New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-02
THE FLORIDA CROCODILE.
HOW HE DIFFERS FROM HIS COUSIN rHa
ALLIGATOR
From The Detroit Journal.

From The Detroit Journal.
At least ten species of the crocodile arc known
to science, one species being lhdIS'hous 10 lott
da The difference between the or codile ana the
alligator IS very marked. the head Of the crOco-
die is longer and narrower, the teeth fewer and
whittier. the two lower front tusks hitting into
holes in the upper jaWs-a feature absent III the
alligator. The crocodile - also more hexipy
built is more ferOciGus and far more pugnaciouA
Ii is also more crafty and cunning ana keener-
eyed in the pursuit of its prey. Florida waters
Astounding in food the crocodile has the terocity
Of its nature excited by hunger, but when
alarmed it plungcs into the river or bay and
hastens seward at full speed until out =
ali danger Of a possible foe. It's great speed
i'm the water is owing u its powerful tail, which
prOpes il after the manner Of man Scullng
boat 1t prefers flight to fight. yet If compelled
to defend itself becomes foeman worthy OF the
bOldest hunter The feet are webbed and II can
also paddle gently along with them. The teeth
are not made for masticating for when possible
it swallows its prey entire. They are hollow At
the base and contain the crowns of new and
larger ones SO the saurian increases In size
he continues to drop the old teeth and new ones
take their places.
The ugly and ferocious crocodile is provided
with throat valve which effectually prevents
the water from running down it, and also
ables 1t TO secure and drown its prey under
water The nostrils placed at the extre nifty ~
its long nose. permit it to breathe at its ease
while the unfortunate animal captured browns
beneath the surface II the water Moreover IL
can exist a considera bic length Of time without
conceal itself when it suspects danger.
The nest Of the crocodile differs from that Of
his cousin. the alligator. and shows great SINH
larity to the turtles. The eggs are laid i'm a
hole and then smoothly covered with sand the
precaution making them difficult to find
year ago crocodile nest was discovered by a
hunter, and the eggs presented to the Smith
sonian Institution and the Philadelphia Acad-
envy Of Natural Science. A few Of the eggs
were boxed in sand by the hunter with the re-
suit Of Matching one baby "CrOcodilus Ameri-
canus' The little wrggler is very valuable a,
1t is said TO be one Of three captive specimens
anywhere
To the "Conchs." or wreckers who live on tho
coral keys, the sight Of the crocodile excites but
little interest, for. ugly and dangerous as he
looks. he has been taught by them that man -
10 be feared. These natives claim that they
nave seen crocodiles eighteen feet long in the
lower end Of the Biscayne Bay
The crocodile being expert swimmer lives
largely on fish in Florida waters but the test.
mony Of old hunters proves that its cunning
nature is the same, whether it be the Amcri-
canus or the much-dreaded reptile Of the Mi.
II does rot attack openly neither viii IL 70
ashore for It's prey. but will watch for hours flr
ANIMALS or birds 10 come to the water o. drink.
then. diving rapidly. it appears under its vic.
TIM ana drags ii beneath the surface Should
the intended prey be- too far from the water %
ne reach.d b. the huge mouth. il strikes a bi,.y
WIN the tail and knocks ii into the water
Many heronS and other water birds If FlorfJl
meet sudden death from this crafty reptf.
WLoSe manpuvres would do credit to the cum.
ming fox. '"e oD'