Alligators in the Bahamas

IN Catesby's ``Natural History of Florida, Carolina, and the Bahama Islands,'' published in the latter half of the eighteenth century, the author, usually a most accurate observer, states that the mangrove-swamps on the Island of Andros presented a loathsome appearance owing to the remains of fish having been left there, half eaten, by the alligators. During a fairly complete exploration of Andros, which I made in the early part of last year, I observed no traces of these animals, though, as I was not then aware of Catesby's statement, I did not make any special search for them. In response, however, to inquiries made in the local paper, I lately received from the Rev. W. L. de Glanville, Rector of Inagua, Bahamas, a letter from which the following is an extract:-