TRUE CROCODILES. 23 



Northern Australia, and the islands of the Solomon and Fiji groups. In point of 

 size it probably surpasses all other species, one specimen being recorded which 

 reached the enormous length of 33 feet 



In correspondence with its gigantic size, this crocodile appears to be one of the 

 most formidable members of its kind, being exceedingly prone to attack human 

 beings, more especially in the breeding-season, which takes place during June 

 and July, when it is stated to attack such small boats as may cross its haunts. 



ESTUARINE CROCODILE (^ nat. 



as 



Owing to its depredations, these crocodiles are cordially detested as well 

 feared by the natives of India, and at Dacca, on the north of the Bay of Bengal, 

 crocodile-hunting is pursued as a profession. The following account of the pursuit 

 of one of these monsters which had recently carried off a boy is abridged from a 

 native newspaper. The hunter, having been summoned, moored his canoe hard by 

 the place where the tragedy had taken place, it being well known that a crocodile 

 which has been successful in securing a victim will generally remain for some days 

 about the spot. Soon the crocodile was descried floating on the water, whereupon 

 'the hunter and assistant hid themselves in the canoe, while the son of the former 

 entered the water, which he commenced to beat with his hands. Catching sight 



