56 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



The Natal Rock Snake (H. natalensis, Fig. 13) is described by 

 Sir Andrew Smith as being gigantic in size, he having seen a skin 

 measuring twenty-five feet, although part of the tail was absent. 

 " It feeds," he says, " on small quadrupeds ; and for some days after 

 swallowing one it remains in a torpid state, when it may be easily 

 destroyed." Of this opportunity, however, the South Africans never 

 avail themselves; they have a horror of the reptile, but believe 

 that it has an influence over their destinies, and affirm that no one 

 has ever been known to kill one and prosper. 



The Guinea Rock or Fetish Snake (H. Sebce, Fig. 14) is typical 

 of the genus, and has also been referred to the Boa Constrictor, and 

 closely resembles the Natal Rock Snake.* It is a native of the 

 warmer parts of Africa. A living specimen at the Zoological Gardens 

 was estimated to weigh a hundredweight. 



Of the genera Liasis and Nordoa there are five species, very 

 imperfectly known. 



IV. Epicrates, an American and West Indian species, having 

 the crown scaly, the forehead with symmetrical shields. 



The Aboma (E. cenchria, Fig. 15) is one of the largest of the 

 group, sometimes attaining dimensions quite gigantic. It is yellowish 

 in colour, with a row of large brown rings running the whole length of 

 the back, and variable spots on the sides ; these are generally dark, 

 with a whitish semi-lunar mark. This formidable reptile has all the 

 habits of its congeners ; it is found in the marshy swamps of tropical 

 America and near the rivers, where it lies in wait for its prey. 



The Boas, properly so-called, have the scales smooth ; labial 

 shields smooth, not pitted ; the body compressed, tapering to the 

 tail, which is long and prehensile ; the head is comparatively small, 

 being enlarged behind and contracted towards the muzzle, which is 

 rather short. The crown is covered with scales ; the nostrils lateral, 

 between two plates. Four species of this genus are recognised by 

 naturalists, all of which have been described by travellers as the true 

 Boiguacu, or boa constrictor of Linnaeus. This species has the scaly 

 circle of the orbit separated from the upper labial plates by one or 

 two series of scales. A large chain consisting of blackish hexagonal 

 spots, alternating pale oval stains, notched and jagged, extending 

 the whole length of the back, and forming a very elegant design. 

 This species seems to be strictly confined to tropical America. 

 Humboldt found it in Guiana, and the Prince de Wied observed it 



* A variety very similar to this is known in China. El?, 



