THE RINGED BOA. 



121 



The color of the Natal Rock 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 



ABOMA. Epicrates Ceacbrla. 



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. More- 

 over, 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. 



