74 



tips, and having an eye, like those of the Peacock, in the end of 

 each. 



Dr. Storer gave some notices of the large Serpent pre- 

 sented by Dr. Savage of Mt. Vaughan, near Cape Palmas, 

 West Africa. 



It is described and figured in Dr. Andrew Smith's Zoological 

 Illustrations of South Africa, as the Python Natalensis. He con- 

 sidered Dr. Savage's communication accompanying the Python 

 very valuable, not merely for the inieresting accounts contained 

 in it of the several individuals which had been met with, and the 

 manner of their capture, but also for the light he threw upon their 

 habits. 



" The general habit of this serpent in seeking its prey," remarks 

 Dr. Savage, " is to lie in ambush near a frequented path or water- 

 ing place ; and, suspended from a tree, or with its tail fixed to 

 some other object, to dart upon the unwary animal. The attack 

 is so sudden and violent that the victim is often prostrated and 

 stunned, and then begins the dreadful process of constriction. A 

 bullock was so much injured in a recent attack, as to be supposed 

 beyond the possibility of recovery." Instances of its attack upon 

 man are very rare, and are probably never made but when the 

 animal is in a state of extreme hunger. The natives fear them 

 single-handed, but not in numbers. They seek them for food, 

 esteeming them highly on their bill of fare. 



Dr. Storer also presented specimens, male and female, of 

 the Scaphiopus solitaries : Holbrook ; which he had received 

 from Dr. Andrew Nichols of Danvers. 



They were found at Danvers. This is the only locality in 

 which they have as yet been found north of Carolina. Dr. S. 

 observed he had received two very interesting letters from Dr. 

 Nichols respecting these animals, but as Dr. N. would prepare a 

 communication upon the subject for the Journal of the Essex Co. 

 Natural History Society, he was not at liberty to read them at 

 present. 



DONATIONS TO THE CABINET. 



There were laid on the table a part of the donation of Dr. Sav- 

 age, lately received — portions of the solid structures and cells of 

 Termites. 



