220 
ON SAFAKI 
rocky ravine near “ Lone-Tree.” At this date, of course, 
none of these birds were actually nesting. 
Our pachydermatous friend beat us (though his 
stronghold was but 250 yards long) by never showing 
above water save beneath the dense fringe of over¬ 
hanging jungle that projected far beyond either bank. 
Nor are crocodiles easy to detect, so little do they 
expose above water, and so absolutely does their 
slimy armour assimilate in hue w T ith the slimy rocks 
hammer-head (Scopus umbrettd). 
A monotone in browns, without a touch of contrast or relief. 
on which they lie. One that we surprised asleep, 
though fully 12 ft. long, disappeared without leaving 
a ripple behind, so gently did he slide off his ledge. 
Another croc, on receiving a bullet, disgorged dozens 
of small silvery fish. 
Watching silently by these eerie pools, we noticed 
huge water-turtles emerge from sullen depths and with 
ungainly wriggle seek to gain the bank. There were 
also great land-tortoises ; two that we brought home 
measure 24 ins. over the carapace, by 16j ins. along the 
flat belly-plate. 
