A MONSTER CROCODILE SURPRISED. 277 



seawards, but the flood setting in about eight bells (nautical 

 again), we slowly coasted along shore with oars, keeping a 

 look-out for deer. 



The forest consisted chiefly of " Soonderee " trees, from 

 which these wild seaboard regions take their name, but a 

 species of trees growing near the water's edge to the height 

 of twenty or thirty feet, with small bright green leaves, 

 covered certain points and miniature capes, which I have 

 observed to be a favourite with spotted deer here and else- 

 where. Among groves of these trees a good many deer were 

 nibbling the delicate green leaves, and in the course of the 

 morning gave me several shots, but I succeeded in securing 

 only one stag, the finest yet shot, the others including one or two 

 wounded ones, getting away where they could not be followed. 



As a rule, I do not think the thick woods are much 

 resorted to by aught besides monkeys and jungle-fowl, for 

 they grow so thickly and form such a tangled and impene- 

 trable covert, that even wild beasts find some difficulty in 

 traversing them, except by paths opened in their passage from 

 side to side. The sportsman who attempts pursuit in such 

 coverts, unavoidably makes so much noise through the rustling 

 of leaves and branches, that his approach is announced, and 

 the animal he is after makes off, going ten yards to his one, 

 and that one gained in a stooping posture, hampered by trees 

 above and sharp stumps below ; and lastly, he may come upon 

 a crouching tiger, when his head is jammed between branches 

 and his arms almost pinioned by the undergrowth. On the 

 whole, it is a most unsatisfactory kind of sport at all times, 

 and except for three months in the year a very unhealthy one 

 to boot. 



As we were about to re-cross to the eastern bank of the 

 river, an immense crocodile came in view lying open-mouthed 

 upon a tiny sandy spit, up which the tide was slowly creeping. 

 The reptile lay fast asleep, head towards the water, and its 

 curved tail on the gently sloping shore. It seemed to be air- 

 ing its hideous mouth and throat in the genial sunshine and 

 the crisp cool breeze ; to make the picture complete, there ought 



