. The popular natural history . Zoology. EGYPTIAN CROCODILE.—{Crocodilus vulgaris.) This terrible creature is found chiefly in the Nile, where it absolutely swarms, and though a most destructive and greatly dreaied animal, is without doubt as valu- able in the water as the hyasna and vulture upon the land. Living exclusively on animal food, and rather prefer- ring tainted or even putrefying to fresh meat, it is of great ser- vice in devouring the dead animals that would otherwise pollute the waters and sur- rounding atmosphere. Human beings have a great dread of this voracious reptile. Many in
. The popular natural history . Zoology. EGYPTIAN CROCODILE.—{Crocodilus vulgaris.) This terrible creature is found chiefly in the Nile, where it absolutely swarms, and though a most destructive and greatly dreaied animal, is without doubt as valu- able in the water as the hyasna and vulture upon the land. Living exclusively on animal food, and rather prefer- ring tainted or even putrefying to fresh meat, it is of great ser- vice in devouring the dead animals that would otherwise pollute the waters and sur- rounding atmosphere. Human beings have a great dread of this voracious reptile. Many instances are known where men have been surprised near the water's edge, or cap- tured when they have fallen into the river. There is, it is said, only one way of escape from the jaws of the Crocodile, and that is to turn boldly upon the scaly foe, and press the thumbs into his eyes, so as to force him to relax his hold or rehnquish the pursuit. The eggs of the Crocodile are about as large as those of the goose, and many in number, so that these terrible reptiles would overrun the country were they noi persecut- ed in the earliest stages by many creatures, who discover and eat the eggs almost as soon as they are laid. It is curious that the Croco- dile is attended by a bird which warns it of danger, just as the rlii- noceros has its wing- ed attendant, and the sharlc its pilot fish. The Crocodile bird is popu- larly called the Ziczac, from its peculiar cry. alligator.—{Alligalor Mississipensis.) We now come to the ALLIGATORS, the second family of those huee reptiles, which may be known, as has already been mentionL-d, by lowe, canine teeth fitting mio pus m the upper jaw. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Wood, J. G. (John George), 1827-1889. New York, Burt Co
Size: 1658px × 1506px
Photo credit: © Central Historic Books / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
