ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 147 



hibernating period, show a more rapid growth than that given in 

 the table relating to our captive specimens. As evidence on this 

 point, we may cite certain experiments that have been conducted 

 in the Zoological Park. 



Two lots of alligators, each containing about a dozen speci- 

 mens, have been placed under the dififerent conditions. One lot 

 was kept outside, in a pond where the reptiles enjoyed compar- 

 ative freedom, the other lot remained indoors, in one of the capa- 

 cious tanks of the Reptile House. The outside specimens soon 

 became wnld, and very difficult to approach. As a result, they 

 received food with less regularity and in smaller quantity than 

 the indoor specimens ; but at the end of the warm season, they 

 were invariably found to be considerably larger than the latter. 



There is a powerful and mysterious tonic in the outdoor air. the 

 summer rains, and the muddy waters of a natural pool. The 

 writer has noted the same result with snakes and lizards. He has 

 set free young specimens of the latter kind in localities where they 

 could be readily found again, and has kept members of the same 

 broods indoors, endeavoring to "force" them by feeding them as 

 frequently as they could properly assimilate their food. Yet we 

 found the results to be the same as with crocodilians. The wild 

 reptiles, when recaptured, w^ere probably a third larger than those 

 so carefully reared in confinement. 



The coastal, swampy regions of the southeastern portion of the 

 United States — the home of the alligator — are particularly condu- 

 cive to the rapid growth of their reptile denizens. The favorite 

 abode of the alligator is in the "low-grounds" rather than in large 

 bodies of water. These ordinarily embrace combinations of jun- 

 gle-like thickets, small savannas, and stagnant "water-holes." 

 After heavy rains much of these areas are covered with w^ater. 



The writer's studies of the alligator at home were conducted 

 in the immediate vicinity of the Savannah River, about forty miles 

 above the city of Savannah. His work was confined to the river 

 low-grounds, a vast tract teeming with reptiles. Alligators were 

 found in isolated pools and small lakes, the larger examples gen- 

 erally in the larger bodies of water. Over a great part of this 

 country it was difficult to distinguish firm ground from the swamp, 

 as masses of water hyacinths and rushes flourished in luxurious 

 profusion. 



Over terra-firuia itself the going was exceedingly difficult, com- 

 pelling us to tear our way through thorny bushes, or masses of 

 cane, eight to ten feet high. In August the heat was intense, the 

 temperature frequently reaching 105 degrees F. in the shade, and 



