220 



VERTEBRATA 



FIG. 265. Boa constrictor crushing a rat prepara- 

 tory to swallowing it. Photograph. 



is a very venomous snake in the South, resting on bushes 

 overhanging streams watching for its favorite food, con- 

 sisting of frogs and 

 fish. The Cobra 

 ( Naja tripudians ) , 

 attaining a length of 

 four feet, is a deadly 

 snake living in India 

 where it is much 

 feared because dur- 

 ing the wet season 

 it seeks protection 

 in the huts of the 

 natives. About 

 twenty thousand people and several thousand cattle are 

 killed annually by 

 its bite. 



The family Boidce 

 includes the largest 

 of living snakes. 

 They are non-veno- 

 mous but dangerous, 

 owing to their abil- 

 ity to crush a deer 

 or man by coiling 

 about him. A pecu- 

 liar feature exhibited 

 by them is the presence of rudimentary hind limbs. The 

 Indian python attains a length of twenty-five feet and a 

 diameter of ten inches. The Anaconda, inhabiting South 

 America, is the largest of all snakes. Specimens have 



FIG. 256. Skull of Boa constrictor two thirds 

 natural size. Photograph. 



