96 OPHIDIANS. 
No. 4, Vipera Lachesis Acuaticus, and No. 5, Vipera La- 
chesis Variegata, abound in marshes and lagoons; the former 
coils itself in the branches of the trees at the edge of a river 
or brook, during the hours of extreme heat, and lets itself 
drop down into or upon a passing canoe or boat, much to the 
consternation of the “bogas.” Their poison is not so deadly 
as that of the Bufocephalus. 
No. 6. Vipera Lachesis Dryiophis, is marked like both No. 
4 and No. 5, but it is always coiled upon the trees at the edge 
of the water and only lets itself drop when disturbed or 
molested. 
No. 7. Vipera Lachesis os Flavus, Boguidorada or Gilded 
mouth. This is a common species in the valley of the Mag- 
dalena and Valle Dupar region; it also occurs in Venezuela. 
In size, and the macule on its dorsum, it bears close resem- 
blance (in fact in many individuals is identical), with the 
Bufocephalus, but the throat and body are rather more slender 
and of a more graceful shape. The sides above the edges of 
the scuta are of a lighter color, and the edges of the mouth 
and throat are of a golden-yellow hue, hence its name. Its 
poison is very deadly and its bite much feared, as the Curers 
consider a cure of it a great test of their powers and proof of 
the efficacy of their secrets. They lose, however, many cases, 
but save their reputation by attributing the unfortunate ter- 
mination of the case to a tithe (every tenth case) due to “ La 
Suerte,” their:god of Chance, whose assistance they invoke 
upon undertaking to perform every case of cure. 
No. 12. Vipera Calamaris Venenosus, occurs at an altitude 
of 300 metres and upwards above the level of the sea. It 
is never found in the lower parts of the great rivers, 
Length from 15 to 40 centimetres; body of nearly a uniform thickness ; 
tail short and more highly prehensile than that of any other variety 
