The Homed Viper. 
497 
THE HORNED VIPER. {Cerastes Hasselquistil) 
This species of Viper is nearly allied to the asp, and has 
a pointed and solid horny substance on each eyelid, 
formed of two projecting scales : its body is of a pale 
yellowish or greyish colour, with distant sub-ovate 
transverse brown spots ; and in length it is from one to 
two feet. 
This species is often mentioned by the ancients. 
Pliny tells us that " the serpent Cerastes hath many 
times four small horns, standing out double ; with 
moving whereof she amuseth the birds, and traineth 
them unto her for to catch them, hiding all the rest of 
her body." 
It is found in the sandy deserts of Egypt and the 
neighbouring countries, and is believed to be the Asp 
with which Cleopatra eluded the disgrace of becoming a 
prisoner to her Roman conqueror. 
2 K 
