190 THE HABITS OF MALAY REPTILES. 
Of the habits of the Gavial, Tomistoma Schlegeli, but little 
` is known at present. 1t occurs in the Perak and Pahang rivers, 
where, above Kwala Tembeling, I have seen tracks cn the 
sand banks probably of this species. Sp’ rtsmen far up the larger 
rivers should keep a look-out for this animal. as well as for 
the Mugger, for it may be much more widely distributed than 
at present appears. 
a large proportion of that length. It always lives near water, 
either river or pond, or the sea, in which it quickly takes refuge 
when pursued. It dives very well, and remains a long time 
under the water. If it is unable to get into water, it will quick- 
ly climb a tree when alarmed. It gallops at a great pace when 
frightened, though very clumsily, and the noise it makes dash- 
ing thr ugh the bushes is out of all proportion toitssize. When 
cornered, it defends itself by lashing out with its tail, and mak- 
ing a fuffing ncise like a spitting cat. It also bites very fiercely. 
It is carnivorous, feeding en birds, rats, fish and insects, often 
attacking poultry. When a rat is given to it, it seizes it in its 
mout i 
M 
which I have heard in swamps is the cry of the Biawak. The 
eggs are large and wbite, with a soft shell like that of a turtle, 
and are deposited in holes in sandy ground and covered up. 1 
once found at Bruas, in the Dindings, a monitor laying its eggs 
in a shallow hole. The Malays, however, have a story t- the 
effect that when the eggs of a crocodile hatch, all the young 
other kinds to be met with here. V. flavescens, Penang and 
Jelebu ; V. nebulosus, Penang and Malacca; and V. rudicollis, 
Malacca. These are all smaller than the common kind. 
