TRAVELS INf 
1 1 6 
in I obferved to be verged with floating lawns of 
the pifda and nymphea and other aquatic plants; 
thefe I knew were excellent haunts for trout. 
The verges and iilets of the lagoon were 'ele- 
gantly embellifhed with dowering plants and Shrubs ; 
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 
hammer teal, humming the fall furface of the waters, 
and following the watchful parent unconfcious of 
danger, were frequently furprifed by the voracious 
trout ; and he, in turn, as often by the fubtle 
greedy alligator. Behold him rufhing forth from 
the fags and reeds. His enormous body fwelis. 
His plaited tail brandifhed high, doats upon the 
lake. The waters like a cataract defeend from his 
opening jaws. Clouds of fmoke idiie from his di- 
lated noftrils. The earth trembles with his thunder. 
When immediately from the oppofite coafl 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 fink, when 
the contefl ends at the muddy bottom of the lake, 
mf 
and the vanquished makes a hazardous efcape, hid- 
ing himfelf in the muddy turbulent waters and fedge 
on a diftant fhore. The proud vidlor exulting re- 
turns to the place of adtion. The Shores and forefts 
refound his dreadful roar, together with the triumph- 
ing Snouts of the plaited tribes around, witndfes 
of the horrid combat. 
