CROCODILE. 
In the amphitheatre of ancient Rome, the 
Crocodile was one of the various conflicting 
animals. Of it's powers, some idea may be 
formed, from the following description of a 
horrid combat ^between two Crocodiles, which 
was seen, at a small distance, by Bartram, 
the American Traveller. ** Behold him,^' says 
he, ** rushing forth from the flags and reeds. 
His enormous body swells. His plaited tail, 
brandished high, floats on the lake. The 
waters, like a catara6t, descerid from his open- 
hig jaws. Clouds of smoke issue from his di- 
lated nostrils. The earth trembles with his 
thunder; when, immediately, from the oppo- 
site coast of the lagoon, emerges from the deep 
his rival champion. They suddenly dart on 
each other. The boiling surface of the lake 
marks their rapid course, and a terrific conflif^ 
commences. They now sink to the bottom, 
folded together in horrid wreaths. The water 
becomes thick and discoloLired. Again they 
rise ; their jaws clap together, re-ecchoing 
through the deep surrounding forests. Again 
they sink ; when the contest ends at the muddy 
bottom of the lake, and the vanquished makes 
a hazardous escape, hidmg himself in the 
muddy turbulent waters, and sedge, on a distant 
shore. 
