472 



SA^AKES. 



this assistant to progression, its scales being too even and 

 polished to afford hold of any kind. You will see it 

 sweeping its long tail this way and 

 that, in search of some hold or ob- 

 stacle against which to push itself 

 forward ; and failing this, the point 

 is pressed close to the table or floor 

 as may be. When in any unaccus- 

 tomed position, as, for instance, when 

 held in the hand, you will see the 

 tail instantly twining itself about 

 the fingers for safety, the creature 

 trusting itself entirely to its aid, and 

 being helpless when its movements 

 are fettered in any way. If not 

 strictly prehensile in the way of 

 affording support, as the tail of a 

 true boa does, that oi Angiiis fragilis 

 is not far removed from it. Hold 

 one that is accustomed to be handled 

 and in good health, and permit it to 

 hang by the mere tip, as in the 

 accompanying illustration. So far 

 from falling, the little creature will 

 at once draw itself upwards and 

 backwards with perfect facility, till 

 it feels itself equally balanced, when 

 the tail will be sent in search of 

 hold ; it will cling quickly round a 

 finger, and then Aiiguis feels itself safe once more. My 



Lizzie ; never at a loss. 



