TRAV2XS in 
I obferved to be verged with floating lawns' of the 
piftia and nymphea and other aquatic plants ; thefe 
I knew were excellent haunts for trout. 
The verges and ifiets of the lagoon were ele- 
gantly embellifhed with flowering plants and fhrubs ; 
the laughing coots with wings half fpread were trip- 
ping over the little coves, and hiding themfelves irt 
the tufts of grafs ; young broods of the painted 
fummer teal, fkimming the ftill 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 fiibtle 
greedy alligator. Behold him rufhing forth from 
the flags and reeds. His enormous body fwells. 
His plaited tail brandiihed high, floats upon the 
lake. The waters like a cataract defcend from his 
opening jaws. Clouds of frnoke iffue from his di- 
lated nollrils. The earth trembles with his thunder.. 
When immediately from the oppofite coaft of the 
lagoon, emerges from the deep his rival champion. 
They fuddeniy 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, 
and the vanquifhed makes a hazardous efcape, hid- 
ing himfelf in the muddy turbulent waters and ledge 
on a diftant fhore. The proud vidor exulting re- 
turns to the place of action. The fhores and forells 
refound his dreadful roar, together with the triumph- 
ing fhouts of the plaited tribes around, witnefies 
of the horrid combat. 
My 
