SERPENTS. 



361 



Eunectes murimis, the anaconda, is also a native of tropical America, and is repre- 

 sented in the engraving as in its native haunt, the low land hy some j)Ool or sluggish 

 stream, about to seize a ' boat-bill.' Tiie anaconda is one of the largest representa- 

 tives of the family, and is beautifully ornamented over a groundwork of rich brown, 

 by a double series of blotches along the back, ami with irregular annular spots along 

 the sides. 



I'IG. lilu. — Jilij/lwauiiia caninum, dog-he:ided boa. 



JCipfiosouM caninum, or the dog-headed boa, inhabits Brazil, and is of a green 

 color with light dorsal bands. The labial 2)lates resemble those of the pythons in being 

 deeply pitted. 



Epicrates cenchrta, the ringed boa or abonia, was at one time worshipped as a god 

 by the ancient Me.vicans, who often offered to it human sacrifices. In its habits it is 

 a true member of the family, strangling its prey by winding around it fold on fold of 

 its ponderous bodj'. Its general color is of a dark yellowish gray, oriiainented with a 

 dorsal row of large brown rings, and along the sides liy \ ariable blotches of a dark 

 color, having in their centre a lighter crescentric ornament. 



