CROCODILE. 
Still greater numbers, as vreil as of larger size. 
In. America, though they are largest and most 
numerous in the torrid zone, the continent 
abounds with them ten degrees more north. 
From the magnitude, strength, and terrific 
appearance, of this formidable amphibious ani - 
mal, it has often been noticed by ancient and 
modern travellers ; but few have contented 
themselves with publishing no more than thev 
knew. They beheld the Crocodile under cer- 
tain prejudices ; and have related, witlicut suf- 
ficient discriminations, not only what thev 
perceived, but \\hat thev had heard and read: 
and thus is the task of presenting a faithful 
and consistent history and description of tliis 
wonderful creature, like that of manv other 
curious and interesting subjetSls in nature, ren- 
dered prodigiously difficult; which might be 
accomplished with much case, and a far supe- 
rior degree of satisfa6lion, were clrcumspeaicMi 
and precision aKvavs duly regarded by original 
observers. 
The Crocodile, when at it's largest growth, 
appears to be from twenty to thirtv feet long ; 
in northern situations, it seldom exceeds half 
that 
