302 THE TROPICAL WORLD. 



like an eel, or abandoning itself to the current of the river. 

 Often, also, it suns itself on the sandy margin of the stream, or 

 patiently awaits its prey, stretched out upon some rock or 

 fallen tree. With sharp eye it observes all that swims in the 

 waters, as well as all that flies over them, or all that comes to 

 the banks to drink ; neither fish nor aquatic bird is secure from 

 its rapid assault, and woe to the capybara that comes within 

 its grasp. 



When preparing for an attack, it attaches itself with its 

 tail to a tree or rock, and then suddenly darts, its prodigious 

 length upon its prey, the bones of which it breaks in its 

 resistless folds before slowly swallowing it. A large snake will 

 thus engulph a horse and its rider, or a whole ox as far as the 

 horns, which eventually separate from the putrefying body. 

 Even water-boas of a smaller size are able to swallow enormous 

 masses ; a deer and two pecaris were found in the stomach of 

 one forty feet long. The chase of these hideous reptiles is not 

 dangerous, for they are slow and cowardly, and a wound in the 

 spine soon renders them stiff and unable to move. Their flesh 

 is unfit to be eaten, but their fat is considered a remedy for 

 consumption, and their tanned skin makes excellent coverings 

 for saddles. 



The boas principally inhabit America, although some species 

 are likewise met with in Asia ; but the still more formidable 

 pythons are confined to the hot regions of the Old World. 

 They are said to enlace even the tiger or the lion in their 

 fatal embrace, and, to judge by their size and strength, this 

 assertion seems by no means improbable. 



The various serpent tribes are exposed to the attacks of many 

 enemies, who fortunately keep their numbers within salutary 

 bounds, and avenge the death of the 

 countless insects, worms, toads, frogs, and 

 lizards, that fall a prey to their strengtli 

 or their venom. Several species of 

 rapacious and aquatic birds live upon 

 snakes, the American ostrich thins 

 their ranks whenever he can, and the 

 African Secretary is renowned for his 

 prowess in serpentine warfare. 



' The battle was obstinate,' says Le Vaillant, describing one 



