XVII 
THE CROCODILE 
223 
sacred reptiles died they were mummified. In other 
parts of Egypt crocodiles were hunted and killed as 
noxious beasts. 
The traffic on the Lower Nile, the persecutions to 
which they are subject from modern firearms, as well as 
the turmoil caused by paddle-boats and stern-wheelers. 
Danger lurks at the drinking pool for goats as well as 
for men and women. The strength of the teeth and 
jaws of crocodiles is such that they rarely let go any 
animal that is fairly seized. 
have driven the crocodile almost completely out of the 
Nile below Khartum. 
The “gigantic rain-puddle,” as Moore calls the Victoria 
Nyanza, swarms with crocodiles, and they lie sunning 
themselves on the rocks or concealed in the water 
waiting for antelopes, men, women, and children. 
