THE NAEBADA VALLEY. 43 



Although our crocodiles are thus little noxious to life, and 

 may even advance some claims to merit as scavengers, it is 

 not in human nature to refrain from destroying so hideous a 

 reptile when a chance occurs. There is a spot in the gorge of 

 the Marble Rocks where such a chance is seldom wanting. A 

 flat and slightly hollowed rock-shelf at the water's edge in- 

 vites to noontide repose these unlovely monsters of the deep. 

 Cold weather and a warm sun seem to be the most favourable 

 conditions. The place is on the left bank, some quarter of a 

 mile above the rest-house ; and is marked by the droppings of 

 the brutes, and of the aquatic birds that invariably watch over 

 their slumbers. If now, as midday approaches, you will take 

 your rifle and cross over below the house, and get you round 

 to where a cleft in the rocks commands the spot, and if the 

 place has not recently been much disturbed, you will shortly 

 perceive (if he is not there before you) the seeing and smelling 

 apparatus of one or more of the reptiles floating slowly in 

 from mid-stream, like two bungs out of a cask. Nothing 

 but experience will enable you to distinguish them at this 

 distance from the pieces of drift wood always floating down 

 the stream, so marvellously does nature protect even the most 

 loathsome of her productions. The crocodile approaches the 

 projected scene of his siesta with immense caution. Long 

 and keenly he reconnoitres it from a distance ; and if he has 

 any suspicions he will sink and rise again and again during 

 his approach. If not he will descend after the first good look, 

 and then swim right in under water ; and the next thing you 

 will see of him will be his rugged head lying on the ledge of 

 rock below you, and a pair of fishy eyes slowly revolving in a 

 last survey of the neighbourhood. This done, he will heave 

 his huge bulk and serrated tail sideways out of the water, 

 and lie extended along the edge, ready to " whammle " in again 



