REPTILES, SNAKES AND AMPHIBIANS EATEN AS FOOD. 233 



zimvoobo in South Africa, and swarm especially in the 

 waters running into Lake N'gami. The flesh has the 

 appearance of veal and forms a royal repast for the 

 natives. 



A correspondent of the Glohe, in December, 1881, 

 writes of crocodile steaks : — " Some years ago, I, in com- 

 pany with others, was sent 400 miles up the Zambesi 

 and Shire Rivers, in Central Africa. We were short of 

 food ; for a drought prevailed, and the domestic animals 

 of the country had been eaten up. One of our party 

 killed and landed a crocodile, and left it for the benefit 

 of the starving natives. But I was caterer for our little 

 community, and, unknown to my friends, cut from the 

 tail of this creature two fine steaks. At dinner they 

 were served up nicely broiled, and they looked nice. 

 ' Hullo ! what have you got there ? ' said one. ' Eat, 

 and be thankful, and ask no questions,' said I, handing 

 him a portion. I served out to others also, and then 

 helped myself, and it seemed to me something like tough 

 pork that had been fattened on fish. ' It is not so bad ' 

 was the general testimony. ' But what is it ? ' one and 

 all demanded. ' Crocodile,' said I. The effect of pre- 

 judice upon the palate and the appetite was instantly 

 manifested. One left the table, looking pale ; another, 

 the doctor, remembered that it was a reptile, and laid 

 down his knife and fork ; another thrust his plate from 

 him in disgust ; and, with the exception of myself, no 

 one did justice to the provision. Well, it was tough, 

 greasy, and fishy. Very hungTy, one might eat it and 

 be glad. Otherwise, I think very few would care for it. 

 We did not try it again." 



The flesh of the alligator was a favourite dish among 

 the Port Essington settlers, and the seamen employed 

 in the surveys of the northern coasts and rivers of 

 Australia. It is, however, believed to have a strong 

 liking for human flesh when that delicacy can safely 

 be obtained. 



Mr. Henry Koster, author of "Travels in Brazil," 

 writes : — " I have been much blamed by my friends for 



