From Elephant Khedder to Crocodile Tank 379 



but suddenly he destroyeth him." Even Shakespeare 

 says, 



The mournful crocodile 



With sorrow snares relenting passengers. 



A sight not to be missed, if one is in the north-west 

 of India and near Kurachie, is the crocodile tank at 

 that place. I grant that it is possibly a loathsome sight, 

 but it is certainly an interesting one. 



In the first place there is a great swamp ; this in 

 former times was infested with crocodiles who lived 

 there and roamed about the neighbourhood at will, 

 seeking what they might devour ; in fact, so great was 

 the havoc they made, that the natives built a wall 

 round the swamp, which effectually kept them within 

 bounds. 



The swamp itself is caused by hot springs, the 

 medicinal virtues of which, known from early times, 

 have always been attributed to the sanctity of a 

 Mohammedan's tomb which lies close by a most holy 

 spot. The crocodiles are sacred to this Mohammedan. 



One can count over two hundred reptiles in the 

 tank. There are about a hundred and fifty by eighty 

 yards of green, slimy, stagnant water, and in this solid 

 ooze the huge, uncouth monsters move sluggishly about, 

 so tame in a sense that it is necessary to poke them 

 with a stick before they will move. 



The following tale of the crocodile tank I am assured 

 is perfectly true ; I give it for what it is worth. 



One year the swamp was exceptionally dry. Time of 

 day after dinner. Dramatis persona a party of 



