crocodiles’ eggs. 71 
CROCODILES’ EGGS. 
These mailed Leviathans (PL VI.), common 
in several parts of the Island (e.g. Black River, 
Milk River, Yallalis Pond) are not really al- 
ligators, as they are generally called, but 
crocodiles. 
They resemole in shajDe the lizard, to 
which they are related. A full grown speci- 
men will measure from twelve to eighteen 
feet. The mouth is very large with wide 
opening jaws whose “ clasp is an inextricable 
hold.” The eyes each possess three distinct 
lids and doubtless this is an indication that 
the “ language of the eyes” has reached an 
advanced stage in crocodile society — a wink 
from three lids must indeed be expressive ! 
The feet are webbed, the forefeet possessing 
five toes and the back ones four each. The 
body is covered with square bony plates, 
raised in the centre to keel-shaped ridges ; 
these will repel a rifle ball and, in order to 
kill the crocodile, aim is best taken for just 
above an eye so that the shot may pass 
through the brain : a powerful modern rifle 
will, however, penetrate the side. On land 
or in water its movements are cautious and 
quiet as though it would resemble a harmless 
log of wood. As soon, however, as the un- 
suspecting prey is within reach the feigned 
inertia gives place to a relentless activity — 
the powerful tail forming, in water, a most 
effective propeller. 
Food. A crocodile’s food consists chiefly 
of fish, frogs and water fowl, and there are 
authentic cases of unfortunate human beings 
