CROCODILES. 



463 



base of the tongue prevents the water from passing into the lungs, and the reptile 

 may even come to the surface and breathe without letting go its hold on its prey. That 

 the reptile uses its tail to sweep animals off the bank into its jaws savors rather of 

 the fancy, though this appendage is often used in self-defence, and is an efficient 

 organ. Not infrequently the alligator can be induced to take the hook, and, when 

 thus captured, will test the strength of the strongest ' shark-tackle.' It is, however, 

 when captured, of a most disagreeable nature ; not only does it use its jaws freely, but 



Fig. 267. — AUigator mississippiensis, alligator, 



it emits a most disagreeable odor of musk, which is almost unendurable ; it has, how- 

 ever, been used by some as food, Catesby saying : " The Hind-part of the Belly & 

 Tail are eat by the Indians. The Flesh is delicately white, but has so perfumed a 

 Taste of Smell, that I could never relish it with Pleasure." It is also maintained that 

 the negroes, during the colder months, often dig it from the mud in which it is hiber- 

 nating, and use its flesh. In the stomach are often found the most unexpected 

 articles : stones, bottles, boots, and in one case a camp-stove performed its share of 

 the grinding operation. 



