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NATURAL HISTORY READER. 



them when once deposited, but the crocodiles and alliga- 

 tors watch their nests with jealous care. During March, 

 which is the breeding season, the crocodiles deposit their 

 eggs in the sand on the banks, or, in preference, in small 

 sand-banks or islands on the stream. The eggs, which are 

 white and hard, in size resemble those of a domestic goose. 

 One found on the White Nile measured exactly three 

 inches and a half in length, and five inches and thirteen 



«.» -:,-ft Bib 



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The Nile Crocodile 



sixteenths in circumference. The care and anxiety be- 

 stowed by these ferocious creatures upon their eggs is as- 

 tonishing. When about to lay, the female crocodile will 

 dig with her claws a hole in the sand, six inches deep, drop 

 her egg therein, and cover it up. She will then make 

 several holes around the first, to mislead those in search of 

 her treasure. Every day she will add a fresh egg to her 

 store, at the sumo time carefully enlarging the excavation. 



