536 On the " Indian Boa," " Python Tigris." [JtfLT, 



with loose and apparently dislocated jaws dropping with the super- 

 fluous mucus which had been poured forth." In this account the long- 

 cherished opinion of lubricating the prey is again set forth, and the 

 mouth of the serpent is said to drop with the " superfluous mucus 

 which had been poured forth /" 



This latter expression would lead one to suppose that the mucus 

 flowed copiously from the mouth, — which it certainly never does*. 



These snakes are kept in a state of artificial warmth and in a cli- 

 mate far different from that of their native forests, and therefore the 

 great flow of mucus may perhaps be induced by disease. My snakes 

 were in their own proper climate and in perfect health and vigour, 

 and yet they never either lubricated their prey, nor did their jaws 

 drop with any mucus at all; — nor did they ever coil round their prey 

 again, after having once quitted their hold. I may remark, that I 

 have not seen Mr. Brodkrip's account in his own words. 



A large cat was once sent to me for my Boa, by some friends who 

 maintained that the snake would not kill it, and this proved to be the 

 case, — not from any want of power or inclination on the part of the 

 reptile, but simply because he was not allowed to have fair play. 



It is well known to naturalists that these powerful reptiles lie con- 

 cealed, in expectation of some animal passing within reach of their 

 retreat, and should an unfortunate creature stray near enough, — it is 

 from the thicket or jungle grass that the deadly spring is made upon 

 the unsuspecting victim. But if a Boa be surprised in open ground, 

 instead of springing upon its disturber, it would endeavour to make 

 its escape to the jungle, and unless closely pressed or actually assailed 

 would make no attempt to destroy its pursuer. 



I had always been in the habit of introducing the prey into the 

 cage by a side door and from a corner of the den, the spring was 

 made, almost before the animal introduced was aware of the danger 

 in which it stood. Had the cat been thrust in in like manner, she 

 would have had no time to prepare for combat ; — nothing how- 

 ever, would satisfy my visitors, but turning the snake out of his 

 den into an open verandah, in which the cat was already tied by one 

 leg. 



The Boa frightened by the noise and number of people collected, 

 endeavoured to make his escape, and for this purpose was passing 

 on without noticing the cat, when to my surprise she seized the Boa 



* If the snake had lubricated the prey, the jaws should rather have been des- 

 titute of mucus after swallowing it, than dropping with superfluous mucus I 





