316 Capture and Death of a large Alligator. 
the bank, and his eyes following the motion of some cows which 
were grazing near. Our informer likened his appearance to that 
of a cat watching a mouse, and in the attitude to spring upon his 
prey when it should come within his reach. 
I would here mention, as a curious fact, that the domestic 
buffaio, which is almost continually in the water, and in the 
heats of mid-day remains for hours with only his nose above the 
surface, is never molested by the alligator. All other animals be- 
come his victims when they incautiously approach him, and their 
knowledge of the danger most usually prompts them to resort to 
shallow places to quench their thirst. 
Hearing that the alligator had killed a horse, we proceeded to 
the place, about five miles from the house. It was a tranquil 
spot, and one of singular beauty, even in that land. The stream, 
which a few hundred feet from the lake narrowed to a brook, 
with its green banks fringed with the graceful bamboo, and the 
alternate glory of glade and forest, spreading far and wide, 
seemed fitted for other purposes than the familiar haunt of the 
huge creature that had. appropriated it to himself. A few cane 
huts were situated a short distance from the river, and we pro- 
cured from them what men they contained, who were ready to 
assist in freeing themselves from their dangerous neighbor. The 
terror which he had inspired, especially since the death of their 
companion, had hitherto prevented them from making an effort to 
get rid of him ; but they gladly availed themselves of our prepara- 
tions, and with the usual dependence of their character, were will- 
ing to do whatever example should dictate to them. Having rea- 
son to believe that the alligator was in the river, we casnmenced 
operations by sinking nets, upright, across its mouth, three deep, at 
intervals of several feet. The nets, which were of great strength, 
and intended for the capture of the wild buffalo, were fasten 
to trees on the banks, making a complete fence to the communi- 
cation with the lake. 
My companion and myself placed ourselves with our guns 01 
either side of the stream, while the Indians, with long bamboos, 
felt for the animal. For some time he refused to be disturbed ; 
and we began to fear that he was not within our limits, when 4 
spiral motion of the water, under the spot where I was standing; 
led me to direct the natives to it ; and the creature slowly moved 
on the bottom towards the nets, which he no sooner touc 
