TRUE REPTILES. 223 
large front teeth as well as the canines fit into pits in 
the upper jaw. They are common in the Southern Unit- 
ed States and tropical America, attaining a length of 
eighteen feet. 
VALUE.—Skin as leather, oil, and musk. 
Crocodiles (Crocodilidz)—These reptiles are found 
in the rivers and marshes of nearly all tropical countries. 
The lower canine teeth fit into notches in the upper jaw, 
instead of pits. The muzzle is sharp and narrow. The 
hind-legs have a fringe of compressed scales behind, and 
the toes are webbed nearly to the tip. Twelve species 
are known. A crocodile (Crocodilus acutus) (Fig. 267) is, 
Fic. 267.—Head of Florida crocodile (Crocodzlus acutus), from life. 
though not generally known, quite common in the vicinity 
of Biscayne Bay, Florida, and differs much from the alli- 
gator in appearance and habits, living in salt marshes as 
well as fresh, and being more or less marine.* 
* The crocodile shown in Fig. 267 was fourteen and a half feet in 
length, and was shot after being followed three successive winters. 
The specimen is now in the Museum of Natural History, Central Park. 
When shot and speared it towed the boat for some distance, and made 
a desperate resistance, finally diving into a hole in the bottom. Its tail 
protruding, a rope was fastened to it, and tied to a bent tree, and the 
following morning the monster was found swinging partly in the air, 
