I thought it now high time to take decisive measures, and with another shot altered the intentions of the monster, who endeavoured to back towards the water.
Perhaps if he had been further away from it, I might have been tempted to try Waterton's experiment.
It was not before he had received six balls in the head, that he consented to be killed.

During the operation he exhibited something of his savoir faire, by opening his mouth, that looked like a gigantic man-trap, and suddenly shutting it with a loud snap, which made us shudder, and forcibly recalled to mind the escape I had had a few days before, from having my body embraced by such a pair of jaws.
The reader will gather a good idea of their size from the woodcut; and their power of holding will be shown in the description accompanying.

The view annexed represents the moment when the alligator received the first shot on shore; the singular character of Sea Range is also shown, and the small whirlwinds I have alluded to, as having the appearance of smoke.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ALLIGATOR.
Length of Alligator, 15 feet.

From base of head to extreme of nose 2 feet 2 inches.

Across the base of head, 2 feet.