ANACONDA. 



65 



in waters where it is known to exist. Its common haunt, or 

 rather domicile, is invariably near lakes, swamps, and rivers ; 

 likewise close and wet ravines produced by inundations of the 

 periodical rains. Fishes, as well as other animals whic^ repair 

 there to drink, are 

 its prey. The 

 creature lurks 

 watchfully under 

 cover of the water, 

 and, while the 

 unsuspecting ani- 

 mal is drinking, 

 suddenly makes a 

 dash at its nose, 

 and with a grip of 

 its back- reclining 

 range of teeth, 

 never fails to se- 

 cure the terrified 

 beast beyond the 

 power of escape. 

 In an instant the 

 sluggish waters 

 are in turbulence 

 and foam. The 

 whole form of the 

 Serpent is in mo- 

 tion ; its huge and 

 rapid coilings soon 



s 



Fig. 16. Auacouua ( ^unectes murinus) . 



encircle the strug- 

 gling victim, and 

 but a short interval elapses ere every bone in the body of 

 the expiring prey is broken." Sir Robert then describes the 

 manner in which the prey is swallowed, being previously lubri- 

 cated by the Serpent's saliva ; but Professor T. Bell, after carefulty 

 watching the constricting Serpent's mode of swallowing its prey, 

 asserts that this is a delusion. " The mucus is not poured 



F 



