TRAVELS If? 
in I obferved to be verged with floating lawns of the 
pi ilia and nymphea and other aquatic plants \ thefc 
I knew were excellent haunts for trout. 
The verges and iflets of the lagoon were ele- 
gantly embellifhed with flowering plants and fhrubs; 
the laughing coots with wings half fpread were trip- 
ping over the little coves and hiding themfelves in 
the tufts of grafs ; young broods of the painted fum- 
mer teal, Ikimming the (till furface of the waters, 
and following the watchful parent unconfcious of 
danger, were frequently furpriled by the voracious 
trout ; and he, in turn, as often by the fubtle 
greedy alligator. Behold him rufhing forth from 
the flags and reeds. His enormous body fwells. 
His plaited tail brandifhed high, floats upon the 
lake. The waters like a cataracl defcend from his 
opening jaws. Clouds of fmoke iflue from his di- 
lated noftrils. The earth trembles with his thunder. 
When immediately from the oppofite coaft of the 
lagoon, emerges from the deep his rival champion. 
They fuddenly dart upon each other. The boiling 
furface of the lake marks their rapid courfe, and a 
terrific conflict commences. They now fink to 
the bottom folded together in horrid wreaths. The 
water becomes thick and difcoloured. Again they 
rife, their jaws clap together, re-echoing through 
the deep furrounding forefts. Again they link, when 
Jhe contefl: ends at the muddy bottom of the lake, 
and the vanquifhed makes a hazardous efcape, hid- 
ing himfelf in the muddy turbulent waters and fedge 
en a diflant more. The proud victor exulting re- 
turns to the place of action. The fhores and forefts 
refound his dreadful roar, together with the triumph- 
ing fhouts of thefe plaited tribes around, witneffes 
©f the horrid combat. 
My 
