228 The Alligator and Its Allies 



diameter was 50 mm.; the least short diameter 

 was 38 mm. The average long diameter of these 

 four hundred eggs was 73.74 mm. ; the average short 

 diameter was 42.59 mm. The average variation 

 in the long axis of the eggs of any one nest was 

 11.32 mm., more than twice the average variation 

 in the short axis, which was 5.14 mm. No relation 

 was noticed between the size and the number of 

 eggs in any one nest. Ten eggs of average size 

 weighed 812 grams — about 81 grams each. 



Voeltzkow (78) states that the form of the egg 

 of the Madagascar crocodile is very variable. No 

 two eggs in the same nest are exactly alike, some 

 being elliptical, some "egg-shaped," and some 

 "cylindrical with rounded ends." The average 

 size is 68 mm. by 47 mm., shorter and thicker than 

 the average alligator egg. 



When first laid, the eggs are pure white, and are 

 quite slimy for a few hours, but they generally 

 become stained after a time by the damp and 

 decaying vegetation composing the nest in which 

 they are closely packed. 



The shell is thicker and of a coarser texture than 

 that of the hen's egg. Being of a calcareous 

 nature, it is easily dissolved in dilute acids. 



The shell membrane is in two not very distinct 

 layers, the fibers of which, according to S. F. Clarke, 

 are spirally wound around the egg at right angles to 

 each other. No air-chamber, such as is found in the 

 hen's egg, is found in any stage in the development. 



