The Submarine Plan.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 May 1914, Page 8

The Submarine Plan.

You probably know how a submarine boat is provided with a " conning" tower through which observations can be taken, and also a ventilating shaft—this is. not the technical term ! —both of which are raised above the body of the boat, the result being that, while the !'vessel is all but submerged, those within her can both see objects on or above the surface of the water, and can breathe pure air. No doubt man was quite rightly proud of his ingenuity when he first hit upon this plan, but really Nature had adopted it long ago in a varying degree in the case ' of. the creatures under discussion. The eyes of the alligator are actually above the head level ; they form, in fact, two "conning towers," while the nostrils, always placed, high, are in some instances actually provided with little turrets, so that the bearer can use them freely while the head is actually under the water. It is a beautiful arrangement for the crocodile, but a deadly one for its victims, since it enables the former to float down towards them as they come to the water to drink. There are feW animals with which the alligator will not try conclusions. It causes surprise, and perhaps arouses doubt, to hear of the large and extremely powerful creatures the crocodile is ready to attack, but that is only before one knows much about the latter's resources. In the first place he is almost invulnerable, thanks to the thick, horny shields with which his body is protected. This fact must add enormously to his courage, for he has really little to fear from any foe. His strength is vast, and that not merely in his grip, but also as shown in the way in which he can use his mighty tail, a blow being sufficient to disable most opponents or to sweep them into the water. Once there and the game is over. The mightiest of the carnivors hae no chance at all*