4:06 
VERTEBRATA. 
Genus HOETULIA : HortuUa. — Of this is tlie Natal Rock-Snake, H. JVatalensis, which 
attains an enormous size. 
The Guinea Rock-Snake, H. Sebce, resembles the preceding ; it is found in "Western Africa, 
and is the Fetish Serpent worshiped by the natives of Guinea. The Royal Rock-Snake, H. 
regia, is an inhabitant of Gambia and the contiguous country. 
Genus EPICRATES : Ejncrates. — This includes several species, tnown under the general name 
of Aboma. The Tamacuilla Huilia or Aboma, E. eenchria, appears to be the serpent worshiped 
by the ancient Mexicans. It is of gigantic size, and has its haunts in marshy places in the tropical 
parts of South America ; it suspends itself by the tail to some branch of a tree overhanging 
the water, allowing the head and body to float upon the surface. In this situation it waits 
patiently till some animal comes near, when it darts upon it, crushes it in its folds, and devours 
it at leisure. 
The Brown Aboma, JEJ. maurus, resembles the preceding, and is a native of Yenezuela. 
Genus XIPHOSOMA : Xiphosoma. — This includes a single species, the Bojobi or Green 
Boa. This is a large and formidable serpent, whose bite produces lock-jaw, and is therefore 
often fatal. It is a native of tropical America. 
Genus BOA: Boa. — Of this there are four species, all of which have been described as the 
Boa Constrictor. The true Boa Constrictor, B. constrictor^ appears to be confined to Guiana 
and Brazil. Some authors consider it as the sacred serpent of the Mexicans. It is a gigantic 
species, and frequently devours deer, goats, and other quadrupeds of large size. 
Genus ETJNECTES : Eunectes. — This includes the Anaconda, E. inurimLS, though it is 
proper to observe that the term Anaconda, like that of Boa Constrictor, has been popularly ap- 
plied to all the more powerful serpents. This species is brownish, with a double series of black- 
ish-brown blotches down the back ; the lateral spots are annular and oscellated. When young 
it feeds on mice ; at maturity it devours goats, sheep, (fee. Its provincial name signifies Deer- 
Swallower. It is found in Venezuela, where it is called Culebra de Agua. 
There are still many other genera and species belonging to the great family of Boidse. 
HINDOO JUGGLER. 
