THE SAVAGE WORLD. 185 
parous, depositing its eggs in a dry spot near the margin of a river and incu¬ 
bating them, though for how long a period has not been determined. 
The Boa Constrictor. As previously stated, there are no less than eleven 
different species of the boa , to each of which a local name has been applied, so 
that several designations are given to each, and according to the locality in which 
they are found. The generic name is python , derived from the fabled serpent 
Apollo is said to have slain near Delphi. The term python , however, is applied 
only to the species found in Africa and the East Indies, while boa is used to 
designate those of 
the species inhabit¬ 
ing the American 
tropics. The only 
difference between 
the two is that the 
former are provided 
with teeth in the 
intermaxillary bone, 
while the latter have 
the teeth confined to 
the jaws proper. 
This difference is, 
however, so very 
small that they may 
very properly be 
classed as members of 
the same species. 
Recognizing the local 
names as the best 
means for distin¬ 
guishing the several 
species I will de¬ 
scribe them under 
their respective appel¬ 
lations. 
The Rock Snake 
is found in both 
Africa and India, but 
grows to a greater 
size in the former 
country, where speci¬ 
mens have been killed ringed boa. 
measuring twenty 
feet, while in India it rarely exceeds half that length. Though capable of 
exerting great muscular force, the reptile is very shy, and will submit to the 
mastery of a very small enemy. On one occasion a chicken was introduced 
into the cage of a large rock snake 'with the view of furnishing the reptile 
with a dinner; but when the serpent advanced to strike, the chicken showed 
fight,. and in a few moments was pecking so vigorously at the snake’s head 
that it had to be removed to save the reptile’s life. On another occasion, how- 
