36 
FIRST BOOK. 
fish. But it cannot get about quickly on land; 
with its short legs, and such a long body, it can- 
not turn round easily." 
6. " The crocodiles come out of the water some- 
times, I suppose?" said Nell. 
Crocodiles on the River bank. 
Oh, yes ! they like to bask in the sun. And 
they lay their eggs in marshy places on the river 
banks," said Will. ''When the young ones are 
hatched they follow their mother through the 
water as ducklings follow the duck. Many of 
them get eaten by birds and other creatures, and 
the mongoose is very fond of the eggs." 
7. ''I am glad of that," said Tom; ''for I am 
