274 



ON SNAKES. 



lives, nor to offer wanton molestation. This 

 boundless territory affords an ample range to both 

 yourselves and me. Our interests can never clash 

 as though we were in commerce : so pray enjoy 

 yourselves, and let me do the same." 



I find it somewhat difficult, to give instructions 

 by the pen, how to distinguish a snake with fangs, 

 from one without them, as you are travelling 

 through the woods. Many of the former present 

 an appearance, which clearly shews their nature : — 

 the Cerastes of Egypt to wit. Its flat head, — its 

 scales, somewhat in color like to the fallen leaves, 

 its thick and short form, at once give warning, 

 that, if the traveller should wish to take it, he must 

 go very cautiously to work. 



The labarri too, of Guiana, is easily known by 

 its color and appearance, and warns us how we act. 



Some again, are of so dubious a composition, 

 that you are at a loss whether to consider them 

 innocent or dangerous serpents. The whip-snakes, 

 that is, long and slender snakes not unlike the 

 thong of a whip, (hence their name) throughout the 

 whole of Guiana, may be handled with perfect 

 safety; and I have no doubt in my own mind, 

 that all snakes of this make, no matter what 

 region they inhabit, are harmless in every sense 

 of the word. 



