When the caiman snaps at the prey the points of the sticks, on 
straining the line, penetrate into its flesh. Having waited till the 
Fig. 32.—Alligator. 
captive is dead, it is drawn from the water, when the captors gratify 
their dislike and spirit of revenge by crushing in its skull. 
Another method of capturing Alligators is practised by the 
residents on the upper waters of the giant river Orinoco. A tree is 
bent (generally a bamboo is selected, from its elasticity) till the top is 
brought down to the butt, a bait is then placed ona sharp hook, the 
line attached to it being fastened securely to the small end of the 
bent tree, which is caused to relax its position by an ingenious piec2 
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