CHAP. xxi. Crocodiles. 327 



" Crocodiles," was the still unconcerned reply. The undressing for a 

 swim in that pool was promptly discontinued. This was in the Madras 

 Presidency. One reads of crocodiles feasting on human bodies in the 

 Ganges, and one naturally concludes that they may equally take the 

 living, and I have myself been warned not to wade in certain parts 

 in Northern India, though in the Madras Presidency I have always 

 treated the animal as an inoffensive coward, and waded at pleasure 

 though, to the caimans or alligators of America I should have paid 

 more respect. The Canara crocodile is Crocodilus palustris ; the 

 Malabar, Mysore, and Madras one, C. porosus. 



Trousers hang about the legs, and are not only cold and clammy 

 when walking, but are also heavy with water. A more comfortable 

 costume is knee breeches and worsted stockings. 



