ANACONDA. 



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in waters where it is known to exist. Its common haunt, or 

 rather domicile, is invariably near lakes, swamps, and rivers ; 

 likewise close and wet ravines produced by inundations of the 

 periodical rains. Fishes, as well as other animals which repair 

 there to drink, are 

 its prey. The 

 creature lurks 

 watchfully under 

 cover of the water, 

 and, while the 

 unsuspecting ani- 

 mal is drinking, 

 suddenly makes a 

 dash at its nose, 

 and with a grip of 

 its back- reclining 

 range of teeth, 

 never fails to se- 

 cure the terrified 

 beast beyond the 

 power of escape. 

 In an instant the 

 sluggish waters 

 are in turbulence 

 and foam. The 

 whole form of the 

 Serpent is in mo- 

 tion ; its huge and 

 rapid ceilings soon 

 encircle the strug- 

 gling victim, and 

 but a short interval elapses ere every bone in the body of 

 the expiring prey is broken." Sir Eobert then describes the 

 manner in which the prey is swallowed, being previously lubri- 

 cated by the Serpent's saliva ; but Professor T. Bell, after carefully 

 watching the constricting Serpent's mode of swallowing its prey, 

 asserts that this is a delusion. "The mucus is not poured 



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Fig. iti. — Anaconda {li^unectes murinus). 



