50 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
well at the fountain. I endured great pain all night, but next day 
my eye was all right.” * 
Of a beautiful green species (Philodryas viridissimus), appet- 
taining to the family of Dendrophide, in Brazil, Dr. Wurcherer 
writes :—‘“ I am always delighted when I find that another Tree 
Snake has settled in my garden. You look for a bird’s nest, the 
young ones have gone, but you find their bed occupied by one of 
these beautiful creatures, which will coil up its body, of two feet 
in length, within a space not larger than the hollow of your hand. 
They appear to be always watchful; for at the instant you dis- 
cover one, the quick playing of the long black forked tongue 
will show you that you too are observed. On perceiving the 
slightest sign of your intention to disturb it, the snake will dart 
upwards through the branches and over the leaves, which scarcely . 
appear to bend beneath the weight. A moment more, and you have 
lost sight of it.” Some of the true Whip Snakes attain to six or 
seven feet in length, or even more; and with reference to the vague 
application of vernacular names (vzde p. 38), it may here be re- 
marked that the “little Whip Snake” of the Australian colony of 
Victoria denotes a poisonous Snake of a very different family (the 
Hoplocephalus flagellum). 
The Dipsadide are a numerous family of tropical Tree Snakes, 
which also have a much compressed body, but short and triangular- 
shaped head, which is broad behind ; the eye large, having generally 
a vertical pupil. Some of them attain to six or seven feet in length, 
and all live on warm-blooded animals. It is remarkable that certain 
of the species prey on birds solely, whilst others attack only mam- 
malia. ‘Their coloration varies a good deal; and species of them 
inhabit most tropical and sub-tropical countries. 
The Lycodontide are an extensive family of small Ground Snakes, 
inhabiting Africa and tropical Asia, which have the body generally 
of moderate length, rather slender, and the head long and wide, with 
generally a depressed, flat, and somewhat elongated muzzle ; maxil- 
lary with a fang-like tooth in front, but without a posterior grooved 
tooth. The African species feed on mice and other smaller nocturnal 
* «*A Hunter’s Life in South Africa,” vol. ii, p. 133. Vide also Chapman’s 
**Travels in the Interior of South Africa,” vol. ii., p. 34. We have personally 
captured or assisted in capturing various species of both families, and it is no easy 
matter to do so sometimes, from the rapidity of their movements among the 
branches of trees and bushes ; but most assuredly we never saw one of these most 
beautiful reptiles attempt to dart or to spurt at anybody, and as they have no 
poison fangs, the jatter must needs be an error.— Ep, . 
