FAUNA. 



261 



frequently attains a length of four feet ; — and its flesh is here, 

 as in other parts of the continent, esteemed. There ai*e many 

 varieties of serpents, some of which are harmless. Of the 

 venomous species, there are the golden snake, the whip-snake, 

 and the tamagas — the bite of which is considered deadly. So 

 is also that of the corral. It is of the most brilliant colour, 

 covered with alternate rings of green, black, and red. To 

 this last may be added the rattlesnake and the ordinary 



to! 



Tilt lMBKlCVTKI) Tl'KTl.K. 



black snake. Most of these snakes are found in the lower 

 region near the sea-coast. 



In all the rivers and lakes, tortoises and turtles of several 

 kinds are abundant. The land turtle reaches a foot in 



17 R 



