XVII 



THE CROCODILE 



223 



sacred reptiles died they were mummified. In other 

 parts of Egypt crocodiles were hunted and killed as 

 noxious beasts. 



The traffic on the Lower Nile, the persecutions to 

 which they are subject from modern firearms, as well as 

 the turmoil caused by paddle-boats and stern-wheelers, 



Danger lurks at the drinking pool for goats as well as 

 for men and women. The strength of the teeth and 

 jaws of crocodiles is such that the}' rarely let go any 

 animal that is fairly seized. 



have driven the crocodile almost completely out of the 

 Nile below Khartum. 



The ''gigantic rain-puddle," as Moore calls the Victoria 

 Nyanza, swarms with crocodiles, and they lie sunning 

 themselves on the rocks or concealed in the water 

 waiting for antelopes, men, women, and children. 



