154 ^'E\V YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



able for its development, and though it fed well, for a period 

 of five years it did not seem to increase in size as much as one 

 inch. Previous to that period it had been kept for three years 

 by a friend of the writer, who explained that it was about 

 sixteen inches long at the time he received it, and that was about 

 its size when it was deposited in the Reptile House, seven years 

 ago. 



For about a year it showed no increase in size, despite its 

 favorable quarters, — a large tank of tepid water. At the expira- 

 tion of its first year in the Park it was attacked by a young 

 crocodile and badly lacerated. Its abdomen was torn open nearly 

 the entire length, through which aperature the intestines pro- 

 truded ; another big tear on the side disclosed the heart and 

 lungs. As this specimen had been in the writer's possession for 

 so long a time he endeavored, with but little hope of success, to 

 save its life. The intestines were carefully replaced, and the 

 abdominal laceration sewed up. When the tear on the side had 

 been similarly treated, the creature was placed in a shallow tank 

 of tepid water from which it could not escape. The treatment was 

 as nearly antiseptic as conditions would permit. 



The lacerations rapidly healed, with attendant vigorous 

 sloughing. Within ten days the reptile was feeding in normal 

 fashion. More remarkable than the reptile's reconstructive en- 

 ergy in healing its great wounds, was the effect upon its subse- 

 quent development. At once it began to grow, and at this date 

 it is nearlv six feet long, and weighs over fifty pounds. 



