158 ALLIGATORS. 



Still nearer, and fired another pistol at him, 

 and I believe hit him, as he made a growl- 

 ing noise, and very leisurely betook himself 

 to the water, contrary to my expectation, 

 as I thought he would have run after us. 



Of the various accounts I have received 

 of these animals, the following are those 

 which I have selected as the most interest- 

 ing, and best authenticated. 



The alligators are not naturally inclined 

 to lay wait for, or attack the human species • 

 they have no delusive cries like those at- 

 tributed to the crocodile : and, according to 

 the natives, it is only old alligators, which 

 have either met with a human corpse, or 

 been induced by some uncommon oppor- 

 tunity to attack a living person, that, after 

 thus tasting human flesh, become so fond of 

 it, that they watch every occasion of in- 

 dulging this propensity. They are then 



