68 THE STORY OF REPTILE LIFE. 



greatest care by the priests. They bedecked 

 these hideous creatures with ornaments, hanging 

 rings and precious stones from the fleshy flap 

 protecting the ears, and encircling the fore-feet 

 with bracelets. Thus adorned they were pre- 

 sented to the people for veneration. A crocodile 

 among these ancient people, was one of the symbols 

 of Typhon, the brother of Osiris, who was con- 

 sidered the author of all evil. One of these 

 deities was a man with a crocodile head, named 

 Sarek. When these creatures died, their bodies 

 were embalmed, and hundreds of these mummi- 

 fied bodies exist till to-day. Embryos, as well 

 as adults, seem to have shared this distinc- 

 tion. 



One other crocodile must find mention here. 

 This is the Long-snouted Crocodile (C. cata- 

 phmctus) of W. Africa. In the peculiar length 

 and slenderness of its snout this species closely 

 resembles the Grharials. It is interesting to note 

 that it preys on fish, frogs, aquatic reptiles, and 

 wading birds, which it approaches by stealth. 

 Shy and timid in its habits, this species is pro- 

 secuted by the natives for the sake of its flesh, 

 which, in spite of its musky flavour, is much 

 esteemed. This appreciation for crocodile flesh 

 is widespread ; the natives of other regions where 

 crocodiles of some sort or another abound, are 

 equally fond of it. This species is abundant in 

 the fresh water of the interior, and thrives in the 

 salt-water lagoons of the Guinea Coast ; and in 

 the delta of the Camerons it may be seen lying 

 on the sandbanks bordering the mangrove 

 swamps, from which it darts with amazing 



