The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-05-27
Caps.re q . CrsesaIIe /. ce,~be..

Csps~se 81 CrscssIIe !. Ceisbes.
A male crocodile was caught this morn
ing, November Is, 1645,) measuring 6f-
teen feet four inches in length; and it is as
ioilishing how quiescent these animals are
wien taken. allowing their feet TO be fast
ened over their back, and strong lssIiing
put round the mouth without any resistance,
and then brought down. noated between
TWO small canoes. When dragged out OF
tho water to be killed, the monster only
moved his tail gently backwards and for
wards. Yet, when hungry, it was evident
that he would attack both men and boats.
lor the bones Of poor fellow were found
in his stomach. Ii is probable that these
cold blooded reptiles digest their food very
slowly, and that one meal, which is gorge,
lasts them for some time, as is the case
with the larger serpents; otherwise, il, like
tho dragon OF old. he required man or maid
for breakfast, the demand would be heavy
dnln on a small population. The thigh
and leg bones Of the Malay were perfect,
and the feet had some portions Of the flesh
adhering to them, and were crushed into a
roundish form, whilst the head was found
separated at the Jennings or processes. The
poor mans Jacket and trowsers were also
found, which enabled the relatives to re'cog-
nize his remains, and. from his having been
fisherman, it was propable that he was
attacked whilst occupied with his lines. A
Dyak OF SaTsmbo, who was with him, must
have been carried of at the same time -
The mode of taking the crocodile IS curious.
A monkey or cat is attached to suck
as bait. which the monster socks down
lengthways, and when the strain comes on
this gets across his throat. To the stick is
attached, by a cord, a long rattan, (cane, }
which floats on the surface Of the water,
and which the animal attempts to get rid OF.
In the vicinity Of this floating bait dog is
confined ON Stage. beyond the crocodile's
reach. in which miserable position il is not
surprising that he should howl somewhat
Justify. The crocodile, attracted by this
noise, approaches the spot with great eau
ton, and the natives state that, If he en-
couniered any resistance when taking the
bait, he would Immediately retire without
making second attempt. When, however,
he has swallowed it, which he does slowly,
as he never suddenly tears the bait, he car
ries it to the shore, and it is sometimes two
OF three days before the long rattan is found.
as he frequently takes il some distance, and
secretes himself among the bushes and
weeds OF small creek. Rather an anus
ing discussion arose amongst the natives as
to the proper course Of dealing with our
captive monster, and as the question ap-
peared to create considerable interest and
much harmless fun, encouraged them in
the important debate. One party main
tanned that il was proper to bestow all praise
and honor on the kingly brute, as he was
himself rajah amongst animals, and was
now brought here to meet the rajah; in
short, that praise and fattery was agreeable
to him, and would induce him to behave
genteely in my presence. The other party
said. that il was very true that, on this Oe-
easion, rajah met rajsh. but that the conse-
Iquence Of honoring and praising captured
crocodile would be, that the crocodile com.
munity at large would become vain and un.
manageable, and, after hearing OF the tri
umphal progress of their friend and relative
would take to the same courses with doub
lie industry, and every one eat his man lol
the sake Of obtaining the like fame. Hsv
ing maturely weighed the arguments on bod
sides, taking also into deep consideration
the injury so ,rnwieldy a captive might Dc
in roaming over my garden and grounds
followed by host Of admirers, decideC
that he should be instantly killed withou
honors. He was despatched accordingly a
the common landingp place on the opPosit'
side Of the river, his head severed from Ii,
trunk, and the body left exposed as warn
ing to all other crocodiles that may inhabi
these waters. Captain MNndy's Borne
and Celsbes.