124 THE ANACONDA. 



very large size, often exceeding twenty feet in length, and being said to reach thirty feet in 

 some cases. It is worthy of mention, that, before swallowing their prey, the Boas do not 

 cover it with saliva, as has been asserted. Indeed, the very narrow and slender-forked tongue 

 of the Serpent is about the worst possible implement for such a purpose. A very large 

 amount of this substance is certainly secreted by the reptile while in the act of swallowing, 

 and is of great use in lubricating the prey, so as to aid it in its passage down the throat and 

 into the body ; but it is only poured upon the victim during the act of swallowing, and is not 

 prepared and applied beforehand. 



The dilating powers of the Boa are wonderful. The skin stretches to a degree which 

 seems absolutely impossible ; and the comparison between the diameter of the prey and that 

 of the mouth through which it has to pass, and the throat down which it has to glide, is 

 almost ludicrous in its apparent impracticability, and, unless proved by frequent experience, 

 would seem more like the prelude to a, juggler's trick than an event of every-day occurrence. 

 To such an extent is the body dilatable, that the shape of the animal swallowed can often be 

 traced through the skin, and the very fur is visible through the translucent eyes, as the dead 

 victim passes through the jaws and down the throat. 



There is a popular idea among the inhabitants of the country in which the Boa lives, that, 

 if it attacks a man in a forest, he may possibly escape by slipping round a tree in such a 

 manner that the Serpent may squeeze the trunk of the tree, mistaking it for the body of the 

 man, and so burst itself asunder by the violence of its efforts. Whether any one has escaped 

 by this rather transparent device is not mentioned. 



The color of the Boa Constrictor is rich brown, and along its back runs a broad chain of 

 large blackish spots of a somewhat hexagonal shape, and of pale white spots scooped at each 

 end. These dark and pale spots are arranged alternately, and form a really pretty pattern ; 

 and, should the colors be faded, as is always the case when the skin has been renewed, the 

 species may be recognized by the arrangement of the scales round the eyes, which are set in a 

 circle, are thirty in number, and are separated from the scales of the lips by two rows of 

 smaller scales. 



An equally celebrated Snake, the Anaconda, is figured in the accompanying full-page 

 illustration. 



This gigantic serpent is a native of tropical America, where it is known under several 

 names, La Culebra de Agua, or Water Serpent, and El Traga Venado, or Deer-Swallower, 

 being the most familiar. The flesh of this Serpent, although firm and white, is seldom if ever 

 eaten by the natives, although the flesh of Serpents is considered a delicacy by many nations. 

 Within the body is a huge amount of fat from which can be obtained a very considerable 

 quantity of oil. This oil is thought to be a specific for many complaints, especially for 

 rheumatism, strains, and bruises. Seven or eight gallons of fine oil can be extracted from one 

 of these reptiles ; but the process of draining off the oil is generally performed in so careless a 

 manner, that half of the amount is usually wasted. 



Sir R. Ker Porter has some curious remarks on the Anaconda: "This Serpent is not 

 venomous nor known to injure men (at least not in this part of the New World) ; however, 

 tlie natives stand in great fear of it, never bathing in waters where it is known to exist. Its 

 common haunt, or rather domicile, is invariably near lakes, swamps and rivers ; likewise close 

 to wet ravines produced by inundations of the periodical rains; hence, from its aquatic 

 habits, its first appellation (/'. e. Water Serpent). Fish, and those animals which repair there 

 to drink, are the objects of its prey. The creature lurks watchfully under cover of the water, 

 and while the unsuspecting animal is drinking, suddenly makes a dart at the nose, and with a 

 grip of its back-reclining double range of teeth, never fails to secure the terrified beast beyond 

 the power of escape." 



Compression is the only method employed by the Anaconda for killing its prey, and the 

 pestilent breath which has been attributed to this reptile is wholly fabulous. Indeed, it is 

 doubtful whether any Snake whatever possesses a fetid breath, and Mr. Waterton, who has 

 handled Snakes, both poisonous and inoffensive, as much as most living persons, utterly 



