Under favorable conditions,—warm water and air, good light, plenty of room, and abundant food,—the Alligator grows rapidly. A specimen hatched in our Reptile House in October, 1900, was in January, 1911, 8 feet 3 inches long, and weighed 75 pounds. The Crocodile genus is widely represented throughout the world. Of the whole eleven species, the American continent contains four—the Florida Crocodile, (_Crocodilus acutus floridanus_), attaining a length of 14 feet, which was discovered at the head of Biscayne Bay, in 1875, by W. T. Hornaday; the American Crocodile, (_C. acutus_); the Sharp-nosed Orinoco Crocodile (_Crocodilus intermedius_), found in South America; and the small _Crocodilus rhombifer_, which is found only in Cuba and the West Indies. Of the seven remaining species, Asia contains four, and Africa three. Of the Asiatic species, one frequents salt water. The Florida Crocodile is now represented by two specimens nearly 9 feet long, from Madina Creek, southern Florida, presented by Mr. Julian A. Dimock. It is to be recognized at a glance by its dark olive color and sharp-pointed head. This is the only species of crocodile found in the United States. Its maximum length is 14 feet 2 inches. [Illustration: VENEZUELAN BOA.] The Broad-Nosed Crocodile, (_Osteolaemus tetraspis_), of Africa, is represented by two specimens. This species is characterized by the broad, bony-looking head. It is one of the smaller crocodilians attaining a maximum length of five feet. THE LIZARDS. The Tropical Lizards.—Several families of lizards are represented among the specimens occupying the Reptile House, the Tortoise room and outside runways. Among these are the Iguanas, Tegus and Monitors. Among the Iguanas are several large and interesting lizards. The largest of these is the Rhinoceros Iguana, (_Cyclura cornuta_), found in Hayti. Contrary to the general belief, but like all the Iguanas, it is partly carnivorous, though it feeds largely upon vegetables and fruit. This species receives its name from the presence of three well-defined horns upon the snout. The Mexican Iguana, (_Ctenosaura acanthura_), looks unique in the possession of rings of sharp spines about the tail. Most specimens are jet black when adult, but very young examples are pale green.