188 CLASS REPTILIA. 



that of these reptiles, when it has arrived at a certain degree 

 of decomposition. 



In Carolina, the crocodiles make holes, or very deep 

 burrows, where they pass the entire winter, and sometimes 

 the entire day during summer. These holes are usually 

 placed in the marshes which accompany almost all the rivers, 

 but sometimes also on the edge of small pools, in the midst 

 of woods. M. Bosc has repeatedly tried to catch these 

 animals with snares of various kinds set at the entrance 

 of these holes, but to no effect. Every morning he found 

 his snares broken, and the crocodiles had come out, and 

 re-entered safe and sound. They can, however, be taken in 

 those countries with small living quadrupeds, or birds, 

 attached to a thick hook, and fastened fo a tree by means 

 of an iron chain. 



In Florida, where the population is less numerous and 

 the heat more considerable, the crocodiles are found in much 

 greater abundance. Bartram, in the relation of his voyage 

 on the river St. Jean, states that he has seen the waters 

 covered with them for considerable spaces. They so impeded 

 his navigation, as to force him several times to interrupt it. 

 He has been witness of great destruction of fish, and mutual 

 combats between those reptiles. 



The crocodiles during the whole summer, but more especi- 

 ally directly after they have quitted their burrows, utter loud 

 bellowings, as powerful as those of an ox, and which can- 

 not be compared with any other cry. They may be heard, 

 sometimes in great numbers, to reply to each other in this 

 manner, of an evening, causing the marshy forests to re-echo 

 with a frightful din. This is so great as to prevent a person 

 from sleeping in the neighbourhood, unless he has been 

 accustomed to it, as M. Bosc declares himself to have ex- 

 perienced many times. They also make a loud noise by 

 striking their jaws one against the other, and which may 



