submaxillary odoriferous gland in the genus Crocodilus. 137 
receipts for the composition of pastes for the same purpose, 
in all of which tar, assa foetida, camphor, oil of rhodium, 
musk, or some other powerful odour is the most important 
ingredient. 
These facts strikingly coincide with the mode in which the 
alligators take their prey, as far as the observations I had an 
opportunity of making on those in my possession enable me 
to judge. This is done by suddenly snapping at it sideways, 
a mode perfectly consistent with the form of the mouth and 
the position of the eyes, and not less so with the situation of 
the gland itself, the secretion from which, would attract the 
fish directly to that part where they would become the most 
certain and easy prey. From all these circumstances then I 
am led to conclude, that the use of this secretion is to serve 
as an attractive bait for fish, which form the principal food of 
these animals. Sir Everard Home, indeed, mentions a curious 
circumstance, which came under his own observation whilst 
resident in the island of Jamaica, and which led him to believe 
that their favourite food consists of birds. Although, how- 
ever, it is certain that they will devour any animals that come 
within their reach, yet their aquatic habits seem to indicate 
that fish constitute their principal nourishment, whilst the 
observations of many writers, and especially those of Bar- 
tram,* abundantly confirm this opinion. 
• Travels in the Carolinas and Georgia. 
MDCCCXXVII. 
T 
