4-70 TROPICAL WILD LIFE IN BRITISH GUIANA 



have seen specimens brought in by the Indians; but, unfor- 

 tunately, none was brought after I began to make sketches 

 and records, so that varying species could not be noted. The 

 markings upon the shell of the wathamuri are imitated by 

 the Indians as a pattern in Indian bead-work. It is effec- 

 tively shown in a bi-colored design. 



The Rapo-nunni teems with alligators, and every stream 

 and pond of any size knows them. Their heads, like the 

 ends of gnarled logs, may be seen, stationary, or almost 

 imperceptibly moving, in mid-stream, or near the bank. 

 Caiman niger mounts guard over every landing, and looks 

 out for unwary dogs, thoughtless children, and careless 

 adults. Two children have been carried off at the Mis- 

 sion : one at Rapo-nunni Landing and the other at Thewari- 

 kuru Landing. One of these was the child of the late, fa- 

 mous Makuchi Chief, John Bull, who came to Town to meet 

 us and to escort us to the distant Mission. A woman, also, 

 was dragged under, and was drowned, ere she could be res- 

 cued. Towards the end of 1915, one of our women, visiting 

 Tawrong thamu pethaku kupu, in search of young birds, 

 was attacked. A large part of one calf was taken off, and 

 an ugly wound was made in the upper leg. The flesh, in 

 parts, rotted and had to be cut off. With careful attention 

 she recovered, and she was able to walk down to bid us fare- 

 well, when we left. These few instances, out of many others, 

 go to show that the alligator or the crocodile is not to be 

 treated with contempt. 



There would seem to be more than one species in the 

 district. We saw creatures varying from three to twelve 

 feet, in length. Some are reported to be longer. They seem 

 to prefer back waters to running water. The Kwatata bush, 

 which encloses and domes the creek, making it necessary to 

 cut a way for one's canoe, is a favorite breeding-place for 

 them. Their roaring grunts may be heard, as one intrudes, 

 from amongst the big roots. Members of a crew, left to 

 sleep in a boat, at the landing, were unable to endure the 



