Tue Boa-CoNnsTRICTORS. 295 
scales, of much the same size as those over the body, and 
not with the larger shields or plates met with in the 
harmless snakes. 
Of all the species, the water boa, which is known techni- 
cally as Eunectes murznus, will be most easily recognised. 
Its markings and colour are nearly the same in all 
individuals and at all ages. Above, it is of a glossy 
brownish black, with a double row of large oval black 
marks, arranged transversely: below, it is mottled or 
streaked with black and yellowish white; while along 
each side there is a series of yellow patches surrounded 
_ by a black border. 
During life the tints are vivid enough, but when the 
snake is preserved, or the skin taken from the body and 
dried, the colours become dull. The skins, however, 
are in great request for slippers, belts, pouches, and 
other similar, useful or ornamental, objets. 
In size, this water boa seems to exceed all other 
snakes ; and it would appear to be more deserving of the 
ancient name, Anaconda, than the Eastern forms to 
which it was first applied. In faét, it may be said that 
the name is almost limited nowadays to this tropical 
American species. The length is known to reach quite 37 
feet, but it is said that much larger specimens have 
been taken. On this point, however, it is hardly safe to 
express an opinion, since unless definite measurements 
are made, the estimate of size can be of little value. 
A case in point, which would suggest caution in ac- 
cepting the great lengths ascribed to certain animals, 
may be quoted from the writer’s experience as regards 
the large Black Alligator, locally known as Caiman 
(Alligator niger). The length of this form is given by 
