Chapter XIII: Part II (4)

LXXXIV. The _Americina_ is a little venemous Creeper, whose Body inclines to the square, about three Fingers long, in Crassitude as the Quill of a Swan; bright to the Eye, and smooth to the Hand: The Back is made strong by whitish Scales; the Head, Shanks, and Sides with brown ones: The Tail is of a fine azure Colour; its Claws are setigerous, resembling the Bristles of a Hog.

LXXXV. _CARAPOBEBA_ is another minim Serpent of _America_, and veneniferous, four or five Fingers long: The Body, that in Colour resembles a Liver, is adorn’d with white Marks, (and the Tail with white Lines) and is illuminated with glaring Eyes, like Globes of Glass.

LXXXVI. _TEJUNHANA_ is a little Serpent, whose Head is sharp-pointed: The Tail is about six Fingers long, smooth and round, and ends like a Needle; the Head is cover’d with rough Scales, like _Milford_ Oysters; the Back and Sides are cloath’d with a Skin, that is finely painted with green and brown Colours, and when touched, feels soft like Velvet.

LXXXVII. To these _Americans_ I add the _Stellio_, which Mr. _Ray_ calls the _swift_, or _spotted Lizard_, whose Body makes a glorious Appearance, by glittering Spots, that when it makes its Parade, looks like a little moveable Firmament of Stars: This Serpent is pretty common in _Thrace_, _Sicily_, and _Syria_[257].

Footnote 257:

_Ray_, p. 265.

’Tis said of this Animal, that it casts its Skin and eats it again; and if so, ’tis a proper Emblem of desultory Creatures, who leave their Vices for a time, and return to them afterwards[258].

Footnote 258:

_Grew’s Cosmologia Sacra._

Among Serpents is such Variety of charming Colours, and Figures, that if it were not for the natural Antipathy that we have for them, perhaps there is not one thing that the Eye could take greater Delight in.

Besides the above Lacertick Serpents of _Brazil_, _Rochefort_[259], a _French_ Author, mentions other Serpents different from these, which come next under Consideration.

Footnote 259:

_History of the Antilles-Islands._

LXXXVIII. The _Les Anoles_, a Serpent in bigness like the _Gallick_ Lizards, but of a longer Head; of a yellow Skin, like a Sun-burnt _Roussilonite_, or the _Savage Man_ in the Isle of _Borneo_; Russet Back, channel’d with green; of an ashy or cineraceous Colour; a boisterous noisy Animal. It’s generally in motion by Day, and by Night, lodges in hollow places, where it joins with the Brotherhood, in disturbing the Neighbours with hideous Croakings: by the loudness of its Noise, it should seem that it had but an empty Noddle.

LXXXIX. _LES ROQUET_, a Serpent of a ruddy Colour, intermix’d with black and yellow Points: of sparkling Eyes, and majestick Mien, walking in a stately manner with Head erect; and skipping about like a Bird, or a _French Beau_, who was said to make a _Solecism_ with his Hand, when he made a false Gesture on the Stage.

XC. The _Maboujas_, a word that signifies a Devil in the _Indian_ Language, and given to this Serpent, because in its Nature it is most malignant and mischievous: It lives in fenny Ground, and shaded Valleys, dreadful in Appearance, and more so in its Executions.

This cruel Serpent is an Emblem of the old Serpent, that great fiery Dragon, that in a few Hours reduced _Job_, a wealthy Prince, into the lowest Ebb of Poverty, converted his Palace into a Dunghill, and his Body into an Hospital of Diseases; and if permitted, he would immediately turn the Earth into a Scene of Blood and Destruction; therefore he is called απολλυωνορ, the _Destroyer_, _Rev._ ix. 11. the Murderer, and Shedder of Blood. _N. B._ The tutelar Deity of the _Cæsars_ was _Apollo_, that is, the—_Destroyer_. The like kind of bloody Deity has presided in the Temples of Tyranny ever since.

XCI. The _Gobe Moujes_, so denominated by the _French_, from its _gobbling_ all kinds of Flies, which it constantly hunts, and swallows in a voracious manner. It commonly frequents Houses where it suffers no little Insects to live, no not upon Garments: It is of the stellionick form, and the least of all the Quadrupeds in those _Antilles_, which our _English_ call, the _Leeward-Islands_.

May not this Animal serve to represent those gobbling Sots, who brush off the Flies of Melancholy, and drown them in the inchanted Cup? Thus likewise the Sons of _Mammon_ hunt for _golden Flies_, as Entertainments most delicious.

XCII. _BROCHET DE TORRE_, or the _Land-Pike_, is a Serpent of about fifteen Inches long, so termed from its Likeness in Figure and Skin to that Fish. Instead of Fins, it has four Feet, too weak to support the Body, therefore crawls on its Belly, after an odd unusual manner, winding its Body about like a Pike newly taken out of the Water; which kind of Motion being strange, strikes Terror into Spectators. _Tetre_ denies it to have the perfect Shape, Head and Skin of the common Pike, and treats _Sieur Rochefort_ with some Roughness, according to Mr. _Ray_.

In the Night, these Serpents are found under the Rocks, where they make a frightful Noise, more hideous than the croaking of Frogs and Toads. In _Antigua_ is a Fish called _Cane_, like our _Pike_ in figure, seven or eight Foot long, and big in proportion: It preys like the _Shark_, and especially on human Flesh; and the least Bite of its Teeth proves mortal Poison, without immediate Application of some sovereign Antidote[260].

Footnote 260:

_History of the Antilles._

XCIII. The last he mentions, is a _little Serpent_, about seven Fingers in length, and terrible to the Eye. The Skin is embroider’d with black Scales, that look smooth and sleek as if it were a Surface of Oil: It is furnish’d with very sharp Teeth, small Eyes, but so weak that they can’t long face the Light, no more than a _Frenchman_ can look Truth in the face, or a _Spaniard_ the Field of Battle.

When this little venemous Animal apprehends any Danger, it immediately digs into the Earth, with its five crooked and strong Claws, that soon penetrate the Ground: ’tis guilty not only of Evils among Beasts, but of great Devastations in Orchards and Gardens[261].

Footnote 261:

_Ray._

I have wondered, says a learned Author, to see with what great Quickness, Art, and Strength, many _Vespæ, Ichneumons, wild Bees and Beetles_,—perforate the Earth, yea, even Wood itself; but the most remarkable in this way, is the _Mole-Cricket_[262]. Swine, who dig in the Earth for their Food, have all parts of their Head adapted for that Service, but rather more remarkable in the _Mole_, whose Neck, Eyes, Nose and Ears are all fitted in the nicest manner, to its subterraneous way of Life.

Footnote 262:

_Derham_ _Phys. Theol._

XCIV. The _Ground Rattle-Snake_, so called, only because it resembles the real Rattle-Snake in Colour, but is somewhat darker: It never grows above twelve or sixteen Inches long; ’tis reckon’d among the worst of Snakes, and of a hardy Nature, because it keeps out of its Winter-Quarters the longest of any. N. B. _This Serpent and some of the following are taken out of the natural History of_ Carolina[263], a part of _America_ belonging to _England_. The Natives of that Country were of a larger Size than _Europeans_, and accounted so faithful in their Promises, and so just in their Dealings, that they had no Words to express _Dishonesty_, _Fraud_, or _Cheating_,—What contributed chiefly to their honest Simplicity, and plain Method of living, was their Contempt of Riches; were content with plain Food and Raiment, without being anxiously sollicitous for to-morrow.

Footnote 263:

In the new _Collection of Voyages_, 4to, printed 1713.

XCV. The _Horn-Snake_, very venemous, hisses exactly like a Goose, upon any body’s Approach. Serpents of this Class strike at the Enemy with their Tail, which is arm’d at the end with a horny Substance, like a Cock-Spur, that kills whatever is wounded with it. ’Tis said, that in _Virginia_, they only shoot their Tongues, and shake them at the Enemy[264].

Footnote 264:

_Lowthorp._ vol. iii, p. 599.

XCVI. The _Hydrus_, _Natrix_, or _Water-Snake_, of these are various sorts, and all in some degree amphibious. When the _Coluber Aquaticus_ wounds any, ’tis attended with a most disagreeable Odour, and so strong, that it forbids a near Approach to the unhappy Sufferer, who immediately falls into a Tremor and Distraction, and soon expires (the third day, says _Ælian_) without timely Relief[265].

Footnote 265:

_Ælian._ lib. iv. cap. 57. _Accessio Gyllii._—

Its common Residence is in shallow Waters, and when they are dried up, it goes upon dry Ground, where its Wound is more dangerous than in Water: But more of this elsewhere.

XCVII. In that Country they have what they call _Swamp-Snakes_; three sorts of which are near a-kin to the Water-Snakes, and may be rank’d among them. The Belly of the first is of the carnation Colour, the Back is dark: the next, which is of a brown Colour, always abides in the Marshes: the third is of a motley Colour, and very poisonous.

They dwell on the sides of Swamps, _i. e._ Bogs, Marshes, and Ponds, have a prodigious large Mouth, and they arrive to the thickness of the Calf of a Man’s Leg. Among these I place the black _Truncheon-Snakes_, that live on the Banks of Rivers, which, when disturbed, shoot into the Water, like an Arrow out of a Bow. I fancy the Name is borrow’d from a certain Weapon call’d Truncheon, which we call _Battoon_, or Tipstaff, of a cylindrical form, used by principal Officers of State, Generals, and sometimes by Constables, when they go upon secret Expeditions.

XCVIII. The _Red-belly-Snake_, this is so called from its ruddy Colour, which inclines to an Orange-red. Of these are two sorts; one, like _Abel_ the Innocent; the other, like _Cain_ the Cruel: An Emblem of the World, humane, angelic Animal, and Vegetable, in which is a Mixture of Good and Evil.

XCIX. The _Red-back-Snake_, so named from that Colour; a long, slender Snake, but not very common. A certain Surveyor of Lands in _Carolina_ happen’d to step over one of these, which he did not see till his Servant spy’d it: The Surveyor inquired of the _Indian_ that was along with him, _Whether it was a very venemous Serpent?_ Who answer’d, _That if he had been wounded by it, even the_ Indians _themselves, tho’ expert in the Art of curing serpentine Wounds, could not have saved his Life_[266].

Footnote 266:

_Natural History of Carolina._

Red, which is one of the primary Colours, proceeding from the least refrangible Rays of Light, is a lively Emblem of Fire, or the fiery Venom in this Serpent, whose principal Quality is to draw Blood.

C. The _Scorpion-Lizard_; ’tis commonly called so, but is no more like it than a Hedge-Hog: It is indeed of the Lizard Colour, but much larger: Its Back of a dark copper Colour; the Belly, in Orange; quick in its Motion on the Ground, and very nimble in running up Trees; has several Rows of Teeth, and is reckoned to be of a very poisonous Nature.

CI. The _Long Black-Snake_, is a land Animal, and very common. _I have_, says my Author, _kill’d several of them, full six Foot in length_. Its Bite, tho’ painful in its Consequences, is not deem’d commonly mortal: the wounded Part swells, and turns to a running Ulcer. No living Creature more nimble in Motion, or a greater Enemy to Mice, for it leaves not one of that Vermin alive, wherever it comes. This Serpent kills the Rattle-Snake, by twisting its Head about the Neck of that Snake, and whipping her to death with its Tail.

This Serpent very much haunts Dairy-houses in those Countries, and makes very free with unguarded Milk-Pans, and Cream-Pots: It delights to be among Hens, whose Eggs it does not suck, but swallows them whole, as all Snakes do their Sustenance. It will often swallow the Egg under a sitting Hen, and then lie in the Nest in the form of a Ring.

Allow here a few Remarks upon the Nature of Milk and Eggs.

In all kinds of Vegetables is an oily Substance, which is a Fluid that Animals take in with their Food, and no vegetable Food is nutrimental, without some Proportion of this Oil; even Grass, especially in its Seed, abounds therewith, which being thoroughly mixt with the _Saliva_, it turns _milky_ in the Stomach: Which differs from the _Chyle_, only as having been more concocted, and containing a large degree of Salt, which renders it convertible into Curd.

_MILK_ therefore is an _oily vegetable Matter_, circulated first in Plants, then in Animals, and capable of being reduced into a caseous and watry Substance, (or Cheese and Whey, if you please.) If _Milk_ finds no opportunity of passing off in its own natural form, it turns to _Fat_, or goes away by Urine and Sweat, which commonly is the case in Men, for they generate Milk as well as Women, _&c._

An Egg is from a certain animal Liquid, which by repeated Circulations in the Body, arrives at a perfect animal State; this Fluid comes from the oviparous Class, which is the White wherein the Yolk appears to swim. The White and Yolk of Eggs are neither alkaline nor acid.

The White dissolves by _a gentle Heat_, till it totally liquifies, (thus the Hen’s Heat gradually dissolves the White of a prolific Egg into Nourishment for the Chicken) but if you expose the White to the _Heat of boiling Water_, it will immediately harden, into a viscous, dry Mass.

The White of an Egg is a surprizing Menstruum, for if it be first boiled hard in the Shell, and afterwards suspended in the Air by a Thread, it will resolve and drop down into an insipid Liquor; which is that heterogeneous Menstruum so much used by _Paracelsus_, and will make a thorough _Solution of Myrrh_, which is more than Water, Oils, or Fire itself can effect[267]. _N. B._ The White of an Egg, by a strong Distillation, will afford an alkaline Spirit, and will putrify by Digestion; and a single Grain of this putrify’d Substance taken, will, like Poison, presently cause a Nausea, Vomit, Diarrhœa, Fever ... as _Bellini_ tells us he has tried. And the learned _Boerhaave_ himself, had seen those terrible Effects of it, which however are immediately stopt by drinking any acid Liquor, as Vinegar, Juice of Lemons. From Milk I proceed to give an account of an odd Custom about Cheese in Antiquity, _viz._ Among the _Romans_, one of their _Tabernæ_ was called _Casearia_, _a Caseo i. e._ from Cheese; not because Cheese was made or sold in it, but because it was wont to be smoaked there: It being a Custom among the old _Romans_ and other _Italians_, to make a great Smoke with Reeds and green Wood, on purpose to dry and colour their Cheese; hence the Poet _Martial_.

_Non quemcunque focum, nec fumum caseus omnem,
Sed velabrensem, qui bibit ille sapit._——

_i. e._ That Cheese only is pleasant and grateful, which does not suck in every Fume, but which is smoak’d only, _velabro_, in Tents or Booths.

Footnote 267:

_Boerhaave’s Process_, p.

CII. The _King’s Snake_, is the longest of all others; but not common. It is said to be terrible to other Serpents, though not very venemous and gross: the _Indians_, Men and Women, in _Carolina_, make _Girdles_ and _Sashes of their Skins_, as Signs of Conquest, and wear them as Trophies of Honour.

This puts me in mind of _Hippocrates_, the Prince of Physicians, who tells us that in the Eastern Parts of _Europe_, there is a _Scythian People_, called _Sauromatæ_, bordering on the _Palus Mæotis_, where the Women ride on Horse-back, draw the Bow, throw the Javelin as they ride, and fight in their Battles, so long as they remain Virgins; and were not allow’d to marry, _till they had killed three Enemies in the Wars_[268]. Of my Author ’tis said, He neither knew how to _deceive_, nor be _deceived_[269].

Footnote 268:

_Hippocrates upon Air, Water, and Situation; upon Epidemical
Diseases_, _&c._ translated into _English_, by the learned Dr.
_Clifton_.

Footnote 269:

Of _Hippocrates_ ’tis said,——_Qui tam fallere quam falli nescit_.
-Macrobii Opera, p. 27.

_N. B._ These were the Women called _Amazons_, descended from the _Scythians_, whose Women were as warlike as the Men, and joined with them in their Wars.

CIII. The _Corn-Snake_, is most like the _Rattle-Snake_ of all others in Colour, but the Chequers are not so regular; neither has it any Rattles. They are frequently found in _Corn-fields_, from whence, I presume, they have their Appellation. In their Qualities they resemble the _Green-Snakes_, that are innocent by Nature, and in form admirably pretty, if I may be allow’d by the Ladies, to call a Serpent so.

CIV. The _Blowing-Serpent_, which is a Species of the Viper, but larger than the _European_, is so called, because it seems to blow, to spread its Head, and swell very much, before it bites; which Bite is very poisonous, and seems to receive some additional Malignity from the Enlargement of its Head beyond the common Proportion.

CV. The _Brimstone-Snake_, so denominated from the Similitude of Colour: They might as well call it, the _Glass-Snake_, for if any Credit be given to the Historian, ’tis as brittle as a Glass-Tube, or a Tobacco-Pipe, so that upon the touch of a Twig, it immediately breaks into several Pieces, which some say, and nobody believes, are capable of Re-union.

Its component Parts may be weak and frail, but it is questionable, whether so brittle as represented: ’Tis true indeed there are hard Bodies, that would not be affected with a Twig, yet are very brittle. Thus _Iron_, which is one of the hardest Metals and yet _most brittle_, and by fusing, it becomes harder and more brittle. Now this great Brittleness of Iron, arises from the great quantity of Sulphur-Brimstone intermixed with it. The abundance of _Sulphur_ in _Iron_, is apparent from the _Sparks_ it emits from under the Smith’s Hammer; those fiery Sparks being only the Sulphur of the heated Iron, nothing of which is seen in any other Metal[270]. _N. B._ Roll-Brimstone sold in the Shops comes from the native Sulphur, which _Helmont_ always preferred to that purified.

Footnote 270:

_Boerhaave’s Method of Chemistry._

CVI. The _Yellow-Snake_ is in length about seven or eight Foot; the Neck is small, rather less than its Body, which grows bigger, till it be as big as one’s Wrist, and continues so large to the _Anus_; from whence it diminishes by degrees to the Tail. Its Head (which is not very large) is of a dark Colour, and so are the Scales all over the Body, with some yellow Streaks here and there. The Belly is all yellow, like Marygold, whose Flowers are cordial.

These Serpents are for the most part to be found in the woody Mountains of _America_, coil’d up in the Paths, as Ropes in a Ship: they are not hurtful, unless irritated; they feed on Birds, Rats, _&c._ which they swallow whole, and therefore Nature has given them such a folded, rugous, inward Tunicle of the Stomach, that it may extend, and receive things of large Dimensions. Many of them have been killed with thirteen or fourteen Rats in their Bellies[271].

Footnote 271:

_Sir Hans Sloan’s Voyages to Madeira, Barbad._ vol. ii. Lond. 1725.

It has been observed, that the Heart of this Serpent was beating an Hour after the Head was cut off, and that it would turn and twist its Body strangely in its Dissection, for a long time after the Bowels were out: The Lungs were very membranaceous, being nothing but Blood-Vessels and Air-Bladders. So a very learned Author. _ibid._

CVII. The _Chicken-Snake_, so called because of its Executions in the Poultry-yard, where it devours all Eggs, and lesser Birds that come in its way. These Serpents are of a sooty Colour, and will very readily roll themselves round a smooth-bark’d Pine-tree, eighteen or twenty Foot high, where there is no manner of hold, and there sun themselves, and sleep all the pleasurable part of the Day, reserving the hours of Darkness for rambling[272]. There is no great matter of Poison in them. Here the Historian mentions the _Eel-Snake_, improperly so called, I think, because it is nothing but a _Leach_, that only sucks, and can’t sting nor bite, so as to do any Damage.

Footnote 272:

_Natural History of Carolina_, p. 134.

CVIII. The _Vectis_, whose Head, strictly speaking, is neither round, flat, nor pointed, but looks like a Swelling on both sides, one stretching transversly, like a Bar that guards a Door, or, if you please, a _Bettee_, an Engine to break open Doors. Though this Sense be not intended here, yet ’tis true, that _Serpents_ do make _forcible Entries_, but it is always with Teeth and Tail, by which they often throw down the whole Fabrick, and drive out the Inhabitant.

CIX. The _Agnasen_ Serpent, called the _Mother of Ants_, because it lodges in their Apartments, and other warm Situations. We read of _Ants_ in the _East-Indies_ that build their Houses above Ground, and with the _finest Clay_, of which the People make their _Idols_; their little Houses are like strong _Butts_, hollow within, where they dwell, and breed in Nests like Honey-combs.

The _Butts_ present to my view the _Bow and Arrows_ in the Hands of the _Parthians_, who were esteemed the best _Archers_ in the world, and very deservedly, _having the Art of shooting backwards_, and making their _Retreat more terrible than their Charge_: Whence that of _Seneca_[273], _The_ Parthians _Flight does most affright_. The manner of their Fight is describ’d by the Poet, who says, _They were better Soldiers when they run away, and fought best when furthest off, trusting most to the Bow_[274].

Footnote 273:

Terga conversi metuenda Parthi.

Footnote 274:

Pugna levis, bellumque fugax, turmæque fugaces,
Et melior cessisse loco quam pellere miles.

_Lucan._

_M. CRASSUS_, in his Expedition against them, being told by an _Astrologer_ it would be unprosperous, because of some ill Aspect in _Scorpio_: _Hush Man_, quoth he, _I fear not_ Scorpio, _but_ Sagittarius.—But to return to the _Motherly Serpent_, which is about a Foot and a half long, the Body slender, adorn’d with red and white Streaks. Another Author says, ’tis of a red Colour, distinguish’d by black Lines, intermix’d with white Spots: The _Indians_ play with this Serpent (as _Ladies_ with their _Lap-dogs_) and for Diversion, wear this little innocent and pretty Animal (as a Necklace of Pearls) about their Necks[275].

Footnote 275:

_Joan. Euseb. Nierembergii Historia Naturæ_, p. 272,-3.

CX. The _Macacoatl_, or _Anguis Cervinus_, so called from its horned Head, which resembles that of a Deer, as thick as a Man’s Thigh, in length about twenty Foot, sprinkled with dusky Spots inclining to the black and yellow.—This seems to be a Member of the gigantick Family, already described. _Ibid._ 273. Therefore I dismiss it, and proceed to the

CXI. _AQUASEN_ Serpent, which seems to be the Birth of the _Philippines_, and very venemous: Its Wound proves fatal in a few Minutes, which is preceded by the Putrefaction of the Flesh, next to the affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown Colour, and a large Head[276].

Footnote 276:

_Nascitur in Philippicis._ ibid. p. 273. Nierembergius.

CXII. The Serpent _Otus_ is one of the Plagues of _America_, and very poisonous, there being but few hours distance between the Wound it gives and Death. It is about an Inch thick, and three Foot long, a little Head and whitish Belly, and may be farther distinguish’d from others, by white and black Spots, and three red Lines running across; slow in Motion, and fond of Shade; found in _Cuba_, a famous Island, where the antient Inhabitants went naked, tho’ they might have been cloath’d in Gold. The Historian speaking of _Spanish Cruelty_, observes, that a certain _Indian Prince_ having fled to _Cuba_ for Shelter, was taken by the _Spaniards_, and condemned by them to be burnt alive. When they were tying him to the Stake, a _Priest_ told him if he would embrace the _Spanish Religion_, he should go to Heaven; but if not, he must burn for ever in Hell. Upon this, the poor distressed Prince ask’d him, if there were any _Spaniards in Heaven_, and the Priest answering, Yes; _Hathuey_ the Prince replied, _viz._

_THAT if it be so, I’ll rather go to the Devils in Hell, than go with the_ Spaniards _to Heaven; for their Cruelty is such, that none can be more miserable than where they are_. _N. B._ This account is given by one of their own Bishops[277].

Footnote 277:

_Barthol. de las Casas_, Bishop of _Chiapa_. Hist. of _Antilles_.

CXIII. The _Dopon_ is reckoned to be a most dangerous Serpent; ’tis about an Inch round, and four or five Foot long. The vulgar Opinion is, that the whole Body is all over tinged with Poison, the Tail excepted. Its Head is very large, and of an octangular form, so far as the Eyes, from which it grows less and less to the Mouth, which is oblong and flat, arm’d with six Teeth in the upper Jaws, and six in the lower, besides lesser ones: The Tongue is slender, and of a black Colour.

Its Wounds are terrible, allowing the Patient only about twenty-four hours to live. No sooner is the Wound given, but all parts of the Body begin to swell, and soon extend beyond their due Proportion; that they are soon disabled from performing their Operations[278].

Footnote 278:

_Remedio est Alexiterium pangagausen._ Nierembergii Historia, cap.
xiii. p. 274.

Thus Pride, the malignant Tumour of the Mind, was the fatal Wound, by which the Angelic Serpent, the first in Dignity among created Beings, was transformed into a Devil. Sin, a Poison so strong, that by the first taste of it, the whole human Nature was infected. _Adam_ and _Eve_ tasted the forbidden Fruit, and lo! we must all die for it, at the distance of so many thousand Years.

CXIV. The _Attaligatus_ is a small slender Serpent, not exceeding the Quill of a Goose in proportion; not poisonous in its Nature, yet very mischievous; for these little Creatures are an united Body, and live in community, and never separate: they are a Society without Schism, which is more than can be affirmed of all human Societies, civil or ecclesiastick.

When these small harmonious Reptiles go abroad, they travel in Company, a hundred strong or more, and where they find any asleep, they immediately seize the Body, and with a Force united and irresistable, they devour it[279]. Behold! a Conquest by an Army of Worms!

Footnote 279:

_Nierembergii Historia_, cap. xiii. p. 274.

Thus _Herod_ the _Great_, the Proud, the Cruel, when upon the _Throne_, was attack’d by an Army of Worms, that quickly devoured him. His Body became _worm-eaten_ like a piece of rotten Wood[280]. Of the Executions done by Worms, we have divers Instances in the human World. No part of Man’s Body, whether inward or outward, but is subject to Worms, and have been tormented with them.

Footnote 280:

γενομενος σχωληχοβρωτος, Act. xii.

Man’s Body, if rightly understood, would appear to be a Granary for Worms, of divers Colours and Sizes: In the inward Parts, as Stomach, Guts, Liver, Blood, Gall, Bladder, have been found swarms of Vermin, sapping the Foundation of the animal Structure. We have Instances of Worms bred in the human Brains, and were discovered in the Brain of the _Paris-Girl_ when opened—probably laid, by some Insect, in the Laminæ of the Nostrils, from whence it gnawed its way into the Brain[281]. So in the outer parts.

Footnote 281:

_Derham_ from _Bartholinus_.

_GALEN_ in _Jonstonus_ says, that in _Ethiopia_, _India_, and the mountainous part of _Egypt_, the Inhabitants were tormented with Worms, that bred in their Legs and Arms, called _Dracunculi_, whose Motion in the Flesh was conspicuous to the Eye.

_LUCIUS CORNELIUS SYLLA_, _Consul_ and _Dictator_ of _Rome_, (the Glories of whose Valour were obscured by barbarous Cruelties) died of a φθιριασις a wormy or lousy Disease: Thus _Aliman_[282], a renowned _Greek_ Poet, and _Pherecydes_ the Philosopher, and Master to _Pythagoras_, died of the same loathsome Distemper.

Footnote 282:

_Pliny._ Part. i.

Sed quis non paveat pherecydos fata tragœdi:
Qui nimio sudore fluens, animalia tetra,
Eduxit turpi miserum qua morte tulerunt.
Sylla quoque infelix tali languore peresus
Corruit, & sœdo se vidit ab agmine vinci.

_Sic testatur Serenus medicus._

In _Persia_ there are very long slender Worms bred in the Legs and other Parts of Men’s Bodies, six or seven Yards long. Those who live upon the Red-Sea, and feed upon Locusts, are, in the last Stage of Life, subject to a sort of Flying-Worms, like what is called a Tyke, spread over all the Body, arising at first from a Scab, by scratching of which they tear their Flesh. _Nieremberg._ Some relate divers Examples of Worms taken out of the Tongue, Gums, Nose, and other Parts by a Woman at _Leicester_, which they were Eye-witnesses of. N. B. _Mr._ Dent _and Mr._ Lewis, _in the_ Philosoph. Trans. _in_ Lowthorp_’s_ Abridg. _where these and divers others may be seen_. If it did not extend the Digression too far, I might add here, That there are no Animals, as Sheep, Wolves, Goats, Deers, Cows, Horses, Swine; yea, no Vegetables, as Trees, Herbs, Plants, Flowers, but abound with Worms; and all these have Worms peculiar to themselves. By the help of microscopical Glasses, we may discover Legions of Worms in Vinegar, human Blood, and other Liquids.

CXV. The _Ecatotl_, _Anguis-Venti_, _Serpent-of-the-Wind_, and very innocent, and perhaps the Name may be borrowed from a gentle salutary Gale; it is about six Spans long, and two Inches in Crassitude; the Eyes are black, Teeth small, the Belly bright, like Silver. The Back and Sides illustrated with white Streaks, alternately painted with Yellow and Azure: the Tongue is of a black Colour, small, long, and cloven, and most nimble in its Vibrations[283].

Footnote 283:

_Nierembergius_, cap. xv. p. 274.

CXVI. _DE Angue-Laqueo_, the Ensnaring-Serpent. In the Province of _Vera-Pas_, west of the _Honduras_; they are much infected with several Insects, as _Muskettoes_, _Fire-Flies_, and _Serpents_. Among the last is one Serpent of great Bulk, and excels in Craftiness, being very subtle and sharp in laying hold of its Prey. The Method is surprizing; for it wraps up itself in the Form of a Ginn, and so decoys the Game into the Snare: It bites like a Dog, and is very mischievous, tho’ not of the venemous Order. _Ibid._

CXVII. The _stupid_ Serpent, which they call _Canaucoatl_, in Character is contradictious; for, as represented in History, ’tis dull and in a manner destitute of Sensation, and yet a Creature full of Vitality and Spirit; and indeed is only remarkable for its Mettle. It is of the Tribe of Innocents, and very strong, and fears no Assault. In Dimension, monstrous; for Thickness, equal to a Man’s Body, and twice the Length. ’Tis said, some have sat upon it, apprehending it to be only the Trunk of an old Tree. Some other fabulous Things are reported of it.

It lives in the Shadow of Woods, often concealing itself under Branches and Leaves of Trees, where it surprizes the Prey, which, to speak with the Vulgar, it draws to him, by the Force of its Breath, as a Loadstone does Iron. The Authors of the _Atlas_ mention a Serpent of this attractive Power in the _Philippine Islands_; Birds and other Animals are drawn into the Trap by the Charms of the Breath; yea, Partridges, Weasels——are made to run into its devouring Jaws. _Ibid._

If this Serpent be endued with this magnetic Property, it is a _living Loadstone_, and more extensive in its Attractions than the real one; for this draws all animal Bodies to it, whereas the real Loadstone only attracts Iron. Attraction in the gross, is so complex a thing, that it may solve a thousand different things alike. This Creature is called _Ibitin_ in _America_; and probably the same with the following, though distinctly considered by the Historian.

CXVIII. The Serpent _Bitin_, an Inhabitant of the Mountains and Woods in the Island of _Cuba_, _&c._ of great Bulk, and Length about four Ells; and in Shape terrible to the Eye. The Head, which resembles that of a Calf, grows large to the Eyes, which sparkle with the bright and black, and are incircled with Rays of Green; it has wide Jaws, armed with many sharp Teeth, among which are four of the _canine_ sort.

_CANINI Dentes_, that is _Dog’s-Teeth_, are two Teeth in each Jaw, so called, because they end like those of a Dog in a sharp Point, whose particular Office is to pierce the Aliments, therefore are buried in their Sockets, by which they are more able to resist all lateral Pressures, than the _Molares_, or the common Grinders.

This _Bitinian_ Serpent hangs by the Tail on Trees, devouring Men and Beasts that pass by, and come within its Reach, by the dint of halituous Attraction, as the _stupid_, and some of the _Philippine_ Serpents are said to do; but if it be so, the Philosophy of it is not yet accounted for.

CXIX. The _Monoxillo_, or _Mucronated-Serpent_, so called because its Termination is sharp-pointed. It has something of the Fierce and Terrible in its Appearance, but is more dreadful in Aspect than Nature; for its Wounds, though painful, are not mortal. ’Tis of the Lacertan Kind and Colour; the Tail long, and Legs of small length; the Body about two Spans long, the Tongue large and forked and of red Colour. ’Tis tedious in Motion; the whole Compound is crustaceous, like Shell-Fishes, adorned with white and yellow Spots, resembling little Pearls, or Seed of Grummel or Gray-Mile.

_N. B._ The Seed of Vegetables consists of an Embryo, in which is contained the whole Plant in Miniature. A compleat Oak is visible in an Acorn by a Microscope.

CXX. The _Tapayaxin_, a little wonderful Serpent; some say of the Lacertan Kind, others say of an orbicular Form, not above four Inches Long. The Body is cartilaginous, or gristly, smooth and solid. This kind of Coverture is harder than a Ligament, and softer than a Bone, but is not covered over with any Membrane to make it capable of Sensation.

It moves slowly, and recommends itself by Diversity of Colours: when touched, the Body appears to be cold. Now, Bodies are said to be cold or hot, as their Particles are in a greater or lesser Motion, than those of the sensitory Organs. All Changes in the created Globe, are the Effects of Motion, without which all Bodies would become unactive Masses[284].

Footnote 284:

_Newton_’s _Opticks_, p. 375.

This little Animal, is said to be pleased, or rather unconcerned, when taken up by human Hands; called on that account, the _Friend of Man_; that is, _he who is not against us, is for us_; therefore merits our Smiles. His Situation corresponds with his natural Disposition, for it is an Inhabitant of cold Regions. When its Head is comprest, Drops of Blood gush out of his Eyes, which he casts to a great distance from him; which agrees with a former Description, _&c._

CXXI. _DE Haro coloti genere._ The Serpent _Harus_, according to the Historian[285], is a Native of the _Philippines_, and of the Lacertan Tribe: a very long Head (like the _Philippine_ Queen) on a bulky Body, terminating in a sharp Point. It resembles the _Quaquetzall_, is in _Mexico_, and agrees therewith in most things, and of which it seems to be a Species.

Footnote 285:

_Nierembergius_, cap. xxiv. p. 276. _Nascitur in Philippicis._

It chuses its Habitation among Shrubs adjacent to clear Streams, and never defiles a Body, so prettily coloured, with muddy Water, till constrained to make the Bulrush its Shelter against the excessive Heat of the Sun[286].

Footnote 286:

_Ibid._ p. 276.

CXXII. The _Tamacolin_, or a Serpent called _Rubeta_, of the Lineage of the red Toad: This kind is made up of Variety, differing only one from another in Magnitude, Colour, and Poison. The lesser kind not so venemous as the larger. Some are green, some are brown, and others black. In showery Weather they make an open Appearance, and in such Numbers, that none walk abroad without running the risk of a poisonous Touch.

_NEW-SPAIN_ abounds with them, where they affect watry Habitations. In _Peru_ are _Toads_ as large almost as _Cats_ or _Dogs_, but not so poisonous as those of _Brazil_, where they have a Fish called _Amyacu_, i. e. _Toad-Fish_; ’tis about a Span long, and oddly painted; its Eyes are fine and fair: It swells and snorts when taken out of the Water, which was the reason of giving it that Name: When flayed it may be eaten, but is otherwise poisonous; the Poison is drawn out by Application of Fire to the Part affected[287].

Footnote 287:

_Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General._

CXXIII. _TETZAUCOATL_, or the _rare_ Serpent; so called, because the _least_ of Serpents; and though very little, scarce four Inches long, or in Bulk so big as a Goose-quill, yet its Wounds are most deadly. The Belly is red, and distinguishable by black Stains; the Back yellow, interlaid with divers Spots. It is an Inhabitant of the North, and delights in cold Apartments. This (though distinctly described by the Historian) seems to be the same with the _Tetzaucoatl_[288]. _N. B._ Little Things, greatly dangerous.

Footnote 288:

_Nieremb._

The Poet weeps for a Person killed by the Fall of an Icicle, which is a little Drop of Water congealed[289]. _Anacreon_, the celebrated Lyrick Poet among the _Greeks_, was choaked with a _little Kernel_ of a _Grape_. Little Things do great Executions. Little Worms destroy floating Castles. _Tarantula_, a little Spider, poisons a Giant. In _Barbadoes_ is what they call the _Poison-Tree_, a little Drop of its Sap flying into a Workman’s Eyes, makes him blind; therefore Workmen cover them with Cypress.

Footnote 289:

Oh! ubi non est si jugulatis aqua.

_Mart._

_PLINY_, from _M. Varro_ says, there was a Town in _Spain_ undermined by _Conies_, and another in _Thessaly_ by _Mold-Warps_, and another in _France_, from which they were driven out by Frogs.... In some parts of _Africa_, People were constrained by _Locusts_ to leave their Habitations. Out of _Gyaros_ (one of the _Islands_ of the _Cyclades_ in the _Ægean Sea_, most of which are now under the _Turks_) the Inhabitants were forced away by _Rats_ and _Mice_, little Things: And if it be true, that _Theophrastus_ the Philosopher reports, the _Treriens_ were chased away by an Army of little Worms, called _Scolopendra_[290]. All these mighty Conquests were made by little contemptible Insects.

Footnote 290:

_Pliny’s Natural History_, Part I. B. viii. Cap. 29.

What says the _Laconian_, when wounded with a Dart? I am not, quoth he, concerned at my Death, but at my Fall by a Wound from a little feeble Archer. For ’tis Satisfaction to the Vanquish’d to die by the Hand of heroic Valour; hence that of _Virgil_;

_Æneæ Magni dextra cadis....
’Tis by the Great Æneas’ Hand you fall._

The reason was, because the _Lacedemonians_ were wont to fight with Swords, therefore it was not counted Bravery to kill Men with a Dart, a thing that may be done by any Woman.

So in the vegetable World, there are _Cedars_ and _Shrubs_. In Natural Philosophy, we read of _Atoms_, that are _Minima Naturæ_, the ultimate Particles into which Matter is divisible, and are conceived as the first Rudiments, or component Parts of all physical Magnitude, or the pre-existent and incomprehensible Matter, whereof particular Bodies were formed; there are Mountains and Mole-Hills,

So ... there was _Alexander_ the _Great_, and there is _Alexander_ the _Little_, the ingenious and learned Mr. _Pope_; the one conquered by the Sword, the other by his Pen, and has made all the Regions of Fame tributary to him.

CXXIV. The _tame_ and _tractable Serpent_, is of the _Indian_ Race, about an Inch long, when brought first from the Field for domestick Education; and when at its full Growth, is not much short of a Man’s Thigh. Its Habitation is in some little Hutch erected on purpose, (_indulgentiæ gratia_) where it idles away its time, till Hunger brings it out. Upon its Approach to the Master of the House, it creeps up to his Shoulders, where the Embraces of that terrible Creature (being made tame) are received with Delight[291].

Footnote 291:

_Nierembergius_, cap. xl. p. 283.—Humeros heri amicè conscendunt,
benevolè terrifici animalis amplexus tolerantis.

CXXV. The _Tleoa_, or _Tetloa_, that is, a little fiery Serpent, and very common in the new World, and described by the Historian thus[292], _viz._ ’Tis about a Finger broad, and five or six Foot long, and differenced from others by a Medley of Spots, compounded of white, black, yellow, and dun Colours. The Head is like that of our Vipers, and the Tail, which seems to have a touch of the Rattle, ends acutely.

Footnote 292:

_Nierembergius_; from _Franciscus Hernandus_.

Its Wounds are deadly, and burn like Fire; hence the Name it bears: Though fiery in Nature, is slow and winding in Motion, and may be avoided by the Traveller, if he has Eyes and Ears. Its usual Residence is in Mountains, and the higher Mountains are, the greater the Cold, (because they only receive direct, and but little of the reflected Rays of the Sun) yet are the Habitations of fiery Animals.

The Learned observe, there are Mountains a Mile and an half high, to the tops of which, no Vapour, and consequently no Clouds, can ever reach: And hence it is that in very high Mountains, as the _Pico de Theide_ in _Bohemia_, though the middle part be always inverted with Snow, and the bottom scorched with intolerable Heat; yet on the top you will find yourself in a pure, thin, serene Air, and view the Clouds hovering at a considerable distance below you[293].

Footnote 293:

_Montibus Tepeztlanicis._

Hence it is that all Thunder is confined within less than a Mile’s Height. The Air is coldest in the highest places, and hottest in the lowest; but in the intermediate Atmosphere, where we live, very unequal: but no Climates, however situated, are privileged with Exemption from venemous Creatures, and where they are less pestered with them, ’tis owing to the Cultivation of the Land.

The Wounds given by this Serpent are dangerous, and cured by an Herb called _Ancola_, by _Jonstonus_, p. 26, 27. but _Anola_, by _Nierembergius_, p. 277, 283.

CXXVI. The _Hydrus_, or _Natrix_, an acquatic Serpent: The former word from ὑδορ _Water_, of which ’tis an Inhabitant; the other word denotes its Skill in the Art of Natation; it goes under various Denominations, as appears in _Jonstonus_; who, from _Pliny_ observes, that this Serpent is _superior to most in Beauty, and inferior to none in Poison_[294].

Footnote 294:

_Jonstoni Historia Nat._ p. 28.

_NICANDER_, who calls the terrestrial _Hydrus_, a foul coloured Beast, vindicates the beautiful Character of the Marine; who yet is not very nice in its Choice of Water, for muddy and clear is equally the same to this beautiful Slut[295]. In its Nature ’tis very poisonous, says one; _Cardan_ is in the Negative. The truth is, there are several sorts of them, some of which are harmless, and others hurtful, and their Wounds attended with very terrible Effects, described by the poetick Physician[296].

Footnote 295:

’Tis sometimes called _Lutra, ex Luto_; because it delights most in
foul Water; or the Word may signify, to wash and make clean.

Footnote 296:

Pessima quas fecit plagas hæc signa sequantur;
Arida tota cutis circum putret horribilemque
Elevat aspectum, magni ignitique dolores
Tandem hominem interimunt.——

_Nicander._

In some parts of _Persia_ they are very numerous, described by white Heads and black Body, four Cubits long, and dangerous to those who dabble in the Water by Night, as they often do in that hot Country where these Animals feed upon Fish and Frogs[297]; and breed upon Land, according to _Aristotle_[298].

Footnote 297:

Stagna colit, ripisque habitans his piscibus atram
Improbus Ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet,
Exhausta palus—Exilit in siccum—
_Virg. Georg._ lib. iii.

Footnote 298:

_Jonstoni Hist. Nat._ p. 28, 29.

Its common Habitation is in the _Myclean Lake_, in _Corcina_ or _Corcyra_, now _Corfou_, (a little rich Island in the _Venetian_ Dominion) and also about _Taracina_ (a City of the _Volscians_ in _Campania_, in _Italy_, not far from _Amyclæ_) where the People, not daring to kill Serpents, were overthrown by them; to mention no more. _Ibid._

CXXVII. The _Natrix-Torquata_, _Jonston_ makes different from the former, and describes it thus——Called _Torquata_ from its beautiful Neck, which looks as if incircled with a strong Collar of Pearls.... On the hinder part of the Head is a little narrow Space in the form of two Scales, where the Spots on both sides end acutely in a triangular form. The _Scholiast_ upon _Nicander_, compliments those _pretty Spots_ with the Title of _little Crowns_[299].

Footnote 299:

_Ibid._ p. 29.

It goes under various Appellations. The _Greeks_ called it Guardian of their Houses[300], it being of the innocent sort. Some of the _Italians_ call it _Carbonarium_, a Collier, because its Colour inclined to Coal-black, or Iron. Mr. _Ray_ calls it, the _common Snake_. It is larger than a Viper, and more gross in Body; brings forth its Young by Eggs, hatch’d by foreign Heat; feeds on Mice; sucks Cows, upon which follows Blood. The Reader is referred to a former.

Footnote 300:

Οφεις οικουροι.

_Plate 6^{th}._
]

CXXVIII. The _Marine-Dragon_, as _Pliny_ calls it, or the _true Marine-Serpent_, in the Dialect of _Jonstonus_, who, in his Description of Fishes, gives a particular account of it. We have already accounted for monstrous Serpents in the _Indies_, where some have Teeth in the form of a Saw, with which they do more hurt than with their Poison, says the _Greek_ Historian[301].

Footnote 301:

_Æliani Hist._ lib. xvi. cap. 3.

In _Africa_, are some large and strong enough to contend with Oxen by Land, and to overturn a three-oar’d Galley by Water; which agrees in Character with those of _Norway_ already described: There we found some of 200 Foot long, winding themselves about Ships, according to _Olaus Magnus_, Archbishop of _Upsal_.

In several of the _Persian Islands_ are some of twenty Cubits long, and very terrifying to Sailors. Such also are seen in the Promontory of _Carmania_, the Residence of the _Ichthyophagi_, a People that feed wholly upon Fish; a fine Country for such who are inclin’d to keep a _perpetual Lent_. Tho’ these Monsters are born in the Deep, yet are they found in fresh Waters, and sometime sporting upon Land, where they sleep[302].

Footnote 302:

_Jonston. de Piscib._ p. 9. Articulus v.

The same Author tells us, of a _terrible Battle_ that happen’d in _Turkey_, in the time of _Bajazet_, between the _land_ and _marine Serpents_, that continued from Morning to Night, when after a great Destruction on both sides, the _Marines_ fled. _Ibid._

CXXIX. The _Rubetarian-Serpent_ is a very noisy Animal, who for its croaking Noise is resembled to a land Toad. It also engages the Attention of the Eye, for it excels in Beauty: It’s known among Country People by these two Characteristicks, _viz._ _Loud_ and _Pretty_. Here we see, what is an Offence to the Ear may be a pleasing Entertainment to the Eye; thus the Five Senses agree to differ in their several Perceptions, and to meet in several distinct Apartments of the capital Temple, in the pacifick Empire. But to return to the _beautiful Padalica_ of the _Polonians_:

It is said of this Serpent, that when it wounds any in the Foot, the Remedy is to put the wounded part into the next Earth, that is inclined to the moist, for twenty-four hours. This seems to differ from the _American Rubeta_.

CXXX. The _Serpent de Boa_ is another of the monstrous kind; called _Boa_ from _Bos_, the _Latin_ word for an Ox, which it devours at once: The young ones, which grow to a great Bulk, are nourished by sucking the Cow.

In the Emperor _Claudius_’s time, in one of them that was killed, they found a Child that was whole. In _Calabria_ are some monstrous Animals, not unlike these, says the Historian; who adds, that not many Years ago a certain Bishop speaks of a large mischievous Serpent, that was shot near _St. Archangel_, whose Jaws were almost two Palms long, the Portraiture of which is yet seen in a certain Temple there[303].

Footnote 303:

M. Antonius Cuccinus Episcopus Anglonensis ad Thomasium—in Agro S.
Archangeli. _In Jonstonus; in Verb._

CXXXI. I Am informed by some Persons, who had it by Tradition from ancient People, that formerly there was in this Country a monstrous Serpent of four or five Yards long, and thicker than a common Axle-tree of a Cart, and very mischievous, preying upon Lambs, _&c._ Its chief Residence was in a Wood, near _Pickopbank_, a few Miles from _Blackburn_, in _Lancashire_, called _Ouse-Castle_, wherein there is yet a little Spot of Ground, called _Griom’s-Ark_, which is a deep Cavern, situated among Rocks, in a Wood, from whence it was seen to come out, and bask itself on a sunny Bank.

The Picture of this Serpent is drawn with Wings, two Legs, and Talons like an Eagle, which is seen in some ancient Houses, (and particularly at _Clayton-hall_, near _Dunkin-hall_) by which it appears to be very large and furious.

It’s said, one —— _Grimshaw_ Esq; Proprietor of that Hall, shot the Monster with Arrows, and had an Estate offer’d him for that good Service done to his Country, which he generously refused, and only desired he might have a Passage thro’ that Wood to a Township he had on t’other side of it, which was granted, the Title of which is to be found in old Writings. By another hand I am informed, that it was supposed to be a _Griffin_, which is a Bird of Prey, and of the Eagle kind, which, I take to be the _Ossifrage_ of _Moses_, and mentioned _Levit._ xi.

There is also a fabulous _Griffin_, represented with four Legs, Wings, and a Beak; the upper part like an Eagle, and the lower a Lion. They conjecture it to watch over golden Mines and hidden Treasures. This Bird was consecrated to the Sun, therefore the Chariot of the Sun was represented as drawn by a Set of _Griffins_.

This _poetick Griffin_ is frequently seen in antient Medals, and is still bore in Coat-Armor. The antient and honourable Family of the _Guillims_ blazons it rampant, alledging any very fierce Animal may be so blazon’d as well as a Lion. It is observable, says my Author, that in the Front of _Clayton-hall_ are two Figures drawn in Plaister in the form of a Coat of Arms; on the right side of the Escutcheon is a Figure with Wings, four Feet, and a Tail twisted in the Form of a Serpent. The like Figure is drawn in Plaister in several antient Houses in that Neighbourhood, which go under the Name of the _Griffin’s Picture_, and the Sign is used at Publick-houses: There is a Place in that Wood called the _Griffin’s-Ark_.

_N. B._ This seems to carry some Probability with it, since Eagles are voracious Creatures, and very destructive to Fawns and Lambs, especially the black Eagle, which is of a lesser Size than the other.

In some of the _Scots Islands_, the Natives observe, that this Eagle fixes its Talons between the Deer’s Horns, and beats its Wings constantly about its Eyes; several other Eagles flying at the same time on both sides, which puts the Deer upon a continual Run, till it fall into a Pit, or down a Precipice, where it dies, and so becomes a Prey to the Enemy[304].

Footnote 304:

_Martin’s Description of the Western Islands of Scotland_, Edit. ii.
p. 7.

CXXXII. In some of the Western Islands of _Scotland_ are several Serpents: There is one that is _yellow_ with brown Spots, and another with _brown_ Spots; but that which is the most poisonous, is the _black and white spotted_, three or four Foot long.

The Remedies are such as these: The Natives cut off the Head of the Serpent that gives the Wound, and apply it to the Place as the best Remedy: Others, by the Application of new Cheese, extract the Poison; and some make use of the Rump of a Cock stript of its Feathers, which they apply to the Wound with Success, according to the Historian[305].

Footnote 305:

_Martin_’s _Description of the Isle of Skie_, _&c._ p. 236.

In the Library at _Manchester_, is the Skin of a Serpent which was five Yards long, as thick as the Calf of a Man’s Leg; has a forked Tongue, scaly Skin, yellow Colour.