Chapter XII: Part II (3)

The same Father mentions a small Lizard, which he saw in _Peru_, that was not above an Inch thick, which he calls _Chameleontides_, because he changed his Colour, like the _Cameleons_; being in a certain Situation, he saw it of a dun Colour; in another, ’twas green.... This little Creature, he says, had the same Figure and Proportion as the _Great Lizard_; nam’d by the _Spaniards_, _Iquanna_; and _Senembi_, by _Marcgravius_; and he makes that _Lizard_ a fourth kind of _Cameleon_, and to be added to the two kinds of _Bellonius_, one of which is to be found in _Arabia_, and the other in _Egypt_, and to that mention’d by _Faber_, _Lynceus_, which may be seen in _Mexico_.

Their Tongue is somewhat peculiar, it being as long as their Body, with which they catch Flies, and other Insects, which settle on their Tongues, to suck the viscous slimy Matter, adherent to them. The _Cameleon_ puts out his Tongue to draw them upon it, and when ’tis full of these Insects, he pulls it in with wonderful Agility. Others think, it encloses its Prey with the tip of its Tongue, which is made in a form proper for that purpose.

The _Cameleon_ is an oviparous Animal. _J. Jonstonus_ says, it has above a hundred Eggs, from _Piereskius_, who nursed a Female on purpose to make Observations upon the Subject[213]. After all the Gentleman’s Care about ’em at _Smyrna_, all of them died within five Months; and having opened the Female, found thirty Eggs in her, fasten’d one to another in the form of a Chain. _Ibid. supra._

Footnote 213:

_Jonstonus de Animalib. inter Quadrupedes_, p. 141.

The _Atlas_[214] calls the _Cameleon_, the _Indian Salamander_[215]; that goes there by the Name of _Gekho_, from the Noise it makes after hissing, and is thus describ’d, _viz._ ’tis about a Foot long and spotted, has large Eyes starting out, the Tail has several white Rings round it, and its Teeth sharp, and strong enough to penetrate an Armour of Steel: it has a slow Motion, but where it fastens, ’tis not easily disengaged. This Creature is found in _Arabia_, _Egypt_, _Madagascar_, _Java_, and other parts of _India_. _Bellonius_ saw several of them among the Shrubs of _Attica_[216]: He says it frequents _Cairo_, and other Places, is found among Hedges and Bushes; mutes like a Hawk; swallows every thing whole. It moves the Feet of each side alternately, but runs up Trees very fast, and lays hold on the Boughs with its Tail. _Leo_ and _Sandys_ say, the Neck is inflexible, and it can’t turn without moving its whole Body: the Back is crooked, the Skin is spotted with little Tumours: the Tail long and slender, like that of a Rat, when it sucks in the Air, its Belly swells, whence some think that the Air is part of its Food. One Author says, it subsists only upon Air; another says, ’tis a vulgar Error.——

Footnote 214:

_Africa._

Footnote 215:

For _America_.

Footnote 216:

_Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus._

’Tis said, that if a Serpent lurks near the Tree, where it sits, it throws a Thread out of its Mouth, with a little shining Drop at the end, which falls upon the Serpent’s Head, and kills it[217].

Footnote 217:

_Atl. Afric._ p. 49, 50.

In _America_ are Serpents, some of whom are so poisonous, that if touch’d but with a little Stick, the Venom runs up the Hand; and such as are touch’d with the Blood of dead Serpents, die a lingering Death: This is Tradition: I shall begin with the first of them, _viz._

XXX. _KUKURUKI_, a Serpent of _Brasil_ in _South-America_, which is under the torrid Zone, where their Winter begins in _March_ and ends in _August_; and is like our Summer. This Serpent is of an ash Colour, and in its Scales resembles the _Bocinga_, or Rattle-Snake, but is more gross; on the Back, variegated with yellow, and large black Spots. ’Tis represented as a very venemous Animal, eight or nine Foot long[218]; and when prepared, the Inhabitants feed upon it.

Footnote 218:

_9 & interdum 12 pedes longus est._ Ray.

XXXI. The _Ibiara_ is a _Brasilian_ Adder, about a Foot and half long; an Inch and half in thickness. Serpents of this kind are very numerous in that Country, and nothing more poisonous than their Wounds, tho’ not incurable, if proper Remedies be applied in time.

In Seasons of Danger, they shelter themselves in Cavities under Ground, and feed upon Pismires, which are very large in that Country, and in such prodigious Quantities, that the _Portuguese_ call them, _Kings of Brasil_.

XXXII. In _Chiapa_, in _Old-Mexico_, now call’d _New-Spain_, is a noxious Animal call’d _Teuthlacokauqui_, or _Fortress of the Serpents_, whose Head is like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, the Ridge of the Body black, with an Interspersion of white Crosses; the Teeth poisonous, and the biting kills in twenty-four hours, unless the wounded part be held in the Earth so long, till the Pain be over.

It has a frightful Aspect; when it moves it makes a Noise with its Tail, that sounds an Alarm of Danger. The _Americans_, who have the Art of taking it by the Tail, carry it home, and by degrees make it tame: ’tis maintain’d at a cheap rate, for it can subsist a whole Year without any visible Food.

_JOHNSTONUS_ calls this Serpent the _Bocininga_, and describes it from _Marcgravius_ and _Piso_. The former says, ’tis four Foot and three Fingers long, Belly smooth, small Eyes, forked Tongue, rattling Tail. The other observes, the _Spaniards_ call it _Cascavel_, and _Tangedor_, because its Tail emits the sound of a Ball; in thickness, as a Man’s Arm; in length, about five Foot; a cloven Tongue, long and sharp Teeth; of a dark Colour, inclining to the yellow[219].

Footnote 219:

_Jonstonus_, Articulus xvii. p. 23.

According to _Nierembergius_, this Serpent is called the _Queen of Serpents_, which they suppose to be like the Viper, in its Poison, and Shape of the Head[220]. By the Definitions of several Authors, this Serpent seems to be the _Caudisonant_; and the _Dutch_ in _America_ call it, the _Ratel-Stange_, _i. e._ Rattle-Snake.

Footnote 220:

_Historia Naturæ Maximè Peregrinæ_, p. 268-9.

Now we are in _Mexico_, excuse me in giving you two Instances of monstrous Cruelty; one in the Natives, the other in the _Spaniards_.

When the _Mexicans_ were disposed to do signal Honour to their Idols, they sent out Armies to bring in Prisoners for a Sacrifice, whose Flesh they did afterwards eat; and _Montezuma_ the Emperor, commonly sacrificed 20000 Men, one year with another, and no less than 50000 some years. The Priests thought it dishonourable to sacrifice less than 40 or 50 Captives at a time to one _Idol_. At a certain Festival, they ript up the Breast of a manumitted Slave, pull’d out his Heart, which they offer’d to the Sun, and then eat up his Body.

Their Priests were bloody Men, a Brood of Vipers, and had such an Ascendant over their Princes, that they made them believe _their Gods were angry_, and not to be appeased without 4000 or 5000 Men to sacrifice in a day; so that, right or wrong, they must make War on their Neighbours, to procure those Victims to keep their Priests in Humour.

The next, is an Instance of _Spanish Cruelty_, in this Country, that could have no Original but Hell, the Seat of the old Serpent. It runs thus, _viz._ _Barthol. de las Casas_ Bishop of _Chiapa_, in a Letter to the _Emperor Charles V._ gives this account of the Barbarity of the _Spaniards_ towards the poor Inhabitants, Natives of the Land.

... “Their Kings and Princes, says the Bishop, the _Spaniards_
scorch’d to death, or tore in pieces with Dogs: The poor People
they burnt in their Houses, and dash’d out the Brains of their
Children: Those that were spared, they forced to carry greater
Burdens than they were able to bear, by which thousands of them
were destroy’d: Others who escap’d, died of Famine in the Woods,
after they had kill’d their own Wives and Children, and eat them
for hunger. In this one Province they murder’d above two
Millions of Men, not sparing those of Quality, who had civilly
entertain’d them. They tortured the Natives with the most
hellish Inventions, to make them discover their Gold. _Diego de
Valesco_, in particular, spared none that fell into his hands,
so that in a Month’s time he murder’d ten thousand: He hang’d
thirteen Noblemen.

“Some they starved to death, by thrusting their Heads betwixt
Pieces of cloven Timber: Others they buried alive, leaving their
Heads above Ground, at which they bowl’d with large
Iron-Bullets: They also forced them to eat one another.——

Besides other hellish Cruelties too dreadful to be related[221].” _N. B._ This _Barth. de las Casas_ had been a _Friar_, and afterwards made Bishop of _Chiapa_, was a Man of more Piety and Justice than is commonly found among _Friars_. It was he, who procur’d the _Indians_ their Liberty from being Slaves to the _Spaniards_, which they enjoy to this day, so that they are paid for what they do, about half a Crown a Week.

Footnote 221:

_Acosta_, _Gage_—The Civil and Moral History of the _Spanish
West-Indies_, in _Atlas Geogr. America_.

XXXIII. The _Ibitobaca_ is a Serpent of _Chiapa_, near four Foot long, and of a crimson Colour, adorn’d with a pleasing Diversity of black and white Specks; wearing its Bones as a Necklace, or the Ruff in Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, who destroy’d the Invincible Armada, and made good old _England_ a Terror to _Spaniards_.

XXXIV. The _Iquanna_ is the Birth of _Mexico_, a Serpent like the Pope’s Anathema, of a terrible Front, but harmless; a glittering Comb on the Head, with a Bag under the Chin; a long Tail, and sharp Bones on its Back, standing up in the form of a Saw.

This Iquannatick Serpent is of the amphibious kind, equally fitted to live by Land or Water; a Privilege which no Son of _Adam_ can boast of. It is of the oviparous Tribe, and a great Breeder, laying about fifty Eggs at the Season as big as Acorns, which are of a very good Taste, and good Food when boiled, and so is the Serpent itself; but the Land-_Iquanna_ is a more pleasant Food, and preferable to _Spanish_ Ragous[222].

Footnote 222:

_Nierembergii Historia Naturalis_, p. 271.

XXXV. The _Ibiboboca_ is a Serpent beautiful to the Eye, but of a venemous Nature; ’tis about three Foot long. The _Icon_ of it in _Gresham-College_ is above three Yards[223], white as Snow, decorated with Particles of various Colours, especially black and red. The Wound it gives operates gradually, and if neglected, proves fatal.

Footnote 223:

_Curzon_’s _Catalogue of Rarities_, p. 445.

XXXVI. The _Guaku_ or _Lyboya_ Serpent, is one of the largest of all the serpentine Brood, some of which being from eighteen to thirty Foot long, call’d by the _Portuguese_, _Hobre de Hado_, or the _Roebuck Serpent_, because it can swallow a whole Buck at once. After swallowing it down, it generally falls asleep, and in that Posture is frequently taken, while digesting its Supper. My Author says, he saw one of this kind, which was 30 Foot long, of a greyish Colour, but others incline more to the brown[224]. A ravenous Animal, and so voracious, that it leaps out of the Woods to seize its Prey; and, if disturb’d, will fight, or wrestle, with Man or Beast, standing upright upon the Butt-end of his Tail.

Footnote 224:

_Nieuhoff in Atl. America,_ p. 263.

XXXVII. The _Jararaka Serpent_, is another _Brasilian_, no longer than a Man’s Arm to the Elbow; it has swelling Veins on its Head; the Skin is covered with red and black Spots; the rest is of an Earth Colour: Its Wounds are dangerous, and attended with the usual Symptoms. There are three Sorts of these venemous Snakes besides this, _viz_. _One_ sort is about ten Spans long, with two terrible Tusks, or great Teeth, which they stretch out to a great length, and strike them into their Prey. The venemous Liquid, which is very yellow, works with a Violence, that kills in a few Hours. The _second_ sort resembles the _Spanish Viper_ in Colour and Form, and is equally dangerous. The _third_ and worst sort very much resembles the _first_.

XXXVIII. The _Biobi_, called _Gabro Verde_ by the _Portuguese_ in _Brasil_, i. e. the _Green Serpent_, because its Colour is porraceous, a shining Green like the Leek; it is between three and four Foot long, and about the Thickness of a Man’s Thumb; a large Mouth, and black Tongue, and has this good Property, that it hurts nobody unless irritated; but when provoked, no Poison more dangerous. We read of a _Soldier_, who accidentally treading on this Serpent, was wounded by it in the Thigh, and died a few Hours after, tho’ the Remedies that proved successful on the like occasions, had been diligently applied[225].

Footnote 225:

_Raii Synopsis_, p. 328.

XXXIX. The _Caninana Serpent_, is another Inhabitant of _Brasil_, green on the back, and yellow on the Belly, about two Foot long, and reckoned not to be so venemous, as the rest of that mischievous Tribe. It feeds upon Eggs and Birds, at last becomes the common Entertainment of the _American_ and _African_ Tables[226]. We read of other _green Serpents_ in the _Indies_, that are indulged with little Cottages made of Straw, where they spend their solitary Hours, till the time of eating invites them out, then they repair to the House, where they fawn upon their Masters, and eat what is set before them, and then retire to the Huts of Indulgence.

Footnote 226:

_Raii Synopsis_, p. 328.

XL. The _Tetzawhcoatl_, is another Production of _Brasil_, a Serpent of about three Foot long, and slender Body, whose Strokes are pestilent: The Head is black, nether Part of the Tail reddish, and the Belly dash’d with black Spots. The Cure is by Suction.

Now we are travelling among the Inhabitants of _Brasil_, we may be allowed to take notice of Prince _Maurice_’s _Rational Parrot_, mentioned by Sir _William Temple_ and Mr. _Locke_, which the _former_ had from the Prince’s own Mouth. His Words were,

... “That he had heard of such an _old Parrot_, when he came to
_Brasil_, and tho’ he believed nothing of it, and it was a good
way off; yet he had so much Curiosity as to send for it: that it
was a very great and a very old one; and when it came first into
the Room, where the Prince was with a great many Dutchmen about
him, it said presently, _What a Company of White-men are here!_
They ask’d it, what he thought that Man was, pointing at the
Prince? it answered, _Some General or other_. The Prince asked
it, Whence come ye[227]? The Parrot answered, _From Marinnan_.
To whom do you belong, said the Prince? it answered, _To a
Portuguese Prince_. The Prince ask’d, What do you there? Parrot
answered, _I look after the Chickens_. The Prince laugh’d, and
said, You look after the Chickens! The Parrot answered, _Yes, I;
and I know well enough how to do it_, and made the _Chuck_ four
or five times, that People use to make to Chickens, when they
call them....”

Footnote 227:

D’où venes vous? De Marinnan. A qui estes vous? A un Portugais. Que
fais tu-la? Je garde les poulles. Vous gardez les poulles? Ouy moy, &
je sçai bien faire.—_Sir_ William Temple’s _Memoirs_, and _Mr._
Locke’s _Essay_, Book II. _chap._ 27.

... “I could not but tell this odd Story, because it is so much
out of the way, and from the first hand, and what may pass for a
good one; for I dare say, this Prince at least believed himself
in all he told me, having ever past for a very honest and pious
Man. I leave it to Naturalists to reason, and to other Men to
believe as they please upon it; however, it is not perhaps amiss
to relieve or enliven a busy Scene sometimes with such
Digressions, whether to the purpose or no.” So far Sir _William
Temple_.

Wonder not then, if you meet in this History with some romantick Sentiments entertained by learned Men concerning Serpents, when two such illustrious Pillars of the Commonwealth of Letters, give way to a Relation that has so much of the Marvellous in it.

XLI. These Historians inform us of many more Serpents, and some of great bulk, that infest those _American_ Regions; whose Looks are ruddy, of blood-red Colour, that shine in the Night, like so many glittering Stars.

A modern Author writes, that in _America_ are some Snakes that were eight Foot long, and as red as Blood, which in the Night look’d like Fire[228].

Footnote 228:

_Anton. Herrera_’s History of _America_, Vol. II. in his Account of
_Darien_, p. 72.

The former black, and these shining Serpents, remind me of the _Obsidian_ Stones, that are very black and transparent; they have their Names from one _Obsidius_, who first found them in _Æthiopia_.

There is a sort of natural _Obsidian_ Glass, which is rather to be ranked among Stones than Metals; ’tis as passive as the former, enduring the Graving-Tool, is diaphanous and pellucid, receiving Images, and, like artificial Glass, transmitting all Forms and Shapes.

This is found in _Æthiopia_, where the Sepulchres of the Nobles are usually made of it, and after this manner; _viz._ They take a large Stone, and make it hollow, and in the Cavity include the Corps, where it is not only preserved, but, as if entomb’d in Glass, is apparently visible to Spectators, and sends forth no ungrateful Scent.

Out of these _Obsidian_ Stones, Looking-Glasses are wont to be made, and are also found on the Coasts of _Arabia_. These shining Stones were inserted into Rings, and in one of them was cut the entire Image of _Augustus_, who being much taken with these Stones of Glass, caused four Elephants to be made of them,—See the _Commentary_ upon _Pancirollus_, B. i. of _Jet_; and _Pliny_, B. xxxvi. c. 26.

XLII. _Boiguacu_, another venemous Production of _Brazil_, thick in the middle, and declining towards the Extremities of the Body; ’tis covered with large Scales on the Back, and lesser ones on the Belly, which is common in all Serpents.

The whole is adorned with elegant Variegations.... The Back and Sides set off with black Spots, inclining to the round; about three Inches distant from each other, and in the Centre a round white Spot. These beautiful Appearances, says _Jonstonus_, have a Grandeur in them more than rivals Imperial Majesty.

He saw several Serpents of this kind: On _August_ 7th, 1638, one that was eight Foot long. Another, _August_ 13th, 1638, above five Foot long, its Flesh fat, and very white; the Heart being taken out, lived about 15 Minutes. _October_ 16th, 1638, he saw another, that was near nine Foot long, and he was a Witness to its swallowing a She-Goat whole[229]. By the Description, this Serpent must be the _Lyboia_, so famous for the Knack of Deglutition of Animals.

Footnote 229:

_Jonstoni Historia Naturalis_, p. 25, 26.

XLIII. The _Brasilian Serpent_, called the _Ibiracoan_, makes its Appearance in a Habit of various Colours, trimmed with red, black and white Spots. Under this fine Dress, is a poisonous Spring; the Wound it gives, infallibly kills without immediate Assistance.

Before the Poison reaches the Heart, the common Practice is, to secure that Serpent, and boil the Flesh of it with certain Roots, and give it the Patient in Wine, or any other proper Liquid, and it will answer the Intention.

XLIV. The _Tarciboya_, and _Kakaboya_, are two Serpents much of the same Nature, and therefore I put them together: They are occasional Inhabitants of the Water and Land; in Colour black, and about six Hands in Length. If they hurt any Creature, it is only in Defence of themselves, and the Wound is easily cured by Remedies well known in those Countries. They are great Devourers of Birds.

Here the Learned _Ray_, from _Piso_, mentions ten other Serpents, whose particular Characters he considers in his Description of Fishes; then refers his Reader to those described by _Joan. de Laet_.[230]

Footnote 230:

_Raii Synopsis Animal._ p. 329. _Londini_ 1693.

XLV. The _Bibera_ is a venemous Lizard of _Brazil_. If you ask, What are these _Brasilian Lizards_? I answer, They are creeping Serpents, of various Colours, and different Sizes: Some are the length of a Finger, others many Feet; have sparkling Eyes. There is only one sort of them that is venemous, among which is this _Bibera_: they are like the others, but lesser, and are most mischievous. They are of an ash Colour, inclining to the white; the Body and Limbs seem thick, but the Tail is short and broad.

The Wounds given by these Serpents, are full of a thin stinking Matter, attended with blue Swellings, and Pain in the Heart and Bowels. _N. B._ Great Things have been frequently done by little Things.

XLVI. The _Ambua_, so the Natives of _Brazil_ call the _Millepedes_ and the _Centipedes_ Serpents. Those Reptiles of thousand Legs bend as they craul along, and are reckoned very poisonous. Those Lizards of hundred Legs are commonly found in the Woods, where they destroy the Fruit, and also do mischief both to Men and Cattle.

In these _Multipedes_, the Mechanism of the Body is very curious; in their going, it is observable, that on each side of their Bodies, every Leg has its Motion, one regularly after another; so that their Legs, being numerous, form a kind of Undulation, and thereby communicate to the Body a swifter Progression than one could imagine, where so many short Feet are to take so many short Steps, that follow one another, rolling on, like the Waves of the Sea.

The _Palmer-Worm_ is also called _Millepes_, because of its many Feet, which are as Bristles under its Body: It is about six Inches long, and moves with incredible Swiftness. The upper part of the Body is cover’d with hard swarthy Scales, and it has a sort of Claws both in its Head and Tail, of rank Poison, as the Historian says.

XLVII. The _Jebeya_ is another _Brazilian_, and a Serpent very ravenous and destructive: It has four Legs, and a long Tail like a _Crocodile_; it lies flat and close on the Ground, artfully concealing itself, ’till the Prey comes within reach, and then darts out a couple of sharp Fins from its Fore-quarters, and kills whatever it strikes.

XLVIII. The _Giraupiagara_ is an _American_ Serpent, so call’d, because of its being a great Devourer of Eggs. ’Tis of a Negro-Colour, but a yellow Breast, and of great Length and Agility. It glides (as if swimming) on the tops of Trees, faster than any Man can run on the Ground.[231]

Footnote 231:

_Nieuhoff in Atlas, America._

It lives upon Birds, whose Nests it constantly plunders. ’Tis observable, that the _Cuckow_ feeds very much upon _Eggs_, which accounts for the vulgar Notion, that it always has one or more little Birds, as Menials to attend it, these being some of those, whose Houses it plundered. There is another Charge preferred against the Cuckow, _viz._ The Contempt it puts upon our Vegetables, by spitting upon them; whereas in those Dobs of frothy Dew, we find little Green Insects, that are Grashoppers in the Embryo.

XLIX. The _Caminana_ is another _Brazilian Serpent_, of a great length. The Body is all over green, and very beautiful in prospect. This also runs up the Trees, not so much because of the green Leaves, as in pursuit of Birds of all Colours; and having devoured the Contents of the Nest, seizes the Dam, and drinks her Blood.

The pleasing Appearance made by this Serpent in _Green_, puts me in mind of the _Turks_, who have so great a _Superstition for the green Colour_ (because it was consecrated to _Mahomet_) that they forbid Christians to wear it on pain of Death; but the _Persians_ (who are _Mahometans_ as well as the _Turks_) allow it to every body, and laugh at this Superstition; so that when _Sultan Amurath_ sent an Ambassador to _Sha-Abbas_ of _Persia_, to complain that he suffer’d that _venerable Colour_ to be prophaned by Christians, he scoffingly said, that he would forbid the _green Colour_ to be prophaned by Christians, as soon as _Amurath_ would hinder the _green Meadows_ to be prophaned by his _Turkish Cattle_[232]. The Eastern _Turks_ abhor the _blue Colour_, because the _Jews_, they say, threw _Indigo_ into _Jordan_ to hinder the Baptism of _Christ_, but the Angels brought Water from _Jordan_ to baptize him, before it was polluted. _Atlas._

Footnote 232:

_Holstein Ambassadors._—_Herbert._—_Atl. Asia._

L. _BOYTIAPUA_, is a Serpent so called by the _Brazilians_ for its long Snout, though I don’t find it exceeds others in smelling, by the extension of its Nose; it is of a long slender Body, and feeds upon Frogs, amphibious Animals and Insects.

This Serpent is in high Esteem among the Natives of _Brazil_, who practise the Art of Conjuration by it; and if any of them have a barren Wife, and are desirous of Children, they lash this Serpent over her Hips, pretending that such Exercise will make her fruitful: And if this Device should take effect, must not we conclude the Offspring to be a _Generation of Vipers_?

LI. The _Gaytiepua_ is a large Snake, smells rank like a Fox, and, according to a learned Author, the Smell is intolerable[233], as is that of the Serpent _Boyana_, which is very long and slender, and of black Colour; of which one of the _Latin_ Poets takes notice[234].

Footnote 233:

_Fætor illius nullatenus—possit tolerari._ Raii Synopsis.

Footnote 234:

Quod vulpis fuga, vipere cabile
Mallem quam quod oles, olere, Bassa.
_Martial._

If the loathsome Smell of these Creatures offend the Nose, it serves as a friendly Alarm of Danger, to those who have the use of a Nose, that they may avoid a more terrible Stroke.

Nothing so constituted in Nature, but a superficial Observer may construe as a Blemish to the Creation; but to a more penetrating Eye, those imaginary Blemishes have their Convenience and Use, and appear to be the Product of perfect Intelligence and Wisdom.

LII. The _Bom-Snake_, is another _Brazilian_ Reptile, call’d _Bom_ from the Noise it makes in its Motion. It is of a prodigious large Size, but is class’d among the Innocent, that do no manner of hurt to Persons, _viz._ that can endure a little Sound, arising from a Propagation of the Pulse of the Air.

An innocent Serpent, no Contradiction. There is good among the bad in the moral World.

_Virtue——needs no Defence;
The surest Guard is Innocence:
None knew, till Guilt created Fear,
What Darts and poison’d Arrows were.
Integrity undaunted goes
Thro’_ Lybian _Sands, and_ Scythian _Snows_.

In _Paraguay_, or _La Plata_ in _America_, is a famous _white Bird_, which, though it has a very small Body, has a Voice like a _Bell_, and therefore the Natives call it _Guirapo_, that is, the _Sounding-Bird_.

How many Animals of the same kind in the moral Creation, that wear gaudy Feathers and Plumes, whose Sound, in the Assemblies of Saints and Sinners, proves to be _vox & præterea nihil_.

LIII. The _Boicupecanga_ is a Serpent, so called because its Back looks as if it were overgrown with Briers and Thorns, the Ridge being sharp pointed, which makes the Beast look as if he were guarded by little Spears: This prickle-back’d Serpent is of a monstrous Extension, very frightful, and venemous, the very sight of which strikes Terror into Man and Beast.

LIV. The _Cucurijuba_ is a Water-Snake of twenty-five or thirty Foot long, and three Foot in Compass, will swallow a Hog or a Stag at once; has Teeth like those of Dogs, but makes no use of them as Instruments of Mastication. _HARRIS_ in the _Atlas America_, mentions one kill’d when asleep, that was twelve Yards and a half long, and proportionably big, in whose Belly they found two wild Boars. This Creature I take to be the _Lyboya_, (or a near Relative) a gigantick Serpent, already described, therefore I dismiss the Monster, and proceed to the

LV. _MANIMA_, another Water-Snake, of the same Proportion with the former, if not more bulky: The sight is terrible; the Monstrosity of Dimensions is sufficient to render it so; but we are told, the Terror vanishes in some Degree upon a view of the Skin, which is exquisitely painted, and the _Brazilians_ not only love to see so spruce an Animal, but reckon it an Omen of a long Life.

If you ask, What a long Life is? I answer, ’Tis nothing but a lingering, slow Consumption: Life itself, what is it, but a meer practical Tautology, a Repetition of the same things over and over, and looks more like a Penance imposed upon Mankind than Pleasure.

LVI. The _Terpomongo_ is another Serpent, which in the _Brazilian_ Dialect, signifies to _stick close_, so close to whatever it touches, that it is not to be parted. It is about the bigness of a Cable-Rope, which being fasten’d to the Anchor, holds the Ship fast when it rides.

This Property in the Serpent, may be an Hieroglyphick; or Symbol of true Friendship, which is a sacred Mixture: My Friend and I are as two Rivers joined in one, not to be separated; we stick close and fast, traversing the Wilderness hand-in-hand: He who strikes one, wounds the other—No Schism in true Friendship.

LVII. _JACORE Lizard_; some of these Serpents are as big as Dogs, and resemble them in the Nose; their Teeth large and long, and their Skin impenetrable. They do no harm to their Neighbours, and therefore are generally allow’d to live. They make a loud Noise, by which their Haunts are discovered, and their Liberty hazarded.

They lay Eggs as large as those of a Goose, of an elastick Nature, so hard, that when one is struck against another, they ring like Iron: they frequent both Land and Water.

It’s observable here, that this Animal is obstreporous, and by its Noise invites Danger; whereas Silence would be his Security: yea, its Eggs are as so many roaring Bells. This may serve for a Document to the unruly Member: _Thersites_, in _Homer_, was counted a Fool for babbling. A talkative Tongue is the Spring, Ringleader, and Head of Faction in all places.

The first Rudiments in _Pythagoras_’s School, was _Quinquennian_, _Silence_. The Scholars were not allow’d to talk for five Years, that is, till they had learned the _Art of Silence_. _Harpocrates_ was the _God of Silence_, therefore painted with his Finger on his Lip, and was worshipped in _Egypt_ with _Isis_ and _Serapis_.

_ANGERONA_ was the Goddess of Silence at _Rome_, and painted with a Cloth about her Mouth. Nor is it less venerable at _Venice_, where after they come out of the Senate-house, they are as silent about what was said and done, as if they had power to forget all that was said and done.

To the above-mention’d Serpents, the learned Mr. _Ray_ adds, by way of Supplement, a Catalogue of fifteen _East-Indian Serpents_, which he had from the Learned Dr. _Tancred Robinson_, whose Descriptions he had from the College at _Leyden_, which I shall annex to the foregoing[235].

Footnote 235:

_Ray_’s _Synopsis Animalium_, p. 330.

LVIII. _SERPENS Indicus Coronatus_, an _Indian_ Serpent, that makes its Appearance with a crowned Head, which it holds up on high, as if proud of the Honour. This is an Emblem of Pride, that Dropsy of the Mind; to yield to its Thirst, is to swallow the Bait, that turned the _Seraph_ into a _Devil_.

The Remedy used by the _Indians_ for its Wounds, is what they call the _Serpent-Stone_, which, according to _Thevenot_ and others, is an artificial Composition, and not taken out of this Serpent’s Head.

LIX. _VIPERA Indica tricolor major_, a Serpent remarkable for a Body decorated with three fine Colours, the Liveries of Summer’s Pride, but living much under ground, the Glories of its Attire are buried in the Earth, _the World’s material Mould_.

LX. _VIPERA Zelanica minor maculis eleganter variegata_, a Serpent elegantly garnished with a Variety of charming Colours: It is an Inhabitant of _Ceylon_, an Island in the _East-Indies_, called by the Inhabitants _Tenarisain_, that is the _Land of Delights_, and not without reason is this Island so called, since it is the most fruitful place in _India_, producing Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, plenty of Rice, Ananas, Cocoas, best Oranges, Lemons, Figs, Pomegranates, Ginger, Grapes, Pepper, Cardamum, Tobacco, Nutmegs, Sugar; Mulberry, which yield much Silk; Palm-trees, which afford a Liquor for their constant Drink, _&c._ But in midst of these pleasing Varieties, they are haunted with various sorts of venemous Serpents; an Emblem of our present State, which is a Compound of Pleasure and Pain.

_The Gods will frown, wherever they do smile;
The Crocodile infests the fertile_ Nile.

_CEYLON_ is an Emblem of Man, to whom _Pleasure_ is as a delightful Situation; but in it dwells a Serpent, called _Pain_. Pleasure is the principal Intendment of Nature, and the great Object of our Inclination, without which Life would be no Blessing, but a Mortification: Yea, ’tis Pleasure reconciles us to Pain; for who would submit to nauseous Medicines, and Tortures of the Surgeon’s Knife, but for hope of the Pleasure of Ease that succeeds it.

No Serpent so terrible as Pain, which is a strange domineering Perception, that keeps off Ease when wanted, and destroys Ease when we are in possession of it.

LXI. The _Malcarabeta_ of _Ceylon_ is a Serpent painted by Nature in a Garb blue and white; the last of these two Colours shew best by Candle-light. This leads us to the Excommunication by Inch of Candle; that is, while a little Candle continues burning, the Sinner is allow’d to come to Repentance; but after it burns out, he remains excommunicated to all Intents and Purposes.

LXII. The _Ethetulla_ is a _Ceylonick_ Serpent; of a little slender Body, and sharp-pointed Head. This is a kind of Ranger, delights in Groves and Forests, and may be known by a white and green Vesture, in which it rambles among the Trees.

LXIII. _MALPOLON_ is another Serpent of that celebrated Island, and of a vermilion Hue, imbroider’d with curious fine red Spots, which shine like so many Stars.

LXIV. _SERPENS Putorius_, so denominated, probably because of its filthy Smell; by which it resembles the _Putorius_, a little Animal call’d _Fitchet_, that smells ill, especially when enraged[236]. _Jonstonus_ and _Gesner_ make it to be the _Druinus_, which has been already describ’d.

Footnote 236:

_A putorio, quia valdè fœtet._

LXV. The _Anacandia_, a _Ceylonick_ Serpent, of monstrous Corpulence, being in longitude about 25 Foot. _D. Cleyerus_, who accounts for this gigantick Serpent, says, he saw one of them open’d, in whose Belly was found a whole Stag, with all his integral Parts: In another they found a wild Goat; and in a third, a Porcupine arm’d with all its Darts and Prickles[237]. Serpents of this nature have often fallen in our way, by which we may imagine, that there is a vast spread of them over the Earth. Mr. _Ray_ from _Cleyerus_ gives this account of the Monster——Tho’ the Throat seems narrow, yet ’tis very extensible, and the Facts have been confirm’d by Experience. When the Prey is catch’d, he wraps himself about it, takes it by the Nose, sucks the Blood, and soon reduces it to a Hodge-podge; after he has broken the Bones in pieces, that emit a Sound like a Gun, _ibid._ And in doing all this he spends two days.

Footnote 237:

_De octavo genere merentur legi, quæ D. Cleyerus in Ephemer. German._
Anno 12. Observ. 7. cui titulas, _De Serpente magno Indiæ Orientalis.
Urobubalum deglutiente Narrat. Raii Synopsis Animalium_,—p. 333, 334.

LXVI. The _Ghalghulawa_ is another _Ceylonite_, that goes by the Name of _Serpens Indicus Saxatilis_, describ’d by whitish Lines, that run across one another: Whether the Poet refers to this, as a Serpent affecting stony and gravelly Situations, or to a certain Fish, I determine not[238].

Footnote 238:

Tum viridis squamis, parvo saxatilis ore. _Ovid._

LXVII. The _Manballa_ is another _Indian_, and from its Name we may conclude it has something of the canine Nature, for it flies with great Fury at Passengers, as some Dogs usually do. ’Tis of a light red (or bright bay, as we call it in Horses) spotted with white.

LXVIII. The _Nintipolonga_, an _Indian_ Serpent, whose Skin is checker’d with white and black Spots. Its Bite is accompanied with mortiferous Sleep, therefore call’d _Serpens hypnoticus_, _soporiferous Serpent_, whose Wounds are as an _Opiate_, or _Medicines_ that induce sleep, in which they die. _Q._ Why may not we suppose this narcotic Poison to be the same with that, which _Cleopatra_ used in executing the Sentence that _Heroine_ past upon herself?

LXIX. The _Wepelon_ Serpent: Nothing is said of it, but that it resembles an _Indian_ Reed or Cane in form.

LXX. _SERPENS Fluviatilis_, seems to be the _Water-Snake_.

LXXI. _SERPENS Spadiceus_, a Serpent of light red Colour.

LXXII. Then follows the _Ceylonic Hotambœia_. Dr. _Robinson_’s Account of this Serpent, he had from the learned _Hermannus_’s Library.

_N. B._ Some of these Eastern Serpents may coincide and agree in Character with those in _America_, and other Regions. Where there is such an infinite Variety of them, and delineated by so many different hands, ’tis difficult to give an exact Description of every individual Serpent.

Other parts of the _East-Indies_ (Continent and Islands) are infested with Serpents of various kinds and sizes, and he must be more than a Conjurer in History, that can charm them to make their Appearance in one Place, and all in their proper Habiliments.

LXXIII. The _hooded_ or _Monk Serpent_, found in an Island near _Batavia_ (a _Dutch_ Settlement in the _East-Indies_) which differs from other Serpents in the _uncouth Shape of its Head_, that looks as if it were cover’d with a large long _Hood_, like a _Monk’s Cowl_, or the Widow’s Veil, therefore called the _hooded Serpent_, which is a very dangerous Animal. Upon a view of its Prey, it immediately advances towards it, with terrible Rage and Hissing.

When the _Sieur de la Case_ was hunting one day in the Woods adjacent to _Batavia_, he saw one of these Serpents descending from a Tree, making a fearful Noise: It was about the thickness of a Man’s Arm, and in length about eight Foot.

This venemous Creature was no sooner on the Ground, but it made towards him with the greatest Fury; but having a Gun ready charg’d, he very happily shot it dead, and made off hastily for fear of a second Attack[239].

Footnote 239:

_Fr. Leguat_’s _Voyages_, in _Atl._ for _Asia_.

_LEGUAT_, who gives this Account, and was in _Batavia_, _A.D._ 1697, says, he saw a Serpent in that Country about fifty Foot long. _N. B._ The Skin of one that was 20 Foot long, is shewn in _Batavia_, that swallow’d an Infant, _ibid._

LXXIV. The _Musk Serpent_, so term’d from its musky or sweet Scent. These sweet-scented Animals are Inhabitants of the _East_, between _Calicut_, the second Kingdom of _Malabar_, and _Candahor_. In _Ceylon_ are Musk-Rats, where the Inhabitants eat all Rats, but this kind.

These Musk-Rats are in all things shaped like our Water-Rats, only something larger; and in other respects differ only in that musky Scent. A Gentleman, who kept one of them in a wooden Chest, observed that two days before it died, ’twas most odoriferous, and scented the Room above what was common[240]. In _Muscovy_ is a Water-Rat, which smells like Musk; and also a great number of _Musk-Cats_, which look like young _Bucks_ without Horns, and therefore call’d _Musk-Harts_ by the _Chinese_, because they resemble those Creatures. The Musk is contain’d in a little Excrescence near the Navel[241].

Footnote 240:

_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. iii. p. 594.

Footnote 241:

This Animal is described by _Philip Martinus_ in his _Chinese Atlas_.

In _America_ also, are found Woods abounding with Musk-Rats, that are as big as Rabbits, and have Burrows in the Ground. Their Skins are black, Bellies white, and smell exceeding strong of Musk[242]. The vegetable World also, entertains us with Musk-Pears, Musk-Roses, single and double, and the Ever-green, _&c._ _N. B._ Musk-Rats frequent fresh Streams, and no other.

Footnote 242:

_History of the Antilles._

The word _Musk_ comes from the _Arabic_, _Moscha_, a Perfume of strong Scent, only agreeable when moderated by the Mixture of some other Perfume, by which it becomes an agreeable artificial Odour.... Musk is found in a little Swelling, like a præternatural Tumor, or Bag growing (about the Bigness of a Hen’s Egg) under the Belly of a wild Beast, of the same Name; and appears to be nothing else, but a kind of bilious Blood there congeal’d.

This _Musk-Animal_ is common in the _East-Indies_, as in the Kingdoms of _Boutan_, _Cochin China_, but the most esteem’d are those of _Tibet_. When the Bladder under the Belly is taken out, they separate the congeal’d Blood, and dry it in the Sun.

Sir _John Chardin_[243] says, _Musk_ is also produced in _Persia_ from an Impostume in the Body of a Beast, that resembles a _Goat_, and grows near the Navel, and is better than that of _China_. The Scent of it, adds he, is so strong, that it many times kills those who hunt the Beast, when they first open the Bag, except they stop their Mouths and Noses with Linnen: ’Tis easily counterfeited, and the best way to try it, is by drawing a _Thread_, dipt in the Juice of Garlick, thro’ the _Bag_ with a Needle; and if the Garlick loses its Scent, the Musk is good. _Atl._ 397.

Footnote 243:

_His Travels._

LXXV. The _Boitiapo_ (that should have been mention’d before with its _Brazilian_ Relatives) is a large Serpent, about seven Foot long, not quite so thick as a Man’s Arm, of an olive Colour, yellow Belly, in Body round, cloath’d with Scales that make an elegant Appearance in a sort of triangular form. ’Tis very venemous, and its Wounds not curable without timely and proper Applications.

The _Lacertan Snakes_ or Lizards come next under Consideration, and in the same order as laid down by the learned Mr. _Ray_[244]. Previous to that, I beg leave to observe, that _Moses_ places two sorts of _Lizards_ among unclean Creatures, the _Stellio_ and _Lacerta_. These Lizards differ vastly in Bulk; some a Finger’s length; in _Arabia_, some of a Cubit long; in the _Indies_, twenty-four Feet in length. Several sorts of _Lizards_ are mention’d in Scripture, _Lev._ xi. 30. the two former are translated _Stellio_ and _Lacerta_; the third is translated a _Mole_, but _Bochart_ maintains, it is a _Cameleon_; the fourth is describ’d _Prov._ xxx. 28. and there, _Spider_ is render’d _Stellio_, a Lizard. Mr. _Ray_ begins with

Footnote 244:

_Synopsis Animal. de Lacertis._

LXXVI. The _Crocodile_, the largest of the _Lacertan_ Race, a Name which is supposed to come from a word[245] that signifies _afraid of Saffron_, because this Creature abhors the Smell of _Saffron_, as a learned Author observes[246]. It is an amphibious Beast, noisome and voracious, and one of the Wonders of Nature; for, from an Egg no bigger than that of a Goose, proceeds an Animal which increases to eight or ten Yards in length.

Footnote 245:

Κροκοδειλος δειλος. _Græcis timidus._

Footnote 246:

_Calmet._

His Mouth is very wide, and is extended to the Ears; his Snout and Eyes like those of Swine; the Teeth, which are ingrail’d, are white, acute, strong and numerous; the Feet arm’d with sharp Claws; the Skin of the Belly is tender and may be easily penetrated, but the other parts of the Body are not penetrable by Swords and Arrows: It defies even the Wheels of a loaded Cart, as well as Darts and Spears: It is of a yellow Colour, say some; but _Wormius_ in Mr. _Ray_’s _Synopsis_ says, that those he had seen, were inclin’d to the grey or ash Colour.

The Tail is near as long as the Body, upon which are Fins of a Fish, whereby he is capacitated to swim. When he strikes with his Claws, he tears with his Teeth, and grinds the very Bones of what he kills into Powder. In Winter he lives much without Food, but in Summer, his Sustenance is of the animal kind, but is most fond of human Flesh; and as he is an amphibious Creature, plunders both Elements[247].

Footnote 247:

_Jonstonus_, 141.

The Crocodile, when prest with Hunger, swallows Stones, which have been found worn round about, and the wasted parts reduced to such minute Particles, as were fit to circulate with the Mass of Blood[248].

Footnote 248:

_Nierembergius._

In _Egypt_ the _Crocodile_ is made the Object of religious Adoration, but not by all the Nation; for the Inhabitants of _Tentyra_ (an Island form’d by the River _Nilus_) were so far from worshipping that hateful Monster, that they despised it, and often brought them to the _Roman_ Shews for Diversion.——This Aversion to _Crocodiles_ caused a War between the _Tentyrians_ and the other _Egyptians_, who worship’d those Creatures; of which People _Job_ seems to speak in the following Words: _Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their Mourning_, Job iii. 8. Some read it, to raise up the _Leviathan_, or to awake the _Crocodile_; of which _Job_ gives an admirable Description, under the Name of _Leviathan_, _Job_ xli. 1, 2, 3, 4.... So the Psalmist, _Thou breakest the Heads of Leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be Meat to the People inhabiting the Wilderness_.

When I think of the superstitious _Egyptians_ warring against the People of _Tentyra_, I can’t but observe how the same kind of Spirit (the more the pity) too often reigns among Christians: Those who have ridicul’d Superstition, and endeavour’d to propagate Truth, have always had Vengeance and Wrath breath’d out against them, and have been exposed to the same Fate as the _Tentyrians_.

The Habitations of Crocodiles are generally in great Rivers, as the _Ganges_ in _Asia_, one of the greatest Rivers in the World, and which is accounted sacred: Its Water is clear and sweet, weighs an Ounce in a Pint lighter than any other Water in the Country: The _Great Mogul_’s Court drink none else with their Wine. These monstrous Animals are also found in the _Nile_ and _Niger_, two of the greatest Rivers in _Africa_; and also in the great Rivers of _America_, especially those of the _Amazons_, which abound with Crocodiles of vast Bigness, that very much annoy the Inhabitants.

_GEMELLI_ in the _Atlas_, says the _Crocodile_ is hatch’d of an Egg no bigger than that of a Turkey, but grows to thirty Foot long, the Back arm’d with impenetrable Scales, the Mouth wide enough to swallow an Heifer, and only moves the upper Jaw; it sees better by Water than Land, is cowardly, and generally flies from those that attack it, but daring enough otherwise; for which reason the _Egyptians_ made it the Hieroglyphick of Impudence.—They have no Tongue, and eat nothing in all the autumnal Quarter[249].

Footnote 249:

For _Africa_, p. 47.

This Animal has a great Dexterity in catching Wild-fowl, which always abound in those great Rivers, and along Sea-shores, as Ducks, Teals, and other Water-fowls: When in want of Food, he goes into the Sea, where he lies in such a manner, that the upper Part of his Back appears above the Water, and looks like a piece of Timber floating; the wild Fowls mistrusting nothing, come so near it, that he immediately devours them: They lurk among Reeds and Bushes, on the Banks of Rivers and great Pools, from whence they suddenly leap out, and eat up their Prey, which sometimes happens to be People that come to drink or fetch Water.

The Inhabitants of _Madagascar_, an _African_ Island, look upon Crocodiles as Devils, and swear by them: When Differences happen among them, they go to a River, where he that is to swear throws himself into the Water, and conjures the Crocodiles to be Arbitrators betwixt him and his Adversary, and to let him live if he speaks Truth, but if otherwise, to destroy him[250]. Among the Rarities in _Gresham-College, London_, is a Crocodile about two Yards and a half long. Crocodiles are little known in _Europe_, but common in the _Indies_.

Footnote 250:

_Dellon on Madagascar, in Atl. Afr._

The _Land Crocodile_, call’d _Seincus_, is variously described. In the _Molucca_ Islands they are accounted the fiercest of Monsters, contrary to those of the _Nile_, according to some Writers[251]. _Harris_[252] says, that they are very harmless, and in some places so tame, that Children play with them. _Le Comte_ says, what are called _small Crocodiles_, are _huge Lizards_, found all over the Woods in _Siam_, as also in Houses and Fields[253].

Footnote 251:

_Barth. Leonardo de Argensola_’s Discovery of the _Molucca_ and
_Philippine_ Islands.

Footnote 252:

_Atlas Amer._ 263.

Footnote 253:

_Memoirs_, 2d Edit. p. 502.

This Land Crocodile is indeed an amphibious Animal, lives partly in the Water and partly upon dry Ground: It has four slender Legs like a Lizard; its Snout is sharp, and its Tail short, cover’d with small Scales of a silver Colour. ’Tis hatch’d in _Egypt_, near the Red-Sea, in _Libya_, and the _Indies_.

In _Leviticus_ there’s mention made of a kind of _Crocodile_, in the _Hebrew_ called _Choled_, which the Septuagint translates κροκοδειλος χερσαιος, a land Crocodile, which is a kind of Lizard, that feeds upon the sweetest Flowers it can find; this makes its Intrails to be very much valued for their agreeable Smell. _Bellonius_ says, it has four Feet, and a round knotty Tail, and is as big as the _Salamander_.

There’s scarce any way to manage him by Land, unless it be by a Wile, as they do on the Bank of _Nilus_, where little Huts are erected, from whence the Watchmen, upon the Approach of a Crocodile, spring out with long Branches in their Hands, which they, with great Dexterity, thrust into its Throat; and not being able to extricate itself, it falls down, upon which others of them discharge their Arrows at his Belly, which being a tender part, he is soon killed; but in Water he is quickly noosed, because for want of a Tongue, he can’t safely open his wide Mouth, without being suffocated.

This terrestrial Crocodile comes to us by way of _Alexandria_ and _Venice_, and is very useful in physical Prescriptions.

LXXVII. The _Cordylus_ is a little noxious Reptile, supposed by some to be the _Land Crocodile_, because upon first sight it looks like the _Nilotic_; but upon a stricter view, the Fallacy appears. The Back is cover’d with close compacted Scales, as a House with Tiles, by which ’tis distinguish’d.

Its Tail is rough, and like a Club, wherewith it strikes whatever it meets, therefore is called _Caudiverbera_, that is, one that strikes with the Tail; a Tail prominent with War[254].

Footnote 254:

_Raii Synopsis Animalium Quadrupedum_, p. 263.

LXXVIII. The _Tapayaxin_ is a Lizard of _New Spain_, and of a round form; and, _Spaniard_-like, is slow in Motion, and as loth to change its Seat, as the _Spaniards_ their old Fashions and Customs. This little Creeper is of the northern Tribe, being generally found in the Mountains of cold Regions. It is observable, that if its Head be comprest or squeezed, it will throw out drops of Blood with a Force that will carry them several Yards off[255].

Footnote 255:

See _Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordsh._ p. 252.

LXXIX. The _Lacertus Viridis_, or green Lizard, is found in _Italy, &c._ lives in Meadows, and being of the harmless kind, little is said of it. There are many Lizards of other Colours, but none so beautiful as the green ones; tho’ very small, they are pretty: Many make themselves very familiar with them, and put them in their Bosom[256].

Footnote 256:

_Nat. History of Carolina_, 131, 2. _N. B._ These are found in
_Ireland_.

LXXX. The _Tejuguacu_ is a _Brazilian Lizard_, of black Colour, beautified with elegant white Spots, which renders it pleasing to the Eye: Its Tongue is long and cloven, smooth and red. ’Tis a little Creature, and moves its little Body with great Celerity; is patient in Want, and will for six or seven Moons, live without any kind of Sustenance, but Air, the Fluid in which we all breathe.

LXXXI. The _Taraguira_ is another _Brazilian_, of about a Foot long, whose Body is smooth, and naturally guarded by an Armour of a strong squamatick Skin, and the Scales situated in a kind of triangular form: It affects to reside in Underwoods, and Places inclosed, and near to Houses.

LXXXII. The _Americina_ Serpent, which is not much different from the former, except it be in its forked Tail, which terminates in two different Points; and in this Article seems to differ from all other sanguineous Animals, among whom, says the learned _Ray_, I have never heard of any else furnish’d with two Tails: This looks like something anomalous in Nature, and contrary to its common Rules, if the Description be true.

LXXXIII. The _Taraquico Aycuraba_ is another venemous Offspring of _Brazil_, a Species of the former, but differs from it in the Tail, which is single. This Animal is covered with little rough triangulated Scales, the Extremity of which is decked with brown Spots, and the Back with various dusky Specks, ranged in the form of Waves.