, it equals, if it does not surpass, any portion of similar size
of the Old World, in the same latitude.

PART THREE, CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

REPTILES.

ALLIGATORS.

Along the river-banks, in every igarape, stream, and pool, the hideous
and ravenous alligator lurks for its prey. It is greatly dreaded by the
natives for its treachery and cunning, numbers falling victims to its
powerful jaws. The largest, the jacare-uassu, or great cayman, is often
found from fifteen to twenty feet long, and of enormous bulk.

There is a smaller species, the jacari-tinga, which has a long slender
muzzle, and black banded tail. This, when full-grown, is about five
feet long.

A still smaller one exists, said to be found only in shallow creeks. It
does not attain, when full-grown, a length of more than two feet. Its
eggs are rather larger than those of a hen, and oval in shape, the shell
having a rough, hard surface. So numerous are they, that Bates observes
"it is scarcely exaggeration to say that the waters of the Solimoens are
as well stocked with alligators in the dry season, as a ditch in England
is in summer with tadpoles."

Like the turtle, the large alligator has its annual migrations. During
the wet season it retreats to the interior pools and flooded forests,
and descends to the main river in the dry season. During the hot
months, when the pools are dried-up, and the alligator cannot reach
water, it buries itself in the mud, and becomes dormant, sleeping till
the rainy season returns.

As the alligator cannot turn its head, it is little feared on shore, as
a person can easily leap out of its way; but he must beware of its tail,
which, when angry, it will lash about in a furious manner, sufficient to
break a limb. The alligator never attacks human beings when on their
guard, but, lying in wait, seizes them when he can venture, to do so
with impunity. These savage saurians are called indiscriminately,
though improperly, alligators, crocodiles, and caymans.

The real alligator is distinguished by having its toes only partly
webbed--the outer ones being free. It will never willingly seek an
encounter, and shows great terror, even, when attacked by dogs. The
creatures are often killed by jaguars, who pounce upon them, and with
their powerful claws tear out their entrails. But when aroused to anger
it blindly attacks all opponents, and is then a truly formidable foe.
With a single blow of its tail it can overturn