CHAPTER XX.

insects and reptiles.

Because Florida is a semi-tropical region, it is quite
generally the opinion of people in other regions that it is
the natural home of all kinds and varieties of hideous, poi¬
sonous^ troublesome reptiles, insects, and " bugs," that creep,
crawl, or fly. Such pests are always supposed to dwell in
warm climes, and the name of India, Mexico, or any tropi¬
cal region, at once suggests tarantulas, boa-constrictors,
vampires, and fleas ; and doubtless the great majority of
people entertain a very similar opinion of Florida, and per¬
haps firmly believe that on this account human life in mid¬
summer is all but intolerable there. Such an opinion is
another of the many erroneous ones about Florida that are
current among those who have not seen for themselves. It
is a wrong belief, and will require but a short chapter to
refute it.

Alligators exist in all portions of the State where there
are any marshy, wet, swampy jungles or lakes ; but they
are not a pest, they are quite cowardly, and the largest of
them will run from a child of six years, unless actually cor¬
nered, or cut off from their retreat in the nearest water.
The exception, of an alligator attacking any one, is as rare
as the runaways of an old family horse. It may happen,
but as a matter of fact very rarely does happen. Instead
of a danger, they are merely an object of curiosity to all
residents and visitors.

These great reptiles propagate their species from eggs.