Chapter XI: Part II (2)

_Philostratus de Vita Apol._ lib. iii. cap. 2. _Homer._ _Iliad_, lib.
12. _Lucan._ _Pharsal. in Jonstoni Historia Serpentum_, p. 33, 34.

The same Historian observes, that in the _Atlantick_ Mountains, they kill where they touch, and those that are in the Kingdom of _Narsinga_, and dwell in the Woods, kill all they meet. _Ibid._[151]

Footnote 151:

_Unde quidam in arbores & chamo dracones distinxere._

I presume, the Author means _Narsinga_, a potent Kingdom, bounded on the East with the Bay of _Bengal_, that noble Part of _India_, says _Herbert_[152]; where the Monarch is always attended with 1000 for his Guards, has 5 or 6000 Jesters, and reckons it one of his chief Titles to be the Husband of a Thousand Wives.

Footnote 152:

His Travels into _Africa_ and _Asia_, the famous Empires of _Persia_
and _Indostan_,—Oriental Islands.

Dragons are Inhabitants of _Africa_ and _Asia_; those of _India_ exceed most in Largeness and Longitude: In the Tower of _London_, is the Skin of one, which is of vast Bulk. In _Æthiopia_, they have no Name for _Dragons_, but _Killers of Elephants_, which is supposed to be the largest of Land-Animals.

Over the Water-gate in the City of _Rhodes_, there is set up the Head of a _Dragon_, which was 33 Foot long, that wasted all the Country, till it was slain by _Deodate de Gozon_, one of the _Knights of St. John Baptist_[153]. The _Knights of that Order_ had frequently attack’d it, but in vain; for its Scales being proof against all their Arms, it destroyed so many of them, that the Grand-Master forbad them to engage the Monster any more.

Footnote 153:

_Atlas Geog. Anatolia_, p. 43, -4. From _Tavernier_ and _Du Mont._

_GOZON_, who, after several dangerous Onsets escaped with his Life, resolved to make another Trial by Stratagem; perceiving it was no where vulnerable but in the Eyes and Belly, contrived the Resemblance of a Dragon by a Machine of Pastboard, of equal Bulk with the Dragon, and by certain Springs made it leap like a true Dragon: Having trained up a Couple of fierce Dogs to attack it at the _Belly_, he went out privately one Morning, well-armed on a managed Horse with his Dogs, and rode up to the Den, from whence the Dragon leaped furiously at him: In the Encounter, the Dogs laid hold on his Belly, and forced him to lie down; upon which the valiant Knight alighted, thrust his great Sword several times into his Throat, and soon killed him: Upon which the Spectators drew near, and with great difficulty sever’d the Head from the Body, and lugged it into the Town in Triumph.

The Conqueror was degraded for the sake of Form, because he had violated the Grand-Master’s Order; but was immediately restored, and soon after was elected Grand-Master himself; he died in the Year 1335, and on his Tomb were engraven these Words, _Draconis Extinctor_; _The Destroyer of the Dragon_.

In the Life of _Attilius Regulus_ (the _Roman_ General in the War against the _Carthaginians_) is described a Dragon of prodigious Bulk near the River _Bagrada_, that annoyed all the Country round, without Remedy. Several Devices were formed to destroy it, but without effect, till the Military _Possé_ was called in, who discharged the _Engines of War_ against it with Success: And so great was this Deliverance, that an _Ovation_, or a small Triumph, was publickly made at _Rome_ for the Victory.

XI. The _Pythian_ Dragon, so called from its being the Guardian of the _Delphick_ Oracle: Its Eyes are large and sharp, and the Body painted with Variety of Colours, as red, yellow, green and blue, and furnished with Scales that are resplendent, well compacted and hard. It has been called _Deucalionæus_, because in the Language of Ignorance, it was produced from the Mud left by the _Deucalionian_ Deluge: a Serpent of prodigious Bulk.[154]

Footnote 154:

_Jonstonus._

_PYTHON_ is also taken for a prophetick Demon, by St. _Luke_[155].—_As we went to Prayer, a certain Damsel possest with a Spirit of Divination_, (having the Spirit of _Pytho_, according to the _Greek_) _which brought her Masters much Gain by Sooth-saying_, that is, by Predictions, telling of Fortunes. _Python_ of the _Greeks_ is supposed the _Typhon_ of the _Phenicians_, and the _Phœnician Typhon_ to be _Ogg_ King of _Bashan_, and _Apollo_ that slew it, to be _Joshua_. _Apollo_ is called _Pythius_ from this Serpent, or from some notorious Tyrant of that Name, slain by him, as the antient Geographer observes. So _Gesner_ from _Pausanias_. The Priestess of _Apollo_, that delivered the Sacred Oracles, was called _Pythia_ and _Pythonissa_. This _Pythonick_ Spirit among the Gentiles, was esteemed as a God, and by _Juvenal_ is styled _Vates_, a Prophet.

Footnote 155:

_Act._ xvi. 16.—Πνευμα Πυθωνος.

The Priestess that delivered the Sacred Oracles, was called _Pythia_, from _Apollo Pythius_, and must be a pure Virgin. Most of the Fathers of the Church were of opinion, that it was the Devil gave the Answers, which were generally dubious, a Sign of his Ignorance about Futurity.

One _Œnomaus_, a certain Pagan Philosopher, highly resenting it, that he had been so often befooled by the Oracles, speaks to _Apollo_ thus—

“When we come to consult thee, either thou knowest Things to
come or not. If thou knowest them, why dost not thou speak so as
to be understood? If thou knowest not, why dost thou pretend to
it? If Things necessarily come to pass, why dost thou amuse us
with Ambiguities?[156]”

Footnote 156:

_Eusebius._

_F. BALTHUS_, a learned Jesuit, and _F. Bouchet_, say there were real Oracles, and such that can never be attributed to Priests and Priestesses; and that the Devil still gives Oracles in the _Indies_, and that not by Idols, which would be liable to Imposture, but by the Mouths of Priests, and By-Standers; and that the Devil becomes mute, in proportion as the Gospel prevails.——

“It is generally believed among the more Learned, that the Pagan
Oracles were mere Frauds and Impostures, and calculated to serve
the political Views of Princes, and covetous Ends of Pagan
Priests.”

According to the learned _Bayle_, they were meer human Artifices; and he is seconded by _Vandale_ and _Fontenelle_. But to return to the Oracle at _Delphos_, which was very antient and much in vogue before the _Trojan_ War: The Situation of the Place, where People were made to believe God spoke, was at the Mouth of a certain Cavern, whence they received their Intelligence. The Prophetess sat upon a _Tripodium_, a three-footed Stool, assisted in her Function by divers Priests.

Under her Seat, ’tis said, that some time there appeared a Dragon, through whose Throat Responses were audibly deliver’d, with a loud and strong Voice: According to _Eusebius_, a Serpent rolled itself about the Tripod, on which the Priest sat.

Of all Oracles, that of _Apollo Pythius_ at _Delphos_, in the _Ægean_ Sea, was the most celebrated, and consulted as the _dernier Resort_ by the Princes of those Times; yea, all the _Greeks_ resorted thither for Counsel in Matters of Importance. At the first opening of that _Oracular Office_, Answers were given to the Querist in Verse; but upon People’s ridiculing the Poorness of the Verification, the Oracle fell to Prose. ’Tis strange, that what they made a _God_, could not make a _good Verse_, but not strange to see the old Serpent adhering to its first Scheme of Politicks, by making the weaker Vessel the Vehicle to convey his strong Delusions to the World.

Some of these Draconick Serpents excel in the Sensations of Hearing and Seeing, as well as in the Art of Killing; and therefore a _Dragon_ was made the _Conservator_ of their _Treasures_ and _Curiosities_; e. g. _Mauritania_ in _Africa_, was famous for the Gardens of the _Hesperides_ (so called from three Sisters and Daughters of King _Hesperius_) that produced _Golden Apples_, and were guarded by a _Dragon_, which _Hercules_ having killed or charm’d into a profound Sleep, he robbed the Golden Orchard.

The Rod of _Moses_, ’tis said, _was turned into a Serpent_. The _Syriack_, _Arabick_, and _Septuagint_ Translations, say, twas turned into a _Dragon_; and so the Rods of the Magicians became _Dragons_.

XII. The _Basilisk_ or _Cockatrice_, is a Serpent of the Draconick Line, the Property of _Africa_, says _Ælian_, and denied by others: In shape, resembles a Cock, the Tail excepted. Authors differ about its Extraction; the _Egyptians_ say, it springs from the Egg of the Bird _Ibis_; and others, from the Eggs of a Cock: Other Conjectures about its Descent, being as ridiculous, I forbear to mention them. Nor are they agreed whether it more inclines to the black or yellow Colour; nor are their Sentiments less various about its Stature.

It is gross in Body, of fiery Eyes, and sharp Head, on which it wears a Crest, like a Cock’s Comb; and has the Honour to be stiled _Regulus_ by the _Latins_, the _Little King of Serpents_; and ’tis generally supposed to be terrible to them. The Sight of this Animal, and Sound of his Voice, puts them to flight, and even to over-run their Prey[157]: Yea, Tradition adds, that his Eyes and Breath are killing; that is, I presume, when he grasps the Spoil. Several dreadful things are attributed to his venemous Qualities, so sing the Poets[158].

Footnote 157:

_Sibilo ejus reliquos terreri & prædam derelinquere._

_Plate 3^d._
]

Footnote 158:

Tam teter vacuas odor hinc exhalat in auras,
Atque propinquantes penetrant non segniter artus.

_Nican._

Ante venena nocens, late sibi submovet omne
Vulgus, & in vacua regnat Basiliscus arena.

_Lucan._ 270.

According to _Pliny_ and other antient Historians, this Serpent in its Motion, inclines to the Erect; it goes half upright, the middle and posterior parts of the Body only touching the Ground. The Venom of the Basilisk is said to be so exalted, that if it bites a Staff, ’twill kill the Person that makes use of it; but this is Tradition without a Voucher[159].

Footnote 159:

_Ælian. Gyllii Accessio_, cap. xviii. p. 247. _Jonstoni Historia
Natural. Serp._ p. 34, 35.

The reason why this Serpent is dubb’d _King_, is not because ’tis larger in bulk than others of the Fraternity, or because it wears a Crown, or because that Title seems to be recognized by a divine Prophet, who speaking of _Ahaz_ and his Son _Hezekiah_, says, _Out of the Serpent’s Root shall come forth a Cockatrice, and his Fruit shall be a fiery flying Serpent_. The _Hebrew_ expresses it by a word, that Signifies a _Prince_ or _King_, but not with a View to Empire over the serpentine Race.

But ’tis most probable, that the royal Stile is given to this Serpent, because of its _majestic Pace_, which seems to be attended with an Air of Grandeur and Authority. It does not, like other Serpents, creep on the Earth; which if it did, the sight of it would not be frightful, but moving about, in a sort of an erect Posture, it looks like a Creature of another Species, therefore they conclude ’tis an Enemy. Serpents are for Uniformity, therefore can’t endure those that differ from them in the Mode of Motion.

’Tis said of this Creature, that its Poison infects the Air to that Degree, that no other Animal can live near it, according to the Tradition of the Elders famous for magnificent Tales. These little Furioso’s are bred in the Solitudes of _Africa_, and are also found in some other Places, and every where are terrible Neighbours.

The crown’d Basilisk leads me to _Ovid_, who, speaking of Man’s erect Posture, says ’tis a Mark of Distinction due to the Excellencies of the human Mind:

_A Creature of a more exalted kind
Was wanting yet; and then was Man design’d,
Conscious of Thought, of more capacious Breast._——

2. And partly as an Ensign of Royalty, some Characters whereof Naturalists have observed in some other petty Principalities; such as the Crown on the Dolphin, Diadem on the Basilisk, the Lion’s stately Mane, which serves as a Collar of Honour.——

But Man, being vested with an universal Monarchy, walks upon the Earth, like a Master in his own House.

XIII. The _Cæcilia_ or _Typhlinus_, the blind Worm, as the _Greek_ word imports; not that it wants Eyes, but because they are so little, that he must be furnish’d with good Optics that can discern them: And the Ear also is as remarkably dull, therefore call’d by the _Greeks_ κωφιας[160]; of a brown Colour, full of Spots, variegated: The Belly is blackish, the Neck sky-colour’d, garnish’d with certain black Spots: Head like a Lamprey, and is as free from Poison: Little Teeth, a forked Tongue, and may be handled without hurt[161].

Footnote 160:

_Quasi surdaster, quod hebetis sit auditus._

Footnote 161:

_Nicander_ calls it απημαντον, quod nullam noxam inferat. _Jonstonus_,
p. 19.

This Serpent seems to resemble those People which we call _Myops_, _i. e._ Mouse-eyed, or purblind, which happens when the Eye is so _convex_, that the Rays of Light unite, before they come to the _Retina_, which makes the Eye also look small, whence the Name[162].

Footnote 162:

From τυφλοω excæco, κωφοω, exsurdo.

The _Cæcilian Serpent_ is about a Foot long, and distinguishable from our common Serpents by the Form of its Body, which is almost of the same Crassitude, excepting two or three Inches at the extremity of the Tail. _Conradus Gesner_ tells us, his Wife struck one of these Serpents on the Head, when ’twas pregnant, and it immediately cast forth its young[163].

Footnote 163:

_Gesner_, p. 36. _Ælian._

XIV. The _Cencris_, or _Cencrina_ is a spotted Serpent, and very venemous; denominated from _Milium_, a small Grain call’d Millet-feed; to which Historians compare the Spots wherewith this Serpent is adorn’d: For the same reason, a certain Species of the _Herpes_, that is, a cutaneous Distemper, which is a kind of spreading Inflammation, (and is like Millet-feed on the Skin) is called _Miliary_: And by some, this is called the _Miliary Serpent_[164].

Footnote 164:

_Ab aliquibus Miliaris appellatur._ Jonstonus, p. 20.

This Serpent is compared by _Nicander_ to a _Lion_; either for _Cruelty_ in thirsting after Blood, or for its _Courage_, which appears in all its Attacks. How furious in all its Wars, offensive and defensive! always fighting, Lion-like, with an _erected Tail_: Which leads me to a Digression about the _Turkish Standard_, which is a _Horse-Tail erected_: The Original of that Custom was this, _viz._ One of the _Turkish Generals_ having his Standard taken in a Battle with the _Christians_, and perceiving his Men discouraged by the loss of it, he cut off a _Horse-Tail_, and fastening it to the top of a _Half-pike_, advanced it on high, crying out, _This is the great Standard, let those that love me follow it_: Upon which his Men rallied, fought like _Lions_, and obtained the Victory[165].

Footnote 165:

_Tavernier._

But to return to the Serpent, which moving in a direct Line, goes fast, but being of great Bulk, can’t suddenly wind about[166]: Circumvolution is the way to avoid its Menaces. ’Tis commonly found in the Island of _Lemnos_ (the old _Dipolis_, and now the _Stalimene_ of the _Turks_) and also in _Samothracia_, an Island in the _Archipelago_, a Province anciently famous for the _Dii Cabiri_, that is, _certain Gods_ worshipped by the _Samothracians_ and _Phenicians_, and had in such high Veneration, that it was a Crime to mention Names so sacred among the People[167]. Some say they were God’s Ministers, others think they were Devils.

Footnote 166:

_Et semper recto lapsurus limite cencris._ Lucan. Pharsal. p. 269.

Footnote 167:

_Bochart Geogr. Sacra_, lib. i. cap. 12.

XV. The _Acontia_[168], called by the _Latins_, _Serpens Jacularis_, and by some, the Flying Serpent, because of the Celerity of its Motion. In _Lemnos_ ’tis call’d _Sagittarius_, the Bowman or Archer. By the modern _Greeks_, _Saeta_, a Dart; for it flies like an Arrow at its Prey[169]. A certain Person in _Cato_’s Army call’d _Paulus_, was slain, not by the Poison, but the Violence of its Blow[170]: Probably on the lateral part of the Scull.

Footnote 168:

Απο του ακοντος, quod, jaculi instar, se vibret.

Footnote 169:

Rumpat & Serpens iter institutum
Si per obliquum similis sagittæ
Terruit mannos.

Footnote 170:

——immisit (jaculum vocat Africa,) serpens
Perque caput Pauli transacta tempora fugit
Nil ibi virus egit: rapuit cum vulnere fatum.

_Lucani Pharsalia_, lib. ix. p. 273.

Authors are not agreed about its Dimensions. _Ambrosinus_ speaking of one he had seen in the _Bononian Musæum_, says, ’tis about the thickness of a Staff, and about three Foot long: It is found in _Egypt_, its Wounds are dreadful, being attended with Putrefaction and Defluxion of the Flesh.

That which _Bellonius_ saw, was three Palms long, or sixteen Inches and a Finger’s Breadth. _N. B._ _Palmus_ stands for two different Measures; _Palmus major_ contains twelve Fingers; _Palmus minor_, four Inches.

It lies in wait under Bushes, from whence it rushes out unawares, and flies like an Arrow at Passengers: Before it leaps at the Prey, it lies on the Ground, and turns itself round, to give the greater spring to the Motion, by which she’ll do execution at twenty Cubits distance[171].

Footnote 171:

_Jonstonus_, p. 20, 21.

These nimble Leapers are found among the _West-Indians_, especially in _Hispaniola_, where there are little Serpents in green Apparel, that hang by the Tail on the Branches, from whence they suddenly leap upon their Prey. Among the _Sabæans_ are some cloathed in red, four Inches long, that thus leap upon Men unawares; and hurt, not only by striking, but touching.

This Serpent resembles the Ash in Colour, inclining to the white. It traverses the _Lybian_ Provinces, where it makes travelling dangerous: It is also found in the Island of _Rhodes_; an Island on which, the Poets tell us, _Golden Showers are rain’d_, and where the Air is never so clouded, as to hinder the Light of the Sun. It appears also in _Norway_, according to _Olaus Magnus_.

One tells us, that he was inform’d by one _John Vitus_, a learned _Hungarian_, that there were in that Country _little Serpents_ about six Inches long, and without a Tail, therefore called by the Vulgar, the _curtail’d Serpent_, the whole Body is much of an equal Thickness; and these, upon View of their Prey, leap upon it with the Swiftness of an Arrow[172].

Footnote 172:

_Conrad. Gesner. in Verbum._

XVI. The _Druina Serpent_ from δρυς, an Oak, by _Scaliger_ called _Querculus_; it takes its Name from the Oak, in whose hollow places it seems to reside; and to which, it retires for Refuge, when assaulted by Hornets.——Some credulous Authors have said, that these Serpents take up their hybernal Lodgings about the Roots of the _Beach-trees_, and by Virtue of the Warmth, which those Roots derive from them, that Tree, so enhappy’d, flourishes all Winter.

This Serpent is of the amphibious kind, and a most venemous Creature, therefore rang’d with the first Order of the serpentine Race. ’Tis of monstrous bulk[173], guarded by a rough squammatick Armour, in the Cavities of which, ’tis said, little Flies build their Nests. Whether it appears in white or blue Habit, is not material, nor do I see what Honour it gets by wearing a Coronet on its Head.

Footnote 173:

It is a Load for a Porter.

In the Language of Tradition, to tread upon it, will cause an Excoriation in the Foot, (tho’ no Wound be given) and a Tumor in the Leg; yea, adds the Traditionist, the Hands that attend the Patient, will be in danger of losing their Skin: But he who believes all the Fables of Antiquity, is in more danger of losing his Reason.

The Druinical Serpent goes under various Denominations. ’Tis said to follow the _Acontia_ in Authors, because its Figure exactly quadrates with _Bellonius_’s dart Serpent; and _Scaliger_ was in the same Sentiment[174].

Footnote 174:

_Jonstonus_, Articul. xiii. p. 21.

But I shall only mention that of _Chersydrus_, from _Nicander_ in _Jonstonus_, p. 28. or _Chelydrus_, called by some a _Sea-Snail_; which the learned Sir _Hans Sloane_ describes thus——

“That it is more flat than most of the cochlean Marines,
consisting only of Circumvolutions, round the Axis of the Shell;
of a fine purple Colour.”

He calls it _Cochlea Marina_[175], and not without reason, because of their difference in Magnitude.

Footnote 175:

His Voyage to _Jamaica_, vol. i. p. 34.

The terrestrial _Druina_ lives upon Frogs, and other Insects; many of them are found in _Africa-Interior_, and the _Hellespont_ by _Constantinople_. It is a fetid Animal, and sends forth an ill Scent, especially when its Body is wounded[176].

Footnote 176:

_Ælian._ _Gyllius._ _Gesner._

This Serpent exceeds most in bulk, and loudness in hissing, which resembles the Cry of _Sheep_ and _Goats_, ibid. _Gyllius_ makes the _Druina_ to be the _Chelydrus_, described by the Poet, who makes it a _Calabrian_[177]: Of which, more in another place.

Footnote 177:

——_Nidore chelydros
Est etiam ille malus colubris in saltibus anguis
Postquam exhausta palus._—Virg. Georg. l. iii. This is applied also
to the _Hydrus_.

XVII. The _Elops_ or _Elaphis_ of the Antients, which some confound with the _Cæcilia_, as _Jonstonus_ observes: It is of the amphibious Sort, and known at _Lemnos_, where ’tis call’d _Laphiati_ by the Natives. In _Aldrovandus_’s Study, _Ambrosinus_ saw the Picture of this Serpent, which was about three Foot long; the Belly is of a yellow Colour, the Back is brown, and distinguishable by three black Lines[178].

Footnote 178:

_Ray._

There is a _marine Elope_, an Animal counted sacred by the Poets, a Set of merry Mortals, famous for turning every thing into a _God_, or _Ridicule_. The Historian mentions a certain Fish so called, that upon any loud Noise made on Land near the Shore, would immediately hasten towards the Place, as if it would see who durst rival _Triton_ in Sound; _Triton_, Herald of _Neptune_, Sovereign of the Sea.

XVIII. The _Pareas_ or _Parvas_, is a Serpent of a fiery Colour, sharp Eyes, wide Mouth, two Feet situated near the Tail, by which its Motion is guided[179]: It is called the Serpent of _Esculapius_, being of a gentle, innocent, friendly Nature. In _Italy_ they frequent Houses, and are no more dangerous than common Eels; and if provoked to exercise their Teeth, there is nothing venemous in the Bite. This is supposed by some to be the _Italian Baron_: One of its commendable Properties is, that it devours poisonous Serpents; and therefore is sacred to the Mysteries, and highly esteem’d in the Temple of _Dionysius_.

Footnote 179:

_Et contentus, iter cauda sulcare Pareas._ Lucan. Phars. 270.

_Gesner_[180], from _Albertus_ says, it goes as it were upright, on its Tail, not perpendicularly upon the sharp End, but on that Part of the Body joined to the Tail: It is bred in _Syria_, _Alexandria_, and in the East, _&c._ These Serpents are known also in _Spain_ and other temperate Regions, and every where esteemed Enemies to hurtful Serpents, and Friends to Mankind; therefore were consecrated to the divine _Esculapius_, that great and glorious Exemplar of Humanity.

Footnote 180:

_Quasi totus erectus graditur super caudam._ l. v. p. 65.

XIX. The _Dipsas_ or _Dipsacus_ is a little venemous Reptile of the Aspick kind[181], less than a Viper, but kills sooner; and is most remarkable in this, that when it bites, the Poison brings an unquenchable Thirst on the Person affected, who finding no Relief, runs to the Water, and drinks till he bursts asunder[182].

Footnote 181:

Some make it of the viperine Sort. One calls it, _Vipera siticulosa.
Vipera sitem facientes._ Avicenna. Conrad. Gesner, p. 42. _Inter
aspidem & viperam_, says another. _Ibid._

Footnote 182:

_Accessio Gyllii_, cap. 47.

The Poetick Historian observes, how _Aulus_, an Ensign-bearer in the _Roman_ Army in _Africa_, was slain by this Serpent; at first he felt little or no Pain from the Bite, but as soon as it began to operate, he was immediately scorch’d to death[183]. _Galen_ calls this Serpent _Diabetes_, and _Ægineta Dipsacus_, from the incurable Thirst that accompanies its Bite: By others ’tis called _Situla_, because of the burning Heat caused by the Wound.

Footnote 183:

——_Sanguinis Aulam.
Torta caput retro Dipsas calcata momordit.
Vix dolor_—— p. 270.

It is about a Cubit in Length, lives in salt Marshes and shallow Waters; it dwells in _Arabia_, _Rhodes_, _Africa_, especially in _Lybia_, where some Branches of the venemous Family live on Camel’s Flesh, and Locusts dried in the Sun. The more hot the Climate, the more terrible the Wound, as it is in that hot Country, where they have no Springs, but a few salt Wells, which increase the animal Appetite of Thirst. The learned _Venetian_ makes the Serpent _Dipsas_ an _Hieroglyphick of illicit Love_, the Poison of which will, without timely Repentance, excite the Thirst of _Dives_, who wanted a Drop of Water to cool his scorched Tongue[184].

Footnote 184:

_Joannis Pierii Valeriani Bellunensis Hieroglyphica, inter
Collectanea_, p. 34. _Titulus_, _Amoris ignes_.

XX. _Common Snake._ These Serpents in their Summer-rambles haunt among Bushes, mossy Grounds, uliginous and unfrequented Situations. In a sultry Day they may be seen basking themselves in the Sun, near their Apartments: The Sight of a Person puts them to flight; and upon a close Pursuit of them, they make a Stand, raise up their Heads to a considerable Height, and oppose the Enemy with a loud and angry Hiss. No Danger is apprehended from their Bite, and they are handled with Impunity.

This Species of Serpents resembles the _Esculapian_, that has been fed in some Families; and when provoked to use the Teeth, the Danger is no more than that from a Bee, whose Weapons are defensive, and not employed without Provocation: In Winter they retire into subterraneous Spaces, where they lie dormant, till the vernal Sun invites them out.

Though they propagate as Vipers, it does not appear that they sit on their Eggs, as most oviparous Animals do; for we often find a Brood of young Serpents in old Hedges and Dunghills, and no visible Sign of a common Passage to and from the Nest.

XXI. The _Elephantia Serpents_ are those whose Wounds cast People into a Leprosy or Roughness of Skin, like that of an Elephant: Hence Leprosy proceeding from inward Disorders, is call’d _Elephantia_ or _Elephantiasis_, which is a cutaneous Disease, makes the Skin scurfy and rough, in Colour resembling that of an Animal, that in Bulk and Intelligence is superior to all four-footed Beasts.

_Elephants_ in _India_ are said to be about 12 Foot high, and of a Mouse-colour, the Skin not only rough, but hard, so hard, that it is not penetrable by a Sword; their Eyes like those of Swine; two Teeth hang out beyond the rest, which are Ivory.

A memorable Instance of this gigantick Creature’s Understanding, we had a few Years ago at _Newcastle_ in _Staffordshire_, where a Man travelling with an _Elephant_ for a Show, one Morning conducting that Creature to water, happened to pass by a Taylor’s Shop, that was working at an open Window, and so near it, that the _Taylor_ had the _Courage_ to prick him with his Needle: The Beast did not then seem to resent the Affront, but when he returned from the Water, which he having artfully muddled, took into his Trunk; as he came back by the Taylor’s Window, spouted it in his Face, which very much disobliged a Piece of Scarlet-cloth on his Table.

_Plate 4^{th}._
]

That Elephants are subject to Wrath and Revenge, is evident from other Instances: _e. g._ We read of an Elephant, that when he was brought into a certain Theatre, saw, as he pass’d along, a Keeper of wild Beasts, sitting in the Market-place, whom he suddenly killed: And that the occasion of this Revenge was, because the said Keeper about ten Years before had struck him with a Sword in that same Place[185].

Footnote 185:

_Michael Glycas_’s Annal. par. 1. in the Memoirs of the Royal Society,
vol. v, vi. p. 280, 281. _ibid._ p. 281.

And _Acosta_ writes, that a Soldier in the Town of _Cochine_, had thrown the Kernel of a Nut at an Elephant, which the Animal took up and carefully hid: Some Days after, the Elephant seeing the said Soldier pass by, threw it in his Face, and went away leaping and dancing. _Ibid._

In that same Town, another Soldier, meeting an Elephant and his Keeper, would not give way to them: Whereupon the Keeper complained to the Elephant of the Affront, who some days after, standing on the River _Mangata_, which runs through the Town, and seeing that sturdy Soldier stand idle, ran hastily towards him, lifted him upon his Trunk, and plunged him several Times in the River; after which, he drew him out, and left him where he found him. _Ibid._

XXII. The _Scorpion_ is one of the Inhabitants of the World in Miniature; though a little Insect, yet is reckoned to be one of the chiefest among stinging Animals, whose Poison in different Regions is less or more dangerous, as it is exalted by various Degrees of Heat. It has eight Legs, and two large Claws, resembling those of a Lobster, and a Body like a Crab or Craw-fish: They are of various Colours, as red, white, yellow, black: They differ also in their Size and Kinds, as the marine, terrestrial, reptile, winged, hurtful and innocent.

Some are of the Bigness and Length of a Man’s Finger, not much longer than a _Beetle_ or a black Fly: Those known to us are of a brown Colour, the Back composed of Joints resembling those of a Crab, but more crustaceous.

Authors differ about the Tail, whether it be knotty or not; but all agree, that it is furnished with a terrible Sting, worse than the knotted Whip. Many Places produce _Scorpions_ of the minute Sort, not much exceeding the Length of a large Bean.

Others are more bulky, as those at _Jerusalem_, and all about _Syria_, not unlike our little fluvial Crabs for Bigness, which they call _Gambari_.

In the _East-Indies_ are large Scorpions of the winged Kind; so in _Egypt_, where it is reported they are armed with two Stings[186].

Footnote 186:

_Conradus Gesner in Verbum_, p. 4.

It is observable, these large Scorpions taking their Flight against the Wind, sometimes drop down, and so are taken by the Country People, and perhaps sent to scorpionize other Kingdoms.

The _Sea-scorpion_ is a flying Animal, and of a red Colour, whose Flesh is good, and much better than what they call _Scorpœna_, that affects muddy Water and moorish Habitations.

There is a vast Spread of these venemous Animals over the World, both of the winged and creeping Kind, in the Eastern and Southern Climates. Some of them move with Tails somewhat erected, others trailing on the ground; and are thought to be more dangerous than the former: The Coal-black Scorpion is accounted the most hurtful; ’tis said, that in many Places in _Persia_, the Inhabitants dare not sleep in Ground-rooms, for fear of these little plaguy Creatures, the most terrible of all Night-walkers: Of which more elsewhere.

A certain Historian informs us of stimulating Scorpions that infest _Cashan_ in _Parthia_: They are of small Size, not strong in Body, but very terrible in their Wounds, there being the greatest Malignity in their Stings; upon which is grafted this proverbial Curse in that Nation, _May a Scorpion of_ Cashan _sting thee_[187]: But _Chardin_, _Tavernier_, and others, place _Cashan_ in _Persia_,

“where they are very much infested with Scorpions at all
Seasons, but especially when the Sun is in that Sign, which is
one of the twelve Signs in the _Zodiack_; so that ’tis become,
says another Historian, a Curse, _May the Scorpions of_ Cashan
_sting thy Gulls_.”

This occasions every one to be provided with _sovereign Remedies_ against them, which is a Piece of _Copper-money_ they put upon the Wound, take it off 24 Hours after, and apply a Plaister of Honey and Vinegar. The _Holstein_ Ambassadors say they are very black, of the Length and Thickness of a Man’s Finger, and run faster than Crab-fishes, with their Tails always erected[188].

Footnote 187:

_Herbert_’s Travels, Book ii. p. 13.

Footnote 188:

Duke of _Holstein_’s Ambassadors Travels into _Persia_, _sparsim_.

We read of a certain Emperor of _Persia_, who designing to make a Tour into _Media_, durst not undertake the Journey, for the vast Quantity of _Scorpions_ lying in the Road: So that he was obliged to detach a great Number of stout Fellows to destroy those pestiferous Animals, promising a superior Reward to them that kill’d most: Till this Execution was over, he durst not venture his dignified Carcass abroad. The _Scythian Scorpions_ are of the large Size, and terrible when they shoot their Stings.

In _Madagascar_, a large _African_ Island, are several Sorts of Scorpions, particularly _Water-Scorpions_, that lie in the Marshes and standing Waters, which are very mischievous, killing Dogs and Beasts, and then sucking their Blood. There is another Sort of Scorpions with a great round black Belly, that are very dangerous; for those whom they strike immediately swoon, and some for two Days are weak, and cold as Ice. The only Remedy they have, is that used against Serpent’s Wounds, _viz._ to set the Patient by a great Fire, and giving him Antidotes to expel the Poison, which proves a Cure[189].

Footnote 189:

_Atlas Geograph. Asia_, from _La Croix_.

In _Italy_, _Land-Scorpions_ are call’d _Scurtificio_, because they have their Poison _nel-pizzo_, in the Extremity of their Tail. Among the _Germans_, _pizzo_ is _sharp_, as _spits als een naalde_, pointed as a Needle: The Country people bring them in Sack-fuls to _Florence_, and take them out with naked Hands, as if they were so many Eels, which supposes them to be of the innocent Kind, like those _white Scorpions_ in _Pharos_, a little Island in the Mouth of _Nilus_, where there is plenty of these pacifick Animals, who offer no Violence to their Neighbours. Mention is made of other Provinces where they live and hurt no body[190].

Footnote 190:

_Fran. Redi opusculorum, pars prior._

By the _Spaniards_ the _Scorpion_ is call’d _Alaicran_, from an Island in _America_, called the _Island of Scorpions_, for the numerous Multitude that ravage the Place. In _Brasil_ is a vast Number of _Scorpions_, and some four or five Foot long, in Shape like those of _Europe_; but not so venemous: Some of them chuse to kill themselves rather than die by the Hands of an Enemy. A certain Gentleman who made the Trial observes, that a Scorpion being surrounded with a Circle of burning Coals, chose to sting itself to Death rather than be burnt.

In _Ceylon_ in the _East-Indies_, they have many Species of Serpents; as,

XXIII. The _Pimbera Serpent_, whose Body is said to be as big as a Man’s Middle, and in Length proportionable. The Creatures of this Kind secure their Prey, even horned Beasts (which sometimes are pretty large) by a sort of a Peg, or _pointed Hook_, that grows upon the Extremity of the Tail: They are slow in Motion, and therefore skulk in hollow Places; and when they have taken the Spoil, tho’ horned, they swallow it alive, and whole; which often proves fatal, because the Horns may gore the Belly. More, further on.

XXIV. The _Noya Serpent_ is another ill-natur’d _Indian_, about four Foot long, will stand with its Body half upright two or three Hours together, thereby displaying an Air of Majesty: The Inhabitants call it the _King’s Snake_.

Their Poison in that Part of the Country operates variously: Some after they are bitten, fall into a profound Sleep, and without speedy Help die in about six Hours time: Others grow distracted, and if neglected die in twenty-four Hours, and bleed at all the Pores of the Body, and are irrecoverable: Of which before[191].

Footnote 191:

_Atlas Geogr. Asia._

XXV. The _Polonga Serpent_ is five or six Foot long, and a most venemous Creature, destroying all manner of Animals that fall within its Circuit, as well as Men, Women and Children. When the _Noya_ and _Polonga_ Serpents happen to meet, a bloody Battle ensues; they fight till one be kill’d, and then the Conqueror eats up the slain.

XXV. The _Cobres Capellos_, Sea-serpents from eight to ten Yards long, are most dangerous Beasts and frequently kill People in that Country[192].

Footnote 192:

_Ibid._ from _Baldeus_.

When _Alexander_ was in the _East-Indies_, he and his _Macedonians_ were strangely alarm’d by an Army of Serpents that sallied upon ’em from the Woods, which would soon have destroy’d them, but for the Humanity of a _Native_, who directed them to a certain Herb that cured their Wounds, and saved them from Ruin[193]. The same Historian adds, that in those great Deserts, frequent and terrible Scuffles happened between Elephants and Serpents about Water, when they met at a Spring, and it so fell out some time, that both perish’d; for the Serpent roll’d it self about the Elephant’s Leg by several Folds, who finding himself wounded, falls down, and in falling often crushes his Enemy to death. _Ibid._

Footnote 193:

_Diodor. Siculus._

In _America_ is a vast variety of Serpents, and some of prodigious Dimensions; in particular, they are very numerous and large in _Cordillera_, i. e. _Andes_, or high Mountains of _Chile_, which Mountains, _Antonio de Herrera_ calls a Prodigy of Nature, not to be match’d in the kind: They are two Chains of high Mountains, about 1500 Leagues in length: In that spacious Region are Adders red as blood, seven or eight Foot long, which in the Night appear like burning Coals, but not so dangerous as other Serpents, that are Imps of Darkness. _Acosta_ and other Writers tell us, that the Devil appear’d among the _Americans_ in the shape of a Serpent.

There are so many Sorts, says _Nieuhoff_, that the _Brasilians_ reckon up no less than thirty-two, most of which are here accounted for.

XXVII. The _Caudisonant_, or _Rattle-snake_, is a large Species of the Viper, and in its exterior Form every way similar, the rustling Tail excepted; it moves with as much Agility as if supply’d with Wings, called therefore the _Flying-snake_: It has small Eyes, and four Teeth longer than the rest, of white Colour, and sharp, like Thorns; the Head is guarded with small Scales, the Back with larger and thicker Armour; the Tail is composed of several loose bony Articulaments that make a roaring Sound, loud enough to be heard at a distance; and therefore called the _Bell-Snake_.

It is common in _Virginia_, where it appears to be from three to four Foot long, and reckoned to be very poisonous; but scarcely hurts any, unless provoked; and when offended, like the God of War, makes directly at the Enemy, without dread of Consequences.

In the History of _Peru_, an Account is given of a young Woman who was wounded by a Rattle-snake, and died on the Spot, before any Relief could be had; and when they came to take up the Corpse, the Flesh came off her Bones; so speedily did the violence of the Poison dissolve the structure of the Body.

The method of killing this Snake, is thus given by Captain _Silas Taylor_, _viz._ Of the Leaves of _Dittany_ of _Virginia_ (_i. e._ wild Penny-royal) bruis’d, we took, says he, and having fasten’d them at the end of a cloven Stick, we held it to the Nose of the _Rattle-snake_, who by turning and wriggling, labour’d hard to avoid it; but was kill’d with it in less than half an Hour’s time, and as is supposed by the meer Scent of that Vegetable[194]. This was done _A. D._ 1657, in _July_, at which Season those Creatures are reputed to be in the greatest Vigour for their Poison: It is also remarkable, that in those Places where this wild Penny-royal grows, none of these Snakes are observed to come[195].

Footnote 194:

_Regnault_, vol. ii. from _Journ. des Scav._ 1666. p. 113.
_Lowthorp_’s Abridg. of Philos. Transact. vol. ii. p. 811.

Footnote 195:

_Ibid._

The bruised Leaves of the _Virginian_ Dittany are very hot, and biting upon the Tongue: Probably the strong Smell of it might stop the Passages of Respiration in those Animals, or ferment with the Blood, so as to suffocate them. In _Gresham_ College at _London_ may be seen fifteen Skins of Rattle-snakes checker’d——Some appear in ash colour: Several Rattles of those Snakes, most of them composed of above ten Joints.

XXVIII. The _Salamander_ is an amphibious Serpent, very much spotted; superior in Bulk to common Lizards. The _Land-Salamander_ is a little poisonous Reptile, that resembles the green Lizard, but more gross in Body; and is found in _Germany_ and other Places.

_CONRADUS Gesner_, says he saw one of ’em on the _Alps_ perfectly black, with a short Tail: When wounded, a kind of milky Liquid runs out. In _Germany_, are several great Woods, where _black Salamanders_ have been seen; _Teste Matthiolo_[196].

Footnote 196:

_Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus_, p. 137.

This little strange Animal affects moist, cold and solitary Habitations. In some parts of _Germany_ great numbers of them have been found in a Body piled up, one upon another: They are of the oviparous kind, and propagate their Species by Eggs, the common Semen of Fowls and Insects.

They are Enemies to Frogs and the Tortoise, and feed on little small Insects; and when they have Access to Honey and Milk, they never want a Feast.

It is of a poisonous Nature, and many have suffer’d by its Biting; so says _Pliny_, with whom agree _Nicander_, _Aëtius_, and _Abensinæ_.

_GESNER_ is in a contrary Sentiment, and says he had domestick _Salamanders_, that offered no violence with their Teeth without Provocation. _Jonstonus_ adds, that in _Germany_ there appeared no ill Effects of its Bite; but in _France_ its Wounds were of a most deadly Nature, as appears by a Saying in that Kingdom. _viz._ _That a Man bit by a Salamander, should have as many Physicians to cure him, as the Salamander has Spots, which are numerous_[197].

Footnote 197:

——_tot medicis indigere quot maculas bestia habet, proverbio jactant_.
Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus, p. 137.

The _Aquatic Salamander_ is not very unlike the former, unless it be in Colour and Figure; some with a Tail turn’d up, others with a flat Tail, prominent in the middle: There are various sorts of them; one of which appears in the form of a Turbot, whose Eggs are as large as Garden-pears.

When upon Land their Mouth will not open, unless it be by Force, or they be cast into a Vessel of Water: When put upon Salt, they move the Tail and die; their Skin is close compacted, and not penetrable by a Sword; and ’tis said that Swine’s Flesh is Poison to them[198].

Footnote 198:

_Jonstonus de Quadruped._ p. 138.

The common Report is, that the _Salamander_ is able to live in the Fire, which is a vulgar Error: The Hieroglyphick Historian observes, that upon Trial made, it was so far from quenching it, that it consum’d immediately[199]. It is true, that _Newts_ (or Water-lizards) Frogs, Snails, and such icy Animals, will endure the Fire for a longer time than others will, by reason of an extraordinary degree of Coldness, which dissipates and scatters the Flame for a little time.

Footnote 199:

_Joannis Pierii Hierogl._ cap. 21-26. p. 195-6, 7.

I have read an Experiment made upon a _Salamander_, that was thrown into the Fire, and there came from it a sort of gelid, moist, viscous Humour, which resisted the Power of Fire for a little time; but those Exhalations being dried up, was soon consum’d. In the _Philosophical Transactions_, we have another Instance, which seems to carry the matter further.

M. _STENO_ writes from _Rome_, that a Knight called _Corvini_, had assured him, that having cast a _Salamander_ (brought to him out of the _Indies_) into the Fire, the Animal thereupon swelled presently, and then vomited store of thick slimy Matter, which did put out the neighbouring Coals, to which the _Salamander_ retired immediately, putting them out also in the same manner as they rekindled; and by this means saved his Life about two Hours, and afterwards lived nine Months; that he had kept it eleven Months, without any other Food but what it took by licking the Earth, on which it moved, and on which it had been brought out of the _Indies_, which at first was cover’d with a thick Moisture, but being dried afterwards, the Urine of the Animal served to moisten the same: Being put upon _Italian Earth_, it died within three days after[200].

Footnote 200:

_Lowthorp_’s _Abridgement_, v. ii. p. 816.

As to the Possibility of the thing; I make no doubt but he, who made _Water_ the Habitation of Fish, can make _Fire_ to be the Residence of another sort of Beings. The Sun, which is the Centre of our planetary System, for aught we know, may be the Seat of glorious Inhabitants; or, as others conjecture, the Place of future Misery.

Upon the whole, the _Salamander_ being of a mucous, slimy, and cold Body, will, like Ice, soon extinguish a little Fire, but will be as soon consum’d by a great Fire; therefore it was no Absurdity in _Galen_, when, as a _sceptical Medicine_, he recommended the _Ashes of a Salamander_.

The like Humidity is observable in Water-Lizards, especially if their Skins be prick’d: Yea, Frogs, Snails, White of Eggs, will soon quench a lesser Coal. We read of _incombustible Cloth_, (_Linnen Paper_,) made from a Flaxen-Mineral, call’d Ασβεστος by the _Greeks_, and _Linum vivum_ by the _Latins_.

_Plate 5^{th}_
]

This _Asbestos_, or Matter out of which this wonderful Cloth ... is made, is a Fossil, a mineral stony Substance, of a whitish Colour, and woolly Texture (call’d _Salamander’s-Wool_) the downy Fibres, separable into short Filaments of Threads, capable of being spun, and made into a sort of Cloth, which will endure the Fire without consuming. When foul, instead of washing, they throw it into the Fire, which cleanses without burning it. Whole Webs and Coats, Napkins, Handkerchiefs, Towels, have been made of it; which were so far from being consumed by Fire, that they were only cleansed from their Dross, and came out purified into a greater Lustre than if wash’d with Water.

Its principal use, according to _Pliny_[201], was for making of Shrouds, in which the Corps of their Kings were usually burnt, lest their royal Ashes should be blended with common Dust. The Princes of _Tartary_ use it to this day in burning the Dead[202]. _Nero_ had a Napkin or Towel made of it. The _Brachmans_ among the _Indians_, are said to make Clothes of it. The Wicks for their perpetual Candles were made of it[203]; and some to this day use it for Lamp-Wicks.

Footnote 201:

Book xix. cap 1.

Footnote 202:

_Philos. Transact._

Footnote 203:

Dr. _Lister_.

The Emperor _Constantine_ ordered an incombustible sort of Linnen to be made of _Lapis Amianthus_, the growth of _Cyprus_, that might burn in his Lamps, which were in his _Baths_ at _Rome_. The Commentator on St. _Augustin_ says, that he saw several Lamps at _Paris_, which would never be consumed: and at a Feast at _Louvain_, there was a Napkin thrown into the Fire, which was restored to the Owner clearer and brighter than if it had been rinsed in Water[204].

Footnote 204:

_Ludovicus Vives, in his Scholia—de Civitate Dei. Pancirol. Historia
rerum deperdit._

The _incombustible Paper_ is made of this lanuginous Mineral, viz. _Asbestine-Stone_, which will bear burning without being injured. Whoever would be further informed about this wonderful incombustible Stone, may peruse Dr. _Bruckman_, Professor at _Brunswick_, who has publish’d _a natural History of the Asbestos,_ or _incombustible Paper_; and what is most remarkable, has printed four Copies of his Book on _this_ Paper, which are deposited in the _Library_ of _Wolfembuttle_. The manner of making this extraordinary Paper is described by Mr. _Lloyd_, in _Philosoph. Transactions_, N^o. 166.

_N. B._ The _Salamander_ is said to live in the Fire, and has power to extinguish it: “From which Conjuncture was taken the _Device_ of Great King _Francis_, the first of the Name, (Father of Arts and Sciences) _Nutrisco & Extinguo_, I Feed and Extinguish[205].”

Footnote 205:

_Pedro Mexia_ and M. _Francesco Sansovinio_, the famous _Italian_.

XXIX. The _Cameleon_ belongs to the Class of Quadrupedes, and is a little Animal resembling a Lizard, but of a larger and longer Head: Its Eyes stand out of its Head above one half of their Globe, which he turns so obliquely, that he sees every thing behind him: Nature perhaps has given it this Advantage, because its Legs (by the slowness of its motion) are of no use to avoid his Enemy, by running away. There is yet something more extraordinary, in the motion of his Eyes, for when one of them moves, the other has no motion at all; one looks upward, the other downwards[206].

Footnote 206:

A Journal of the Philosoph. Mathematical and Botanic Observ. by _Lewis
Feuillée_, A. D. 1725.

The length of these Creatures does not exceed twelve Inches, and they have a proportionable bigness. The Skin is plaited and very fine, transparent, jagged like a Saw, and thin; and must be very compact and hard, since, according to the Historian[207], ’tis not penetrable by the Teeth of Serpents. It has four Feet, and on each Foot three Claws; its Tail is long and flat, with which, as well as with its Feet, it fastens itself to the Branches of Trees: its Nose long, and ends in an obtuse point: In other respects it is made like a Fish; that is to say, it has no Neck[208]: Reckoned by _Moses_, _among the unclean_—Numb. xi. 30.

Footnote 207:

_Ælian,_ iv. 33.

Footnote 208:

_Calmet,_ p. 351.

The _Cameleon_ is said to transform itself into variety of Colours; perhaps this change may arise from the different reflections of the Rays of Light: Thus they may put on a brown or whitish Habit, from Trees of that Colour, on which they sit. Others observe, that its Colour is changeable, according to the various Passions that agitate the Creature; _e. g._ When affected with Joy, ’tis of an emerald Green, mixt with Orange, etch’d with little grey and black Strokes: Anger gives it a livid and dusky Colour: Fear makes it pale, and like faded yellow[209]. All these Colours compose such a pretty Medley of Shadow and Light, that Nature does not afford a finer Variety of Shadowing, nor our finest Pictures more lively, sweet, and proportionable Drawing.

Footnote 209:

_Le Compte’s Memoirs_, p. 502.

For the further Illustration of this Subject, I shall add something from the Philosophical Transactions about a female Cameleon, the Skin of which appear’d mixt of several Colours, like a Medley-cloth. The Colours discernable are green, a sandy yellow: And indeed one may discern, or at least fancy, some mixture of all, or most Colours in the Skin, whereof some are more predominant, at different times: There are some permanent black Spots on the Head, and Ridge of the Back. But our modern Naturalists assure us, that its common Colour, when it is at rest, and in the Shade, is a bluish grey; when ’tis exposed to the Sun, this grey changes into a darker grey, inclining to a dun Colour: If ’tis put on a black Hat, it appears to be of a violet Colour.

... Upon Excitation or warming, she becomes suddenly full of little black Spots, equally dispersed on the sides, with small black Streaks on the Eyelids; all which afterward do vanish. The Skin is grain’d with globular Inequalities, like the Leather call’d Shagreen. The grossest Grain is about the Back and Head, then on the Legs; on the Sides and Belly, finest; which, perhaps, in several Postures, may shew several Colours; and when this Animal is in full Vigour, may also have in some sort, _Rationem Speculi_, and reflect the Colours of Bodies adjacent; which, together with the mixture of Colours in the Skin, may have given occasion to the old Tradition, _of changing into all Colours_[210].

Footnote 210:

_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii, p. 816.

A certain curious Gentleman, made the following Experiment, when he lived at _Smyrna_, in _Asia-minor_: He bought some _Cameleons_, to try how long they could be preserved alive under Confinement; he kept them in a large Cage, and allowed them the Liberty to take the fresh Air, which they suck’d in with Pleasure, and made them brisker than ordinary. He never saw them either eat or drink, but seem’d to live on the Fluid in which we breathe.

The Antients were persuaded that _Cameleons_ fed upon the Air, for which reason one of the Fathers calls it a _living Skin_[211]; but now it appears by Experience, that they feed upon different Insects, as Palmer-worms, Locusts, Beetles, Flies, and also Leaves of Vegetables. Father _Feuillée_[212], in a Journey into _Asia-minor_, opened one of these Animals, and found in its Belly Peach-Leaves, which were not then digested.——_N. B._ Digestion is very slow in _Cameleons_, which is the reason why they take so little Nourishment.

Footnote 211:

_Pellicula vivit. Tertull. de Pallio_, cap. 3.

Footnote 212:

_Feuillée_’s _Journal. Franckf._ 1597. p. 3.