292 A SNAKE WITH LEGS ^THE COCKATRICE. 



friend, fled precipitately. On his way home, however, and 

 when his agitation had subsided, he determined to revenge 

 himself on the reptile, and early the following day he return- 

 ed to put his plan into execution. 



Having seen the serpent leave the aperture in question, he 

 slipped unperceived into it, and quietly awaited the reptile's 

 return. As soon as he observed it approaching, he coolly 

 placed his open hand across the narrowest part of the pas- 

 sage, and, just as the monster's eyes glared within, he grasp- 

 ed it by the throat, and, by striking its head to and fro 

 against the rocks on either side, soon succeeded in destroy- 

 ing it. 



Many Namaquas believe that the ondara possesses certain 

 medicinal virtues ; therefore, when they succeed in killing 

 the reptile, its flesh is carefully preserved. If a person falls 

 sick, a portion is either applied externally in the form of an 

 unction, or given to the patient in a decoction. 



The natives mention a very singular little snake, about 

 seven or eight inches long, possessing four distinct legs, each 

 provided with toes and nails like a lizard. It is difficult to 

 conceive for what purpose these limbs (which are placed 

 somewhat apart, and rather to the side, as in the seal) have 

 been destined by nature, since they are apparently never 

 used. The motion of this curious creature, which is of a 

 dark slate color, is said to be that of a perfect snake. Three 

 specimens were brought at different times to Mr. Hahn when 

 at Barmen. 



The story of the cockatrice, so common in many parts of 

 the world, is also found among the Damaras ; but instead of 

 crowing, or, rather, chuckling like a fowl when going to roost, 

 they say it bleats like a lamb. It attacks man as well as 

 beast, and its bite is considered fatal. They point to the dis- 

 tant north as its proper home. In Timbo's country it is 

 termed "hangara," and is said to attain to twelve feet, or 

 even more, in length, with a beautifully variegated skin. On 



