THE BOIGVACU, OR BOA CONSTRICTOR. 



123 



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. 



This creature is rather variable in its coloring, the locality having probably some influence 

 in this respect. Generally, it is rich chocolate-brown, with five dark streaks on the top and 

 sides of the head, a series of large and rather narrow dark rings along the back, and two 

 rows of dark spots on the sides. Sometimes a number of large spots are seen on the back, 

 and white streaks on the sides. In all tlie members of this genus, the hinder limbs or 

 "spurs" of the male are larger and stronger than in the female. 



Another American species, the Dog-headed Boa, or Bojobi {Xiphosama canmum), is 

 notable for the formidable armament of teeth which line the mouth, and the beautiful green 

 color of its skin. As is the case with all the Boid;e, this species is only found in the hottest 

 parts of the country, and is most plentiful in Brazil. It may be known from the other species, 

 partly by its gi'een color, partly by the deep pits on the plates that edge the lips, and partly 

 by the regular ring of scales that surrounds the eye. This Snake is sometimes caUed the 

 Araeamboya. 



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BOIQDACC— £oa constrictor. 



We now come to the Boigfaou, or true Boa Constkictor, a title which is indifferently 

 applied to all the family, and with some degree of appropriateness, inasmuch as they aU kiU 

 their prey by pressure or constriction. 



This magnificent reptile is a native of Southern and Tropical America, and is one of those 

 Serpents that were formerly held sacred and worshipped with divine honors. It attains a 



