164 COMPARISONS OF STRUCTURE IN ANIMALS. 



rigidity of the neck is strongly contrasted 

 with the flexibiUty of the powerful tail of 

 this terrible reptile, the lateral movements of 

 which are extremely free. With this powerful 

 instrument the crocodile lashes the water to 

 foam, and deals the most tremendous blows, 

 striking from side to side with astonishing 

 violence. If we examine the vertebrte of this 

 part, we shall find them furnished not only 

 with superior but with inferior spinous pro- 

 cesses of great length for the attachment of 

 powerful muscles, which render it a most 

 efiicient weapon, as well as oar or paddle. 

 Nevertheless, though at all times formidable, 

 it is in the water that the crocodile revels 

 in his might ; if he seize his prey on the 

 bank, instantly he rushes with it into the 

 river, and there disappears in an instant. 

 On the land, its limbs are ill adapted for rapid 

 movements ; its neck, as we have said, is 

 rigid, and its upper surface is protected by 

 solid pieces of mail, or osseous plates, with 

 bold ridges, disposed in longitudinal rows; 

 hence, therefore, flexibility of the body is at a 

 low par, and the power of turning suddenly 

 considerably restricted. The crocodile must, in 

 fact, make a circuit in order to reverse its 



