48 
to be a policeman, who, inspired with the proper sense of his 
duty, rushed at the creaking fence, which he embraced, ex- 
pecting to find a would-be burglar, instead of our friend 
the crocodile ! 
I suppose a crocodile, as any other creature, can refer to 
a constable to be put right on a question of locality ! 
It is commonly believed by some tribes that the “ Fetish- 
man,” when he wants to do injury to a family, can convert 
himself into a crocodile, and as such perpetrate his credited 
evil intent by maiming or carrying off— 
“ Beguiled as the mournful crocodile 
With sorrow snares relenting travellers.” 
Edible turtle are found in abundance, but are not, such 
is my individual experience, as a rule, in good condition, 
being poor. They are caught in the circular hand-nets and 
speared, but are generally captured on the beach, where 
they come to lay their eggs. The natives on moonlight 
nights watch for them, cut off their retreat, and, turning 
them over on their backs, thus secure them. 
The Ascension Lakes, supplied, I understand, as above, 
are well known in the West and South African squadron, 
providing as they do a rich and appreciated out-put. Why 
could not some of the many “salt ponds”* adjacent to 
the African coast line be similarly used as rearing waters, 
and another industry be developed therefrom, although I 
doubt the suitability of turtle soup as a tropical diet in a 
malarial country where the “fitful liver” has to be gently 
treated, and we have no aldermen. 
Fishing Towns and Villages. 
Fishing towns and villages, often well marked by the 
groves of cocoa-nut trees that surround them, are to be 
* Brackish inlets or salt-water lakes. 
