170 OPHIDIA. — BOAD^. 



in the Old World. The word constrictor , indeed, 

 though expressive, cannot be considered as dis- 

 tinctive, for it is equally applicable to all the 

 great species of the Family, signifying, as it does, 

 one that hinds tightly in its folds. It was, how- 

 ever, appropriated by Linnaeus to the greatest of 

 the American species, individuals of which have 

 been known to attain an enormous length. Shaw 

 mentions a skin of this Boa in the British Museum, 

 which measured thirty-five feet. 



Several narratives of personal encounters with 

 the American Boas are on record, all of which 

 are of great interest. Mr. Waterton's capture of 

 the " Coulacanara," told in his own peculiarly 

 graphic way, has been often quoted ; but we 

 select one less known, yet not less exciting, nar- 

 rated by a military correspondent of the Edin- 

 burgh Literary Gazette. 



This gentleman was at the time residing with a 

 friend in British Guiana, and employing himself 

 chiefly in shooting, and fishing in a neighbouring 

 river. One sultry day, tired with unsuccessful 

 sport, he threw his lines, and drew his canoe to 

 the river's edge, for the purpose of refreshing 

 himself in the water. Having done so, he 

 stretched himself, half dressed, on the benches 

 of his boat, with his gun at his head, loaded for a 

 shot if a chance should occur. In this position 

 he fell asleep. " I know not how long I may 

 have slept," he continues, " but I was roused 

 from my slumber by a curious sensation, as if 

 some animal were licking my foot.* In that state 

 of half-stupor felt after immediately waking from 

 sleep, I cast my eyes downward, and never till 

 * See remarks on page 1 Q7. 



