The Biology of the Crocodiha 13 



come very poor and thin, so we do not force them 

 to eat any more." The effect upon the growth 

 of an animal of these two methods of feeding will 

 be noted later when the age and rate of growth are 

 discussed. The same writer says, in answer to a 

 question about hibernation: "In their wild state 

 they go into their dens under water and remain 

 dormant all winter." Whether this statement is 

 the result of actual observation the writer is not 

 able to say, but, judging by some other statements 

 from the same source, it is probably from hear- 

 say. The writer, having visited the alligator haunts 

 only in late spring and summer, has had no oppor- 

 tunity of studying the habits of the animal in its 

 natural habitat during the winter season. During 

 the heat of summer the animal does not seek the 

 sun as he is said to do during cooler weather, but 

 spends more time on the bank at night and during 

 the cooler parts of the day. 



That he sometimes wanders over dry land, per- 

 haps going from hole to hole, is evident from the 

 tracks that are sometimes seen crossing a dusty 

 road or path. These trails are easily recognized 

 by the clawed footprints with a line, made by 

 the dragging tail, between them. Although most 

 awkward on land, he can, if necessary, move very 

 quickly. It is, however, in the water that he 

 shows to best advantage; he is an active, power- 

 ful swimmer, his tail being used as a propeller as 

 in the fishes. When swimming actively the legs 



