the balza glided on, Guapo told our travellers many strange stories
of crocodiles. He stated, what is well known to be true, that in the
rivers of South America many people are every year killed by these
ravenous creatures; in fact, far more than have ever fallen victims to
the salt-sea sharks. In some places they are much fiercer than in
others; but this may arise from different species being the inhabitants
of these different places. There is the true crocodile, with long sharp
snout, and large external tusks; and the caiman, with a snout broader
and more pike-shaped; and the former is a much more courageous and
man-eating creature. Both are often found in the same river; but they
do not associate together, but keep in distinct bands or societies; and
they are often mistaken for each other. This may account for the
difference of opinion that exists in regard to the fierceness of these
reptiles--many asserting that they are utterly harmless, and will not
attack man under any circumstances; while others, who have witnessed
their attacks, of course bearing testimony to the contrary. There are
many places in South America, where the natives will fearlessly enter a
lake or river known to be full of crocodiles, and drive these creatures
aside with a piece of a stick; but there are other districts where
nothing will tempt an Indian to swim across a river infested with these
reptiles. In the Amazon districts, in every Indian village, several
people may be seen who have been maimed by crocodiles. No wonder that
among author-travellers there should be such a difference of opinion.

Guapo stated, that when an Indian has been seized by a crocodile in its
great jaws, he has only one chance of escape, and that is, by thrusting
his fingers into the eyes of the reptile. This will invariably cause it
to let go its hold, and generally frighten it, so as to enable the
person to escape. It, of course, requires great presence of mind to
effect this, as the person who has been seized will himself be in great
pain from the tearing teeth of the monster, and, perhaps, will have been
drawn under the water, before he can gather his senses. But it has
often occurred that Indians, and even women, have escaped in this way.

The eyes of the crocodile are its most tender parts,--in fact, the only
parts that can be made to feel pain. A crocodile may be disabled by
cutting at the root of its tail, but it can only be frightened by an
attac