156 



ZOOLOGY. 



we were, a small bush and some high grass completely 

 skreened us from its Tiew, whilst being on rising ground we 

 could distinctly observe all its motions. On the second fire 

 the ball struck it on the forehead, which it entered, and con- 

 tinuing in a horizontal line, passed into the vertebrae ; the 

 Animal instantly fell ; and the head and fore part of the 

 body lay without motion, excepting the tongue, which was 

 thrust out of the mouth and violently agitated : its tail was 

 continually moving, sometimes lashing the ground with 

 violence, and at others, completely incircling the trunk of 

 the tree, round which it had so recently entwined itself in 

 security. 



The Natives seeing the monster likely to be overpowered, 

 begaixto shew some little courage, and informed us that if a 

 blow could be given behind the head, but not to sever it 

 entirely, the Animal would quickly expire; and it seeming 

 probable that could the blow be struck before it recovered 

 from the stunning of the ball, it might be effective; our English 

 servant volunteered in the service, armed with a scimitar 

 and a small axe, and accomplished his task ; after which we 

 all approached, our guides having by tliis time acquired as 

 much courage as any of us. It was one of the most beautiful 

 though horrid sights imaginable ; the whole Animal was con- 

 vulsed, and its writhings and contortions were dreadful 

 beyond expression, during which its colours were heightened 

 in brilliancy, and were continually changing ; its eyes, 

 which when first wounded, were closed, now seemed to 

 flash fire; and possessed an expression that is not descri- 

 bable; in a short time it began to grow languid, and after a 



