OilDER SAURIA. 103 



The double-crested Crocodile. {Cr. Biporcatus. Cuv.) 

 Ann. Mus. X. i. 4. and ii. 8. et Ossemen's Foss. 

 v., 2d part, same pi. and fig. 



With eight ranges of oval plates along the back, and 

 two projecting crests on the upper part of the muz- 

 muzzle a little longer, and more narrow, and others some varieties in the 

 plates or scales, which furnish the upper part of their neck ; but it is very 

 difficult to distribute them into distinct species, in consequence of the 

 intermediate shades. The small isolated scales which form a transverse 

 range immediately behind the cranium, vary in number, fi om two to four or 

 six. The approximating plates which form the buckler of the nape are 

 generally six in number ; but there is sometimes a smaller one, at a little 

 distance from each anterior angle of this buckler, and sometimes conti- 

 guous to the buckler. M. GeofFroy gives the name of Cr. Suchus to those 

 which have the muzzle more narrow and elongated ; C. Marginatus to 

 those in which are reckoned six scales in the range behind the cranium, 

 some of which have six plates in the buckler, and some eight ; Cr. Lacu- 

 nosus is his name of an individual which has but two scales behind the 

 cranium, and six plates in the buckler ; and, finally, by Cr. Complanatus, 

 whose characters attach to certain proportions of the head. 



These diflferent crocodiles also exhibit some variations of detail in the 

 muzzle, and in the lateral scales of the back. But as to this last point, 

 and still more as to the muzzle, the varieties must be much more numerous ; 

 and M. GeofFroy acknowledges that nothing is more fugitive than the forms 

 of crocodiles. So much is this the case, that I cannot venture to elevate 

 to a specific rank some crocodiles sent from Bengal by M. Duvau9el, 

 although their head is more convex than that of the rest of this genus. 



There is another point of discussion between the philosophic naturalist 

 just cited and myself. He supposes that the species or variety with the 

 more narrow muzzle continues smaller, that it is gentle and inoffensive, 

 and that its littleness causes it to be cast ashore during the period of the 

 inundations, of which it is thus a precursor; and, according to these 

 notions, he thinks that it was particularly to it that the Egyptians rendered 

 religious homage, and tiiat tlie name of suchus or suchis appertained to it 

 as a species. I believe, on the contrary, that I have proved from Cicero 



