The _Cicanni_, or _Scinco_, is a small crocodile, or rather large lizard, four or five palms in length. It is of a dark brown colour, and found for the most part in ponds or other stagnant water not far distant from palm-gardens and rice-fields: but it is sometimes seen on land, and consequently belongs to the class of amphibious animals. The _Mudela_, or proper crocodile, which is also an amphibious quadruped, is of all colours. It eats not only fish, but also dogs, calves, and other animals; and even men, if they approach too near it. Almost all the rivers in Malabar are full of these monsters. I have seen several of them which were larger than a wild ox or buffalo. Some of them are of a brown and greenish colour; others brown and bright red; and the most of them are larger than the Egyptian crocodile, which appears to me to be longer, but not so thick. The crocodile belongs to the sacred animals of the Indians, and has particular temples erected to it. Formerly, a person accused of any crime was made to walk, in the presence of the Brahmans, through a river frequented by a _Mudela_. If he got through in safety, he was declared innocent. The _Mudelas_ are caught by means of an iron hook, to which a piece of flesh is fastened. When the animal is hooked, it is dragged to the bank with a strong rope. Neither the crocodile nor the tyger ever attack man till pressed by hunger; but this is not often the case, as they are accustomed to eat a great deal at one time. In the head of the _Mudela_ is found a yellow kind of musk, which emits a strong smell, and which is used by the Pagans for painting the sacred marks on their forehead. The following anecdote may serve as a proof how much these animals are to be dreaded. A woman in the eighth month of her pregnancy, being one day busily employed in washing at the river _Edacoci_, a crocodile approached her imperceptibly, which it could do with the greater ease, as these animals always swim with their head raised only a very little above the surface of the water. As soon as the monster got within reach, he made a sudden spring at the poor naked woman, and tore the unborn child from her body. She was immediately conveyed to a neighbouring church; but she soon after expired. The large crocodile is called, in the Samscred language, _Shishumàra_; the small one, _Cumbhìra_; the otter, _Udru_; the tortoise, _Curma Camada_, or _Caciàba_; and the salamander, _Gòdha_. Those who wish to study the natural history of India, must make themselves acquainted with these names[145]. CHAPTER X. _Seas, Rivers, Vessels used for Navigation, Fish, Shellfish, and Serpents in India._