The times., 1899-07-09
THE FLORIDA CROCODILE.
low He Differs From Ills Cousin,
the Alligator.
(From the Detroit Journal }

kfrOm the Detroit JOuTndl-J
At least zen species OF the crocodile are
known to science, one species beng indi-
genous to Florida. The difference between
the crocodile and the alligator Is very
marked; the head OF the crocodile is
longer and narrower. the teeth fewer and
winter the two lower front tusks fitting
into holes in the upper jaws-a feature abb
sent in the alligator. The crocodile is also
more fiexibly built, is more ferocicus and
far more pugnac.ols. 1t Is also more crafty
ard cunning and keener-eyed in the pur-
suit of its prey. Florida waters abound
ing in food, the crocodile has the ferocity
of its nature excited by hunger. but when
alarmed it plunges into the river or bay
and hastens seaward at full speed until
out of all danger OF q possible foe. Its
great speed in the water is owing TO its
powerful tail. which propels it after the
manner of a man sculling boat. Ii pre-
fers flight to fight. yet If compelled TO de-
fend itself becomes a foeman worthy Of
the boldest hunter. The feet are webbe1,
and it can also paddle gently along with
them. The teeth are not made for masti
eating, for " - possible it swallows its
prey entire. Iney are hollow al the base.
and contain the crowns Of REV. and larger
ones, so as the saurian increases in size
he continues to drop TIE old teeth and new
ones take their places
The ugly and ferOcicus crocodile IS pro-
vided with a throat valve which efIectualiy
prevents the water from running down 1t,
and also enables it to secure and drowt
its prey under water The nostrils, placed
at the extremity of its long nose. permit
it to breathe at its ease, while the unfor-
tunate animal captured browns beneath
the surface Of the water. Moreover. it can
exist a considerable length Of time with
out breathing. In this way the reptile is
able TO conceal itself when it suspects
danger.
The nest OF the crocodile differs from
that of his cousin, the alligator, and shows
a great similarity to the turtles. The eggs
are laid in a hole and then smoothly cover
ed with sand. the precaution making them
difficult to find. 4 year ago a crocodile
nest was discovered by a hunter and the
eggs presented to the Smithsonian insti-
tution and the Philadelphia Academy OF
Natural Science. a few OF the eggs were
boxed in sand by the hunter, with the re-
suit OF hatching one baby "Crocodilus
Americanus." The little wriggler Is very
valuable. as IL is said to be one Of three
captive specimens anywhere.
To the "COnchs, or wreckers, who live
on the coral keys, the sight Of the crocc-
dile excites but little interest. fer. ugly
and dangerous as he looks. he has been
taught by them that man is to be feared.
These natives ciaim that they nave seen
erocodiles eighteen feet long in the lever
end of the Biscayne Bay.
The crocodile, being an expert swimmer.
lives largely on fish in Florida waters, but
the testimony of Old hunters proves that
its cunning nature is the same. whether 1t
be the Americans or the much dreaded
reptile OF the Nile. II does not attack
openly, neither will 1t go ashore for its
prey. but will watch fer hours for animals
or birds to come to the water to drink:
then. diving rapidly. it appears under It's
victim and drags 1t beneath the surface.
Should the intended prey be too far from
the water 20 be reached by the huge mouth.
it strikes blow with the tail and knocks
it into the water.
Many herous and other water birds OF
Florida meet a sudden death from this
crafty reptile, whose maneuyres would do
credit to the cunning fox