THE NATAL ROCK SNAKE. 



119 



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 PORT NATAL PYTHON, as it is sometimes 

 called, now comes under our notice. It is a fine, handsome species, sometimes attain- 

 ing a great length, and being most beautifully colored. 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, however, 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 arc 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. 



NATAL ROCK SNAKE. Hortulia Nataleasls. 



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

 men 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 dry- 

 ing 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. 



