342 VOYAGE TO MAPAGASCARi 



it difappear all of a fudden in the fands, at 

 the diftance of four miles from its mouth. 

 This river, which is deep in fome places ancl 

 in others broad and fliallow, produces plenty 

 of fifh, and is covered with water-fowl, 

 Piroguas fail up it for more tlian twenty 

 leagues. It is a pity that this river, like aU 

 the reft in Madagafcar, fliouM be filled with 

 monftrous ci'ocodiles. The fight of them 

 often ftrikes a terror into the moft intrepid 

 ifianders when travelling along its banks. 

 Great precaution is necelTary to avoid the 

 danger of being furprifed by thefe deftruc- 

 tive amphibious animals. I one day faw 

 an ox dragged away and devoured by one 

 of thefe monftcrs. 



What makes the rivers of Madagafcar 

 delightful renders tliem alfo dangerous. The 

 trees and ihrubs which cover their banks 

 fervc as an afylum and retreat to thefe for- 

 midable animals^ 



On 



