OPHIDIANS. 521 



often taught to dance to their rude music. It should be noted 

 with reference to the contest in the- presence of Pharaoh between 

 Moses and Aaron and the magicians of Egypt, (Exodus viii., 

 9 12,) that it is stated, on good authority, the modern Egyptian 

 jugglers possess the power of throwing the N. liaje into a state 

 of catalepsy, and rendering it still and immovable, in other words, 

 changing it into a rod, by pressing the nape with the fingers. 



Dr. Cantor has brought to notice a new genus of snakes, nearly 

 allied to the Cobras, called Hamadrydas, (Gr. hama, together 

 with ; drus, an oak or any tree,) which has a few maxillary 

 teeth beyond the poison fangs, thus connecting the venomous 

 serpents to the harmless, that have a complete row of maxillary 

 teeth. According to Dr. C., the Hamad rydas feeds upon other 

 serpents. It is said to be from eight to twelve feet in length, and 

 exceedingly fierce, not merely ready to defend itself, which is all 

 the common Cobra does unless greatly provoked, but quick to 

 attack and to pursue when opposed. Its poison is a &quot;pellucid 

 tasteless fluid, in consistence like a thin solution of gurn arabic 

 in water,&quot; and reddening litmus paper, like that of other mem- 

 bers of the family. 



The Cerastes or HORN SNAKE, (see Chart,) is a native of 

 Egypt and Lybia, and characterized by having a group of ele 

 vated horn-like scales over each eye. Its general length is about 

 two feet. The color is sandy red, with irregular brownish 

 markings ; hence it cannot easily be distinguished from the sands 

 of the desert, in which it dwells ; so that it may be trodden upon 

 unsuspectingly by man or cattle, and inflict a poisonous wound 

 before its presence is perceived. It moves with great rapidity 

 and in all directions, forwards, backwards, and sidewise, which 

 makes it the more dangerous. 



Another most deadly snake, called the DEATH ADDER, and 

 BLACK SNAKE, Acanthophis tortor, (Lat. torturer,) is found in 

 Australia. The small woods and sandy heaths around Botany 

 Bay are largely infested with it, and every where it is greatly 

 dreaded by the colonists, on account of the mortal wounds which 

 it inflicts. It is hideous in its aspect and thick in proportion to 

 its length, which is two or three feet. The genus Acanthophis 

 links the Viperine group to the Rattle snakes; the tail terminat 

 ing in a single horny spine, instead of being invested as in the 

 Rattle Snakes, with dry scaly pieces, resembling so many bell- 

 like appendages, and forming a rattle. The head is covered in 

 front with large plates ; the scuta, or plates beneath the tail, are 

 double. 



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