GREAT BOA. 
83 
the boa attains its largest size, are really alarming. 
They describe it as resembling the trunk of a large 
tree moving swiftly along among the bushes and 
high grass, and leaving a large furrow which fol- 
lows all the undulations of its course. All the ani- 
mals on which it preys fly before it ; and the only 
means to avoid the pursuit is to set fire to the grass, 
which immediately spreads, and checks the ardour 
of the serpent. We should naturally conclude that 
an animal of such amazing power, and of so ter- 
rific an appearance, would carefully be avoided by 
all mankind ; yet the contrary appears to be the 
case: for we are assured that the negroes, when 
properly armed, will frequently attack and destroy 
it. Captain Stedrnan, during his residence in Su- 
rinam, assisted by his negro, was bold enough to 
shoot one which measured twenty-two feet and 
some inches, although the natives declared it to be 
a young one. As the account the captain has given 
of the transaction is interesting, we shall relate it 
nearly in his own words. 
As Captain Stedman was resting in his hammock, 
while the vessel which he was in floated down the 
river, the sentinel told him he had seen and chal- 
lenged something black and moving in the brush- 
wood on the beach which gave no answer ; but 
which from its size he concluded must be a man. 
The captain immediately manned the canoe which 
accompanied his vessel, and rowed on shore to as- 
certain what it was ; when, to his great surprise, 
one of his slaves declared it was no negro, but a 
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