CHAPTER NINE.
THE INDIAN MOTHER AND CAIMAN.
"There is, perhaps, no part of America where the alligators grow to a greater size, and are more fierce in their nature, than upon the Magdalena, and other great rivers that run into it.

These rivers flow through a low country within the tropics; their climate is of the hottest kind, and consequently most suitable to the development of the great reptiles.

The indolent character of the natives, too-- half-Indian, half-Spanish--prevents them from attacking and destroying these creatures with that energy that is exhibited by the inhabitants of our own country.

The consequence is, that the animals in their turn are less afraid of man, and often make him their prey.

The alligators of the Magdalena--or `caimans,' as they are there called--frequently destroy natives, who by any unlucky accident may have fallen into the waters frequented by them.