ABOMA. Eyieratet C^chria. 



The colour of the Natal Eock Snake is olive, variegated with yellow cross-bands and 

 spots, edged with deep black. The head is marked with an arrow-headed spot, and a dark 

 streak runs from the back of the eye. The under parts and the sides of the face are 

 yellow. 



There are several other species inhabiting Africa, resembling the preceding creature in 

 general habits and appearance. 



THE splendid RINGED BOA of America, sometimes called the ABOMA, has been 

 celebrated for its destructive powers, and in ancient times was worshipped by the Mexicans 

 and propitiated with human sacrifices. Naturally the people of the country would feel 

 disposed to awe in the presence of the mighty Snake whose prowess was so well known by 

 many fatal experiences, and this disposition was fostered by the priests of -the Serpent 

 deity, who had succeeded in taming several of these giant Snakes, and teaching them to 

 glide over and around them, as if extending their protection to men endowed with such 

 supernatural powers. 



This Serpent destroys its prey after the fashion of its family, merely by squeezing it to 

 death between its folds. While thus engaged, the reptile does not coil itself spirally round 

 the victim, but wraps fold over fold, to increase its power, just as we aid the grasping 

 strength of one hand by placing the other over it. It is said that the Snake can be removed 

 from, its prey by seizing it by the tail, and thus unwinding it. Moreover, a heavy blow on 

 the tail, or cutting off a few feet of the extremity, is the best way of disabling the monster 

 for the time. 



