EEL TRIBE. 227 



or preparing to bite, these Snakes erect their body, 

 bend down their head, and widely expand the skin of 

 their neck, which is marked towards the top with a large 

 and conspicuous patch, somewhat resembling a pair of 

 spectacles. 



The length of the Hooded Snake is generally from 

 three to four feet. 



Whip Snake. There is, in the East Indies, a venomous 

 species of Snake, which is about five feet in length, and in 

 thickness does not much exceed the thong of a whip. 

 Respecting one of these Snakes, we are informed, that, 

 several years ago, a Jesuit missionary happening to enter 

 an Indian pagoda, saw upon the floor what he mistook 

 for the lash of a whip ; but, on taking it up, was perfectly 

 astonished to find that it was endowed with life. He had, 

 however, providentially grasped it near the head, in such 

 a manner that the creature could not bite him but was 

 only able 4 to entwine itself strongly round his arm. And 

 in this manner he held it until it was killed by those who 

 came to his assistance. 



CLASS IV. FISHES. 

 ORDER I. APODAL FISH. 



1. EEL TRIBE. 



These animals are partial to still waters, where the bot- 

 tom is soft and muddy. They are all extremely voracious. 



