The Horned Viper. 



497 



THE HORNED VIPEK, (Cerastes Hasselquistii.) 



THIS species of Viper is nearly allied to the asp, and has 

 a pointed and solid horny substance on. each eyelid, 

 formed of two projecting scales : its body is of a pale 

 yellowish or greyish colour, with distant sub-ovate 

 transverse brown spots ; and in length it is from one to 

 two feet. 



This species is often mentioned by the ancients. 

 Pliny tells us that " the serpent Cerastes hath many 

 times four small horns, standing out double ; with 

 moving whereof she amuseth the birds, and traineth 

 them unto her for to catch them, hiding all the rest of 

 her body." 



It is found in the sandy deserts of Egypt and the 

 neighbouring countries, and is believed to be the Asp 

 with which Cleopatra eluded the disgrace of becoming a 

 prisoner to her Roman conqueror. 



