214 LEAVES FEOM THE 



head is very distinct, and the angles of the jaws diverge 

 considerably, giving great width to the hinder part, while 

 the anterior portion is narrower. The nose is rounded ; 

 the nostrils are situated near its apex, each in the centre 

 of a thick projecting scale. The eyebrows are arched, 

 and near the middle of each is a slender, pointed, slightly 

 recurved spine or horn, from which the serpent takes its 

 name. The markings on the head, as well as those on 

 the body, vary in different individuals. The body is 

 thick in proportion to its length, and the tail is short, 

 tapering rather suddenly, and pointed. 



Its habits are most indolent ; buried in the burning 

 sand, it nurses its sweltering venom till it is roused by 

 hunger or trampled upon, and then woe to the intruder. 

 Its inactivity is thrown off, and its movements brisk. 

 When once it seizes the offender it retains its hold with 

 great obstinacy, requiring considerable force to detach it. 

 After a naia has inflicted a wound it makes haste to 

 escape, but the cerastes and other vipers, even when 

 detached by force and thrown upon the ground, remain 

 on the spot, or retreat very slowly from it. 



But what is the use of the horns ? 



Old authors state that it lies buried in the sand with 

 the tips of the horns just projecting above the surface, as 

 a bait for the birds, somewhat after the manner of the 

 anglers among fishes. These last lie concealed in the 

 mud or sand, leaving the long fibres that spring from the 

 anterior part of the head out to attract the smaller fry, 

 which they then devour. The birds, they say, take the 

 tips of the serpent's horns for little worms or grubs, 

 approach for the purpose of feeding on them, and fall a 

 prey to the serpent. 



We find the latent and subtle habits of the cerastes 

 alluded to in the forty-ninth chapter of Genesis, contain- 

 ing Jacob's prophecy relative to his offspring. 



