The Biology of the Crocodilia 13 
come very poor and thin, so we do not force them 
to eat any more.” The effect upon the growth 
of an animal of these two methods of feeding will 
be noted later when the age and rate of growth are 
discussed. ‘The same writer says, in answer to a 
question about hibernation: “In their wild state 
they go into their dens under water and remain 
dormant all winter.’ Whether this statement is 
the result of actual observation the writer is not 
able to say, but, judging by some other statements 
from the same source, it is probably from hear- 
say. The writer, having visited the alligator haunts 
only in late spring and summer, has had no oppor- 
tunity of studying the habits of the animal in its 
natural habitat during the winter season. During 
the heat of summer the animal does not seek the 
sun as he is said to do during cooler weather, but 
spends more time on the bank at night and during 
the cooler parts of the day. 
That he sometimes wanders over dry land, per- 
haps going from hole to hole, is evident from the 
tracks that are sometimes seen crossing a dusty 
road or path. These trails are easily recognized 
by the clawed footprints with a line, made by 
the dragging tail, between them. Although most 
awkward on land, he can, if necessary, move very 
quickly. It is, however, in the water that he 
shows to best advantage; he is an active, power- 
ful swimmer, his tail being used as a propeller as 
in the fishes. When swimming actively the legs 
