SERPENTS. 



361 



Eunectes murinus, the anaconda, is also a native of tropical America, and is repre- 

 sented in the engraving as in its native haunt, the low land by some pool or sluggish 

 stream, about to seize a ' boat-bill.' The anaconda is one of the largest representar 

 tives of the family, and is beautifully ornamented over a groundwork of rich brown, 

 by a double series of blotches along the back, and with irregular annular spots along 

 the sides. 



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Fig. 213. — Xiphosoma caninum, dog-headed boa. 



Xiphosoma caninum, or the dog-headed boa, inhabits Brazil, and is of a green 

 color with light dorsal bands. The labial plates resemble those of the pythons in being 

 deeply pitted. 



Epicrates cenchria, the ringed boa or aboma, was at one time worshipped as a god 

 by the ancient Mexicans, who often offered to it human sacrifices. In its habits it is 

 a true member of the family, strangling its prey by winding around it fold on fold of 

 its ponderous body. Its general color is of a dark yellowish gray, ornamented with a 

 dorsal row of large brown rings, and along the sides by \ariable blotches of a dark 

 color, having in their centre a lighter crescentric ornament. 



