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NATAL ROCK SNAKE. Eoriulia Natalensw. 



numerous folds until nearly every bone was broken. In one such instance, the man 

 had been caught by the right, wrist, as was seen by the marks of the Serpent's teeth. 



The handsome NATAL ROCK SNAKE, or POET NATAL PYTHON, as it is sometimes called, 

 now comes under our notice. It is a fine, handsome species, sometimes attaining a great 

 length, and being most beautifully coloured. During life and when in full health and in 

 the enjoyment of liberty, this, in common with many other Snakes, has a beautiful rich 

 bloom upon its scales, not unlike the purple bloom of a plum or grape. Should, how- 

 ever, the Snake be in ill health, this bloom fades away, and in consequence, we seldom 

 if ever see it on the scales of the Serpents which have been brought to England, and are 

 kept in glass-fronted cases in lieu of the wide desert, and only a blanket to creep into 

 instead of the rocky crevices of their native country. 



The dimensions of this reptile are often very great. Dr. A. Smith has seen a specimen 

 measuring twenty-five feet in length, exclusive of a portion of the tail which was missing. 

 Flat skins of this creature are, however, very deceptive, and cannot be relied upon, as 

 they stretch almost as readily as India-rubber, and during the process of drying are 

 often extended several feet beyond the length which they occupied while surrounding the 

 body of their quondam owner. 



The teeth of this Serpent are tolerably large, but not venomous, and although of no 

 insignificant size, are really of small dimensions when compared with the size and weight 

 of their owner. Few persons have any idea of the exceeding heaviness of a large Snake, 

 and unless the reptile has been fairly lifted and carried about, its easy gliding movements 

 have the effect of making it appear as if it were as light as it is graceful. 



