The Habitations of Crocodiles are generally in great Rivers, as the _Ganges_ in _Asia_, one of the greatest Rivers in the World, and which is accounted sacred: Its Water is clear and sweet, weighs an Ounce in a Pint lighter than any other Water in the Country: The _Great Mogul_’s Court drink none else with their Wine. These monstrous Animals are also found in the _Nile_ and _Niger_, two of the greatest Rivers in _Africa_; and also in the great Rivers of _America_, especially those of the _Amazons_, which abound with Crocodiles of vast Bigness, that very much annoy the Inhabitants. _GEMELLI_ in the _Atlas_, says the _Crocodile_ is hatch’d of an Egg no bigger than that of a Turkey, but grows to thirty Foot long, the Back arm’d with impenetrable Scales, the Mouth wide enough to swallow an Heifer, and only moves the upper Jaw; it sees better by Water than Land, is cowardly, and generally flies from those that attack it, but daring enough otherwise; for which reason the _Egyptians_ made it the Hieroglyphick of Impudence.—They have no Tongue, and eat nothing in all the autumnal Quarter[249]. Footnote 249: For _Africa_, p. 47. This Animal has a great Dexterity in catching Wild-fowl, which always abound in those great Rivers, and along Sea-shores, as Ducks, Teals, and other Water-fowls: When in want of Food, he goes into the Sea, where he lies in such a manner, that the upper Part of his Back appears above the Water, and looks like a piece of Timber floating; the wild Fowls mistrusting nothing, come so near it, that he immediately devours them: They lurk among Reeds and Bushes, on the Banks of Rivers and great Pools, from whence they suddenly leap out, and eat up their Prey, which sometimes happens to be People that come to drink or fetch Water. The Inhabitants of _Madagascar_, an _African_ Island, look upon Crocodiles as Devils, and swear by them: When Differences happen among them, they go to a River, where he that is to swear throws himself into the Water, and conjures the Crocodiles to be Arbitrators betwixt him and his Adversary, and to let him live if he speaks Truth, but if otherwise, to destroy him[250]. Among the Rarities in _Gresham-College, London_, is a Crocodile about two Yards and a half long. Crocodiles are little known in _Europe_, but common in the _Indies_. Footnote 250: _Dellon on Madagascar, in Atl. Afr._ The _Land Crocodile_, call’d _Seincus_, is variously described. In the _Molucca_ Islands they are accounted the fiercest of Monsters, contrary to those of the _Nile_, according to some Writers[251]. _Harris_[252] says, that they are very harmless, and in some places so tame, that Children play with them. _Le Comte_ says, what are called _small Crocodiles_, are _huge Lizards_, found all over the Woods in _Siam_, as also in Houses and Fields[253]. Footnote 251: _Barth. Leonardo de Argensola_’s Discovery of the _Molucca_ and _Philippine_ Islands. Footnote 252: _Atlas Amer._ 263. Footnote 253: