316 Capture and Death of a large Alligator. 



the bank, and his eyes following the motion of some cows which 

 were grazing near. Our informer likened his appearance to that 

 of a cat watching a mouse, and in the attitude to spring upon his 

 prey when it should come within his reach. 



I would here mention, as a curious fact, that the domestic 

 buffalo, which is almost continually in the water, and in the 

 heats of mid-day remains for hours with only his nose above the 

 surface, is never molested by the alligator. All other animals be- 

 come his victims when they incautiously approach him, and their 

 knowledge of the danger most usually prompts them to resort to 

 shallow places to quench their thirst. 



Hearing that the alligator had killed a horse, we proceeded to 

 the place, about five miles from the house. It was a tranquil 

 spot, and one of singular beauty, even in that land. The stream, 

 which a few hundred feet from the lake narrowed to a brook, 

 with its green banks fringed with the graceful bamboo, and the 

 alternate glory of glade and forest, spreading far and wide, 

 seemed fitted for other purposes than the familiar haunt of the 

 huge creature that had appropriated it to himself. A few cane 

 huts were situated a short distance from the river, and we pro- 

 cured from them what men they contained, who were ready to 

 assist in freeing themselves from their dangerous neighbor. The 

 terror which he had inspired, especially since the death of their 

 companion, had hitherto prevented them from making an effort to 

 get rid of him ; but they gladly availed themselves of our prepara- 

 tions, and with the usual dependence of their character, were will- 

 ing to do whatever example should dictate to them. Having rea- 

 son to believe that the alligator was in the river, we commenced 

 operations by sinking nets, upright, across its mouth, three deep, at 

 intervals of several feet. The nets, which were of great strength, 

 and intended for the capture of the wild buffalo, were fastened 

 to trees on the banks, making a complete fence to the communi- 

 cation with the lake. 



My companion and myself placed ourselves with our guns on 

 either side of the stream, while the Indians, with long bamboos, 

 felt for the animal. For some time he refused to be disturbed ; 

 and we began to fear that he was not within our limits, when a 

 spiral motion of the water, under the spot where I was standing, 

 led me to direct the natives to it ; and the creature slowly moved 

 on the bottom towards the nets, which he no sooner touched. 



