158 ZOOLOGY. 



formidable task, but having begun we determined to proceed ; 

 after securing a rope round the upper part of the neck, one 

 of the guides climbed the neighbouring tree, and passed one 

 end of the cord over a strong limb of the tree, by which the 

 body was hauled up as the operation of skinning proceeded ; 

 we were several hours in accomplishing the undertaking, but 

 finally succeeded, better than our most sanguine expecta- 

 tions could have induced us to hope. 



When this was done we gave up the carcase to the natives, 

 who immediately fell to work, cutting it up in long thin 

 slices, and carefully collecting the fat, which they assured us 

 was a specific in the case of a bite from any venomous crea- 

 ture, and that when any of thera were bitten by a poison- 

 ous Snake, they immediately annointed the wounded 

 part with the fat of Snakes, and melting a quantity, ad- 

 ministered it to the party bitten. They dry the greater part 

 of the flesh, and reserve it for future use ; and they use the 

 skin cut into lengths about four inches wide, as ornaments, 

 and for girdles. 



Our servant soon after the skin was packed up and placed 

 on a mule, informed us, that he had partaken of part of the 

 flesh broiled, and that it was quite palatable ; its appearance 

 was not tempting, but from motives of curiosity we were 

 induced to taste it, the flesh was firm, well flavoured, ex- 

 ceedingly tender and juicy, and 'tis probable, had it not 

 been for the scene we had so recently been witnesses to, w« 

 might have made a hearty meal from ofl" it." 



