1848.] 



37 



to be an alligator or gavial, but, my impression is, that it was the latter. The 

 question, however, you will be able to decide. It was captured at Cavalla, a 

 mission station of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a coast town belonging 

 to the tribe of Africans called Grebos, the aboriginal inhabitants of the region of 

 Cape Palmas. Its local native name is the same as that given to the dog, which, 

 adopting as we do, the principles of Pickering for the reduction to writing of the 

 Indian languages, is written Kbinh, not easily expressed in English. 



Its habits are the same, in general, as those of the crocodile proper, and alliga- 

 tor. It inhabits the smaller fresh water streams and standing water in the low 

 grounds, feeding on fish and aquatic reptiles. It digs a hole in the bed or banks 

 of streams for a temporary abode, whence it springs upon its unwary prey. It 

 deposits its eggs on the surface of the ground, and covers them over with leaves 

 and light trash, in which particular, it differs from the crocodile proper, and 

 alligator. It is timid and harmless, frequently taken by the natives and esteemed 

 highly for food. This individual would not have escaped the caldron, had it not 

 been for a fortunate junction of circumstances with their superstitions. 



2. Ophidians. Amphisboena. 



I send a sketch taken soon after its capture, which accurately shows its colours 

 in a recent state. It was captured by one of my Missionary associates on the 

 beach. 



It is stated in works on Natural History, that its food is principally ants. I 

 am inclined to think this correct, as it is the opinion of intelligent natives in 

 Africa, from the fact, that this animal inhabits the domicils of the " white ant" 

 (Termes bellicosus of Smeathman, T. fatale of Linn.) and hence has received 

 the name of Nj/onh-re-tedi, literally the white ant snake. 



It is not often visible, and its dubious character renders it an object of great 

 dread to the natives, it being considered dangerous to look upon it. It is con- 

 sidered an extraordinary Fetish, i. e., something that has the power in itself, of 

 exerting a direct influence upon other bodies, for good or evil. Of this reptile 

 an evil influence is always predicted. 



Viper. (Cerastes nasicornis, Hal Proceed. A. N. S, Vol. Ill, p. 319.) 



The natives dread this serpent more than any other known. 



It is very venomous — slow and sluggish in its movements — retreats from 

 man, except when trodden on, or opposed in its progress. 



It inhabits both high and low grounds, feeding on rats, the smaller reptiles, 

 and fresh water fish that inhabit the marshes. 



Its vicinity is known by a peculiar sound-, somewhat like a suppressed groan ; 

 this is succeeded by a hissing or blowing noise. The former is a warning that 

 every one, acquainted with its habits, remembers and knows well the necessity 

 of heeding; the latter indicates a readiness to bite. When it is about to make 

 an attack, it flattens its head and body, retracting itself upon its tail, and then, 

 with its mouth enormously distended, its fangs protruded, and eyes flashing fire, 

 it darts at its prey. It is said not to spring, but, with the latter part of its 

 body and tail fixed to the ground, to strike at its victim. 



The poison is very intense; generally it proves immediately fatal, but some- 

 times hours will intervene. It is probably modified in its action, in such cases, 

 by the difference of susceptibility in persons, superficial character of the wound, 

 and perhaps other incidental circumtances. 



