Crocodile at Bolgodde Lake. 61 



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was floating in a horrible state of decomposition near 



the bank. It was nearly dark, so I engaged a small 

 canoe to be in readiness by break of day. 



Just as the light streaked the horizon I stepped into 

 the canoe. This required some caution, as it was the 

 smallest thing that can be conceived to support two 

 persons. It consisted of the hollow trunk of a tree six 

 feet in length and about one foot in diameter. A small 

 outrigger prevented it from upsetting, but it was not an 

 inch from the surface of the water when I took my 

 narrow seat, and the native in the stern paddled care- 

 fully toward the carcase of the buffalo. 



Upon approaching within a hundred yards of the 

 floating carcase, I counted five forms within a few yards 

 of the flesh. These objects were not above nine inches 

 square and appeared like detached pieces of rough 

 bark. I knew them to be the foreheads of different 

 crocodiles, and presently one moved toward the half- 

 consumed buffalo. His long head and shoulders pro- 

 jected from the water as he attempted to fix his fore- 

 claws into the putrid flesh ; this, however, rolled over 

 toward him, and prevented him from getting a hold ; 

 but the gaping jaws nevei'theless made a wide breach 

 in the buffalo's flank. I was now within thirty yards 

 of them, and, being observed, they all dived immediately 

 to the bottom. 



The carcase was lying within a few yards of the 

 bank, where the water was extremely deep and clear. 

 Several large trees grew close to the edge and formed 

 a gODd hiding-place ; I therefore landed, and, sending 

 the canoe to a distance, I watched the water. 



I had not been five minutes in this position before I 

 saw in the water at my feet, in a deep hole close to the 

 6 



