He can move his head but slightly to one side or the other; and this is a fortunate circumstance, if not for him, at least for his enemies.

Were he able to turn short round, or twist himself about, as serpents do, he would be a most dangerous creature to encounter.

As it is, the great length of his body, combined with the shortness of his legs and the impossibility of his getting round quickly, renders him an easy antagonist on land, provided you keep out of reach of his great jaws, and beyond the sweep of his powerful tail.

This last is his true weapon of offence or defence; and as _it_ is not restrained by any vertebrae, he can use it with such effect as to knock the breath out of a man with one single flap.

Many of the habits of the alligator are known to you.