Two-Headed Snakes. 49 
the island of Jamaica, has no such constitution. Such a 
_two-headed being betongs to fabulous, and not to real zool- 
. But it is an aphedian reptile, having two distinct 
om heads, or a double head, at one extremity of the body. 
In the usual cases, among the mammalia, the departure 
from the ordinary figure and structure, has been uniformly 
considered as indicating or constituting monstrosity. Wheo 
a similar sadaeend of organization occurs in serpents, it 
seems to have been viewed by many, with a different regard. 
The sedibaeas have attracted notice asa distinct race, and 
perfect in their kind. 
is opinion has probably arisen from the size which the 
animal has attained, and the agility with which it performed 
all its functions. Hence a sentiment arose, that a Serpens 
biceps, belonged to a specific breed, begaaniy and naturally 
formed with two heads. | 
‘The circumstances were powerful and imposing’s and for 
a time, | was myself inclined to that belief. But latterly | 
have acquired information, that: ‘has obliged me to abandon 
During the year 1823, a female snake was killed about 
six miles west of the Genesee river, together with her 
whole brood of young ones, amounting to one hundred and 
twenty. Of these, three were monsters; one with two dis- 
tinct heads; one with a double head, and only three eyes ; 
and one with a double ee furnished with three eyes anda 
single lower jaw ; this last had two bodies. The figures 
correctly drawn from the acids in my collection, iis 
sent the ere and size of the several individuals. - (See 
annexed plate, fig. 1, 2, and 3.) My friend, Dr. Voight, or 
Rochester, having heardwf the occurrence, travelled to the 
place and inquired into the facts. He procared the three 
which were deformed, and very obligingly piaced them at- 
my disposal. The dam, or mother, was of the sort called the 
ack Snake or Runner, one of the most frequent and prolific 
of the New-York serpents. The species is very well known, 
andis apparently the Coluber constrictor of Linnzus, and Le 
Lien of La Cepede. It frequently a‘tains the length of six 
feet, and has been known to equal twelve; is sleek and 
slender, with a black back and a bluish belly, with a white 
throat, and sometimes a white ring around the neck. The 
vulgar name is derived from a tale, that in the amorous sea- 
_ son, the male is bold enough to chase buman beings, and en- 
~~ Vou. X.-—No.}. - z 
