550 CROCODILID.E ; CROCODILES, ALLIGATORS. 



upper jaw. The Crocodiles also have a ridge of projecting scales 

 down the outer border of their hind legs, which are wanting in 

 the Alligators. The Crocodiles, again, are divided into the 

 true Crocodiles and the Gavials ; of the latter only one living 

 species is known. This is the Gavial, or Gangetic Crocodile, 

 which is distinguished by having the jaws produced into a long, 

 narrow, cylindrical muzzle, terminated by a cartilaginous protu- 

 berance, in which the nostrils are situated, and which is particu- 

 larly developed in the male. The Gavial is aquatic in its habits ; 

 its hind feet are fully webbed, and the crest of projecting plates 

 on the tail, increasing the surface by which it strikes the water, 

 is much elevated. This powerful animal frequently attains the 

 length of twenty-five feet, and is very formidable from its strength 

 and ferocity. It is very serviceable in devouring the numerous 

 dead bodies of men and animals which are committed to the sa- 

 cred river, and which would otherwise taint the air by their 

 decay. The true Crocodiles are inhabitants of Africa, India, and 

 the hotter parts of America. Their muzzle is more elongated than 

 that of the Alligators, but much less so than in the Gavials ; and 



FIG. 319. CEOCOBILE. 



the three outer toes of the hind feet are entirely webbed. The 

 movements of these animals on land are awkward, the legs being 

 ill formed for running, and the head possessing but little power of 

 motion from side to side ; but in water they dart along with 

 great rapidity, by the lateral movements of the tail, aided by the 

 action of their swimming-feet, The Alligators, or Caymans, 

 are confined to America, and are less aquatic in their habits than 

 the Crocodiles. They frequent swamps and marshes, rather than 

 rivers ; and are occasionally seen basking on dry ground, during 

 the day, luxuriating in the heat of the sun. It is during the 

 night that they are most active ; and they then set up a loud 



