508 



ALLIGATORS. 



Like the turtle, the large alligator has its annual migi^a- 

 tions. During the wet season it retreats to the interior pools 

 and flooded forests, and descends to the main river in the 

 dry season. During the hot months, when the pools are 

 dried up, and the alligator cannot reach water, it buries itself 

 in the mud, and becomes dormant, sleeping till the rainy 

 season returns. 



ALLIGATORS. 



As the alligator cannot turn its head, it is little feared on 

 shore, as a person can easily leap out of its way; but he must 

 beware of its tail, which, when angiy, it will lash about in 

 a furious manner, sufficient to break a limb. The alligator 

 never attacks human beings when on their guard, but, lying 

 in wait, seizes them when he can venture to do so with im- 



