PART II. (continued 2)

The Cameleon is said to transform itself into variety of Colours; perhaps this change may arise from the different reflections of the Rays of Light: Thus they may put on a brown or whitish Habit, from Trees of that Colour, on which they sit. Others observe, that its Colour is changeable, according to the various Passions that agitate the Creature; e. g. When affected with Joy, ’tis of an emerald Green, mixt with Orange, etch’d with little grey and black Strokes: Anger gives it a livid and dusky Colour: Fear makes it pale, and like faded yellow^[209]. All these Colours compose such a pretty Medley of Shadow and Light, that Nature does 97not afford a finer Variety of Shadowing, nor our finest Pictures more lively, sweet, and proportionable Drawing.

For the further Illustration of this Subject, I shall add something from the Philosophical Transactions about a female Cameleon, the Skin of which appear’d mixt of several Colours, like a Medley-cloth. The Colours discernable are green, a sandy yellow: And indeed one may discern, or at least fancy, some mixture of all, or most Colours in the Skin, whereof some are more predominant, at different times: There are some permanent black Spots on the Head, and Ridge of the Back. But our modern Naturalists assure us, that its common Colour, when it is at rest, and in the Shade, is a bluish grey; when ’tis exposed to the Sun, this grey changes into a darker grey, inclining to a dun Colour: If ’tis put on a black Hat, it appears to be of a violet Colour.

... Upon Excitation or warming, she becomes suddenly full of little black Spots, equally dispersed on the sides, with small black Streaks on the Eyelids; all which afterward do vanish. The Skin is grain’d with globular Inequalities, like the Leather call’d Shagreen. The grossest Grain is about the Back and Head, then on the Legs; on the Sides and Belly, finest; which, perhaps, in several Postures, may shew several Colours; and when this Animal is in full Vigour, may also have in some sort, Rationem Speculi, and reflect the Colours of Bodies adjacent; which, together with the mixture of Colours in the Skin, may have given occasion to the old Tradition, of changing into all Colours^[210].

A certain curious Gentleman, made the following Experiment, when he lived at Smyrna, in Asia-minor: He bought some Cameleons, to try how long they could be preserved alive under Confinement; he kept them in a large Cage, and allowed them the Liberty to take the fresh Air, which they suck’d in with Pleasure, and made them brisker than ordinary. He never saw them either eat or drink, but seem’d to live on the Fluid in which we breathe.

The Antients were persuaded that Cameleons fed upon the Air, for which reason one of the Fathers calls it a living Skin^[211]; but now it appears by Experience, that they feed upon different Insects, as Palmer-worms, Locusts, Beetles, Flies, and also Leaves 98of Vegetables. Father Feuillée^[212], in a Journey into Asia-minor, opened one of these Animals, and found in its Belly Peach-Leaves, which were not then digested.——N. B. Digestion is very slow in Cameleons, which is the reason why they take so little Nourishment.

The same Father mentions a small Lizard, which he saw in Peru, that was not above an Inch thick, which he calls Chameleontides, because he changed his Colour, like the Cameleons; being in a certain Situation, he saw it of a dun Colour; in another, ’twas green.... This little Creature, he says, had the same Figure and Proportion as the Great Lizard; nam’d by the Spaniards, Iquanna; and Senembi, by Marcgravius; and he makes that Lizard a fourth kind of Cameleon, and to be added to the two kinds of Bellonius, one of which is to be found in Arabia, and the other in Egypt, and to that mention’d by Faber, Lynceus, which may be seen in Mexico.

Their Tongue is somewhat peculiar, it being as long as their Body, with which they catch Flies, and other Insects, which settle on their Tongues, to suck the viscous slimy Matter, adherent to them. The Cameleon puts out his Tongue to draw them upon it, and when ’tis full of these Insects, he pulls it in with wonderful Agility. Others think, it encloses its Prey with the tip of its Tongue, which is made in a form proper for that purpose.

The Cameleon is an oviparous Animal. J. Jonstonus says, it has above a hundred Eggs, from Piereskius, who nursed a Female on purpose to make Observations upon the Subject^[213]. After all the Gentleman’s Care about ’em at Smyrna, all of them died within five Months; and having opened the Female, found thirty Eggs in her, fasten’d one to another in the form of a Chain. Ibid. supra.

The Atlas^[214] calls the Cameleon, the Indian Salamander^[215]; that goes there by the Name of Gekho, from the Noise it makes after hissing, and is thus describ’d, viz. ’tis about a Foot long and spotted, has large Eyes starting out, the Tail has several white Rings round it, and its Teeth sharp, and strong enough to penetrate an Armour of Steel: it has a slow Motion, but where it 99fastens, ’tis not easily disengaged. This Creature is found in Arabia, Egypt, Madagascar, Java, and other parts of India. Bellonius saw several of them among the Shrubs of Attica^[216]: He says it frequents Cairo, and other Places, is found among Hedges and Bushes; mutes like a Hawk; swallows every thing whole. It moves the Feet of each side alternately, but runs up Trees very fast, and lays hold on the Boughs with its Tail. Leo and Sandys say, the Neck is inflexible, and it can’t turn without moving its whole Body: the Back is crooked, the Skin is spotted with little Tumours: the Tail long and slender, like that of a Rat, when it sucks in the Air, its Belly swells, whence some think that the Air is part of its Food. One Author says, it subsists only upon Air; another says, ’tis a vulgar Error.——

’Tis said, that if a Serpent lurks near the Tree, where it sits, it throws a Thread out of its Mouth, with a little shining Drop at the end, which falls upon the Serpent’s Head, and kills it^[217].

In America are Serpents, some of whom are so poisonous, that if touch’d but with a little Stick, the Venom runs up the Hand; and such as are touch’d with the Blood of dead Serpents, die a lingering Death: This is Tradition: I shall begin with the first of them, viz.

XXX. KUKURUKI, a Serpent of Brasil in South-America, which is under the torrid Zone, where their Winter begins in March and ends in August; and is like our Summer. This Serpent is of an ash Colour, and in its Scales resembles the Bocinga, or Rattle-Snake, but is more gross; on the Back, variegated with yellow, and large black Spots. ’Tis represented as a very venemous Animal, eight or nine Foot long^[218]; and when prepared, the Inhabitants feed upon it.

XXXI. The Ibiara is a Brasilian Adder, about a Foot and half long; an Inch and half in thickness. Serpents of this kind are very numerous in that Country, and nothing more poisonous than their Wounds, tho’ not incurable, if proper Remedies be applied in time.

100In Seasons of Danger, they shelter themselves in Cavities under Ground, and feed upon Pismires, which are very large in that Country, and in such prodigious Quantities, that the Portuguese call them, Kings of Brasil.

XXXII. In Chiapa, in Old-Mexico, now call’d New-Spain, is a noxious Animal call’d Teuthlacokauqui, or Fortress of the Serpents, whose Head is like an Adder, thick Belly, glittering Scales, the Ridge of the Body black, with an Interspersion of white Crosses; the Teeth poisonous, and the biting kills in twenty-four hours, unless the wounded part be held in the Earth so long, till the Pain be over.

It has a frightful Aspect; when it moves it makes a Noise with its Tail, that sounds an Alarm of Danger. The Americans, who have the Art of taking it by the Tail, carry it home, and by degrees make it tame: ’tis maintain’d at a cheap rate, for it can subsist a whole Year without any visible Food.

JOHNSTONUS calls this Serpent the Bocininga, and describes it from Marcgravius and Piso. The former says, ’tis four Foot and three Fingers long, Belly smooth, small Eyes, forked Tongue, rattling Tail. The other observes, the Spaniards call it Cascavel, and Tangedor, because its Tail emits the sound of a Ball; in thickness, as a Man’s Arm; in length, about five Foot; a cloven Tongue, long and sharp Teeth; of a dark Colour, inclining to the yellow^[219].

According to Nierembergius, this Serpent is called the Queen of Serpents, which they suppose to be like the Viper, in its Poison, and Shape of the Head^[220]. By the Definitions of several Authors, this Serpent seems to be the Caudisonant; and the Dutch in America call it, the Ratel-Stange, i. e. Rattle-Snake.

Now we are in Mexico, excuse me in giving you two Instances of monstrous Cruelty; one in the Natives, the other in the Spaniards.

When the Mexicans were disposed to do signal Honour to their Idols, they sent out Armies to bring in Prisoners for a Sacrifice, whose Flesh they did afterwards eat; and Montezuma the Emperor, commonly sacrificed 20000 Men, one year with another, 101and no less than 50000 some years. The Priests thought it dishonourable to sacrifice less than 40 or 50 Captives at a time to one Idol. At a certain Festival, they ript up the Breast of a manumitted Slave, pull’d out his Heart, which they offer’d to the Sun, and then eat up his Body.

Their Priests were bloody Men, a Brood of Vipers, and had such an Ascendant over their Princes, that they made them believe their Gods were angry, and not to be appeased without 4000 or 5000 Men to sacrifice in a day; so that, right or wrong, they must make War on their Neighbours, to procure those Victims to keep their Priests in Humour.

The next, is an Instance of Spanish Cruelty, in this Country, that could have no Original but Hell, the Seat of the old Serpent. It runs thus, viz. Barthol. de las Casas Bishop of Chiapa, in a Letter to the Emperor Charles V. gives this account of the Barbarity of the Spaniards towards the poor Inhabitants, Natives of the Land.

... “Their Kings and Princes, says the Bishop, the Spaniards scorch’d to death, or tore in pieces with Dogs: The poor People they burnt in their Houses, and dash’d out the Brains of their Children: Those that were spared, they forced to carry greater Burdens than they were able to bear, by which thousands of them were destroy’d: Others who escap’d, died of Famine in the Woods, after they had kill’d their own Wives and Children, and eat them for hunger. In this one Province they murder’d above two Millions of Men, not sparing those of Quality, who had civilly entertain’d them. They tortured the Natives with the most hellish Inventions, to make them discover their Gold. Diego de Valesco, in particular, spared none that fell into his hands, so that in a Month’s time he murder’d ten thousand: He hang’d thirteen Noblemen.

“Some they starved to death, by thrusting their Heads betwixt Pieces of cloven Timber: Others they buried alive, leaving their Heads above Ground, at which they bowl’d with large Iron-Bullets: They also forced them to eat one another.——

Besides other hellish Cruelties too dreadful to be related^[221].” N. B. This Barth. de las Casas had been a Friar, and afterwards 102made Bishop of Chiapa, was a Man of more Piety and Justice than is commonly found among Friars. It was he, who procur’d the Indians their Liberty from being Slaves to the Spaniards, which they enjoy to this day, so that they are paid for what they do, about half a Crown a Week.

XXXIII. The Ibitobaca is a Serpent of Chiapa, near four Foot long, and of a crimson Colour, adorn’d with a pleasing Diversity of black and white Specks; wearing its Bones as a Necklace, or the Ruff in Queen Elizabeth’s Reign, who destroy’d the Invincible Armada, and made good old England a Terror to Spaniards.

XXXIV. The Iquanna is the Birth of Mexico, a Serpent like the Pope’s Anathema, of a terrible Front, but harmless; a glittering Comb on the Head, with a Bag under the Chin; a long Tail, and sharp Bones on its Back, standing up in the form of a Saw.

This Iquannatick Serpent is of the amphibious kind, equally fitted to live by Land or Water; a Privilege which no Son of Adam can boast of. It is of the oviparous Tribe, and a great Breeder, laying about fifty Eggs at the Season as big as Acorns, which are of a very good Taste, and good Food when boiled, and so is the Serpent itself; but the Land-Iquanna is a more pleasant Food, and preferable to Spanish Ragous^[222].

XXXV. The Ibiboboca is a Serpent beautiful to the Eye, but of a venemous Nature; ’tis about three Foot long. The Icon of it in Gresham-College is above three Yards^[223], white as Snow, decorated with Particles of various Colours, especially black and red. The Wound it gives operates gradually, and if neglected, proves fatal.

XXXVI. The Guaku or Lyboya Serpent, is one of the largest of all the serpentine Brood, some of which being from eighteen to thirty Foot long, call’d by the Portuguese, Hobre de Hado, or the Roebuck Serpent, because it can swallow a whole Buck at once. 103After swallowing it down, it generally falls asleep, and in that Posture is frequently taken, while digesting its Supper. My Author says, he saw one of this kind, which was 30 Foot long, of a greyish Colour, but others incline more to the brown^[224]. A ravenous Animal, and so voracious, that it leaps out of the Woods to seize its Prey; and, if disturb’d, will fight, or wrestle, with Man or Beast, standing upright upon the Butt-end of his Tail.

XXXVII. The Jararaka Serpent, is another Brasilian, no longer than a Man’s Arm to the Elbow; it has swelling Veins on its Head; the Skin is covered with red and black Spots; the rest is of an Earth Colour: Its Wounds are dangerous, and attended with the usual Symptoms. There are three Sorts of these venemous Snakes besides this, viz. One sort is about ten Spans long, with two terrible Tusks, or great Teeth, which they stretch out to a great length, and strike them into their Prey. The venemous Liquid, which is very yellow, works with a Violence, that kills in a few Hours. The second sort resembles the Spanish Viper in Colour and Form, and is equally dangerous. The third and worst sort very much resembles the first.

XXXVIII. The Biobi, called Gabro Verde by the Portuguese in Brasil, i. e. the Green Serpent, because its Colour is porraceous, a shining Green like the Leek; it is between three and four Foot long, and about the Thickness of a Man’s Thumb; a large Mouth, and black Tongue, and has this good Property, that it hurts nobody unless irritated; but when provoked, no Poison more dangerous. We read of a Soldier, who accidentally treading on this Serpent, was wounded by it in the Thigh, and died a few Hours after, tho’ the Remedies that proved successful on the like occasions, had been diligently applied^[225].

XXXIX. The Caninana Serpent, is another Inhabitant of Brasil, green on the back, and yellow on the Belly, about two Foot long, and reckoned not to be so venemous, as the rest of that mischievous Tribe. It feeds upon Eggs and Birds, at last becomes the common Entertainment of the American and African 104Tables^[226]. We read of other green Serpents in the Indies, that are indulged with little Cottages made of Straw, where they spend their solitary Hours, till the time of eating invites them out, then they repair to the House, where they fawn upon their Masters, and eat what is set before them, and then retire to the Huts of Indulgence.

XL. The Tetzawhcoatl, is another Production of Brasil, a Serpent of about three Foot long, and slender Body, whose Strokes are pestilent: The Head is black, nether Part of the Tail reddish, and the Belly dash’d with black Spots. The Cure is by Suction.

Now we are travelling among the Inhabitants of Brasil, we may be allowed to take notice of Prince Maurice’s Rational Parrot, mentioned by Sir William Temple and Mr. Locke, which the former had from the Prince’s own Mouth. His Words were,

... “That he had heard of such an old Parrot, when he came to Brasil, and tho’ he believed nothing of it, and it was a good way off; yet he had so much Curiosity as to send for it: that it was a very great and a very old one; and when it came first into the Room, where the Prince was with a great many Dutchmen about him, it said presently, What a Company of White-men are here! They ask’d it, what he thought that Man was, pointing at the Prince? it answered, Some General or other. The Prince asked it, Whence come ye^[227]? The Parrot answered, From Marinnan. To whom do you belong, said the Prince? it answered, To a Portuguese Prince. The Prince ask’d, What do you there? Parrot answered, I look after the Chickens. The Prince laugh’d, and said, You look after the Chickens! The Parrot answered, Yes, I; and I know well enough how to do it, and made the Chuck four or five times, that People use to make to Chickens, when they call them....”

... “I could not but tell this odd Story, because it is so much out of the way, and from the first hand, and what may pass for a good one; for I dare say, this Prince at least believed himself 105in all he told me, having ever past for a very honest and pious Man. I leave it to Naturalists to reason, and to other Men to believe as they please upon it; however, it is not perhaps amiss to relieve or enliven a busy Scene sometimes with such Digressions, whether to the purpose or no.” So far Sir William Temple.

Wonder not then, if you meet in this History with some romantick Sentiments entertained by learned Men concerning Serpents, when two such illustrious Pillars of the Commonwealth of Letters, give way to a Relation that has so much of the Marvellous in it.

XLI. These Historians inform us of many more Serpents, and some of great bulk, that infest those American Regions; whose Looks are ruddy, of blood-red Colour, that shine in the Night, like so many glittering Stars.

A modern Author writes, that in America are some Snakes that were eight Foot long, and as red as Blood, which in the Night look’d like Fire^[228].

The former black, and these shining Serpents, remind me of the Obsidian Stones, that are very black and transparent; they have their Names from one Obsidius, who first found them in Æthiopia.

There is a sort of natural Obsidian Glass, which is rather to be ranked among Stones than Metals; ’tis as passive as the former, enduring the Graving-Tool, is diaphanous and pellucid, receiving Images, and, like artificial Glass, transmitting all Forms and Shapes.

This is found in Æthiopia, where the Sepulchres of the Nobles are usually made of it, and after this manner; viz. They take a large Stone, and make it hollow, and in the Cavity include the Corps, where it is not only preserved, but, as if entomb’d in Glass, is apparently visible to Spectators, and sends forth no ungrateful Scent.

Out of these Obsidian Stones, Looking-Glasses are wont to be made, and are also found on the Coasts of Arabia. These shining Stones were inserted into Rings, and in one of them was cut the entire Image of Augustus, who being much taken with 106these Stones of Glass, caused four Elephants to be made of them,—See the Commentary upon Pancirollus, B. i. of Jet; and Pliny, B. xxxvi. c. 26.

XLII. Boiguacu, another venemous Production of Brazil, thick in the middle, and declining towards the Extremities of the Body; ’tis covered with large Scales on the Back, and lesser ones on the Belly, which is common in all Serpents.

The whole is adorned with elegant Variegations.... The Back and Sides set off with black Spots, inclining to the round; about three Inches distant from each other, and in the Centre a round white Spot. These beautiful Appearances, says Jonstonus, have a Grandeur in them more than rivals Imperial Majesty.

He saw several Serpents of this kind: On August 7th, 1638, one that was eight Foot long. Another, August 13th, 1638, above five Foot long, its Flesh fat, and very white; the Heart being taken out, lived about 15 Minutes. October 16th, 1638, he saw another, that was near nine Foot long, and he was a Witness to its swallowing a She-Goat whole^[229]. By the Description, this Serpent must be the Lyboia, so famous for the Knack of Deglutition of Animals.

XLIII. The Brasilian Serpent, called the Ibiracoan, makes its Appearance in a Habit of various Colours, trimmed with red, black and white Spots. Under this fine Dress, is a poisonous Spring; the Wound it gives, infallibly kills without immediate Assistance.

Before the Poison reaches the Heart, the common Practice is, to secure that Serpent, and boil the Flesh of it with certain Roots, and give it the Patient in Wine, or any other proper Liquid, and it will answer the Intention.

XLIV. The Tarciboya, and Kakaboya, are two Serpents much of the same Nature, and therefore I put them together: They are occasional Inhabitants of the Water and Land; in Colour black, and about six Hands in Length. If they hurt any Creature, it is only in Defence of themselves, and the Wound is easily cured by 107Remedies well known in those Countries. They are great Devourers of Birds.

Here the Learned Ray, from Piso, mentions ten other Serpents, whose particular Characters he considers in his Description of Fishes; then refers his Reader to those described by Joan. de Laet.^[230]

XLV. The Bibera is a venemous Lizard of Brazil. If you ask, What are these Brasilian Lizards? I answer, They are creeping Serpents, of various Colours, and different Sizes: Some are the length of a Finger, others many Feet; have sparkling Eyes. There is only one sort of them that is venemous, among which is this Bibera: they are like the others, but lesser, and are most mischievous. They are of an ash Colour, inclining to the white; the Body and Limbs seem thick, but the Tail is short and broad.

The Wounds given by these Serpents, are full of a thin stinking Matter, attended with blue Swellings, and Pain in the Heart and Bowels. N. B. Great Things have been frequently done by little Things.

XLVI. The Ambua, so the Natives of Brazil call the Millepedes and the Centipedes Serpents. Those Reptiles of thousand Legs bend as they craul along, and are reckoned very poisonous. Those Lizards of hundred Legs are commonly found in the Woods, where they destroy the Fruit, and also do mischief both to Men and Cattle.

In these Multipedes, the Mechanism of the Body is very curious; in their going, it is observable, that on each side of their Bodies, every Leg has its Motion, one regularly after another; so that their Legs, being numerous, form a kind of Undulation, and thereby communicate to the Body a swifter Progression than one could imagine, where so many short Feet are to take so many short Steps, that follow one another, rolling on, like the Waves of the Sea.

The Palmer-Worm is also called Millepes, because of its many Feet, which are as Bristles under its Body: It is about six Inches long, and moves with incredible Swiftness. The upper part of the Body is cover’d with hard swarthy Scales, and it has a sort of 108Claws both in its Head and Tail, of rank Poison, as the Historian says.

XLVII. The Jebeya is another Brazilian, and a Serpent very ravenous and destructive: It has four Legs, and a long Tail like a Crocodile; it lies flat and close on the Ground, artfully concealing itself, ’till the Prey comes within reach, and then darts out a couple of sharp Fins from its Fore-quarters, and kills whatever it strikes.

XLVIII. The Giraupiagara is an American Serpent, so call’d, because of its being a great Devourer of Eggs. ’Tis of a Negro-Colour, but a yellow Breast, and of great Length and Agility. It glides (as if swimming) on the tops of Trees, faster than any Man can run on the Ground.^[231]

It lives upon Birds, whose Nests it constantly plunders. ’Tis observable, that the Cuckow feeds very much upon Eggs, which accounts for the vulgar Notion, that it always has one or more little Birds, as Menials to attend it, these being some of those, whose Houses it plundered. There is another Charge preferred against the Cuckow, viz. The Contempt it puts upon our Vegetables, by spitting upon them; whereas in those Dobs of frothy Dew, we find little Green Insects, that are Grashoppers in the Embryo.

XLIX. The Caminana is another Brazilian Serpent, of a great length. The Body is all over green, and very beautiful in prospect. This also runs up the Trees, not so much because of the green Leaves, as in pursuit of Birds of all Colours; and having devoured the Contents of the Nest, seizes the Dam, and drinks her Blood.

The pleasing Appearance made by this Serpent in Green, puts me in mind of the Turks, who have so great a Superstition for the green Colour (because it was consecrated to Mahomet) that they forbid Christians to wear it on pain of Death; but the Persians (who are Mahometans as well as the Turks) allow it to every body, and laugh at this Superstition; so that when Sultan Amurath sent an Ambassador to Sha-Abbas of Persia, to complain that he 109suffer’d that venerable Colour to be prophaned by Christians, he scoffingly said, that he would forbid the green Colour to be prophaned by Christians, as soon as Amurath would hinder the green Meadows to be prophaned by his Turkish Cattle^[232]. The Eastern Turks abhor the blue Colour, because the Jews, they say, threw Indigo into Jordan to hinder the Baptism of Christ, but the Angels brought Water from Jordan to baptize him, before it was polluted. Atlas.

L. BOYTIAPUA, is a Serpent so called by the Brazilians for its long Snout, though I don’t find it exceeds others in smelling, by the extension of its Nose; it is of a long slender Body, and feeds upon Frogs, amphibious Animals and Insects.

This Serpent is in high Esteem among the Natives of Brazil, who practise the Art of Conjuration by it; and if any of them have a barren Wife, and are desirous of Children, they lash this Serpent over her Hips, pretending that such Exercise will make her fruitful: And if this Device should take effect, must not we conclude the Offspring to be a Generation of Vipers?

LI. The Gaytiepua is a large Snake, smells rank like a Fox, and, according to a learned Author, the Smell is intolerable^[233], as is that of the Serpent Boyana, which is very long and slender, and of black Colour; of which one of the Latin Poets takes notice^[234].

If the loathsome Smell of these Creatures offend the Nose, it serves as a friendly Alarm of Danger, to those who have the use of a Nose, that they may avoid a more terrible Stroke.

Nothing so constituted in Nature, but a superficial Observer may construe as a Blemish to the Creation; but to a more penetrating Eye, those imaginary Blemishes have their Convenience and Use, and appear to be the Product of perfect Intelligence and Wisdom.

LII. The Bom-Snake, is another Brazilian Reptile, call’d Bom from the Noise it makes in its Motion. It is of a prodigious large Size, but is class’d among the Innocent, that do no manner 110of hurt to Persons, viz. that can endure a little Sound, arising from a Propagation of the Pulse of the Air.

An innocent Serpent, no Contradiction. There is good among the bad in the moral World.

Virtue——needs no Defence;

The surest Guard is Innocence:

None knew, till Guilt created Fear,

What Darts and poison’d Arrows were.

Integrity undaunted goes

Thro’ Lybian Sands, and Scythian Snows.

In Paraguay, or La Plata in America, is a famous white Bird, which, though it has a very small Body, has a Voice like a Bell, and therefore the Natives call it Guirapo, that is, the Sounding-Bird.

How many Animals of the same kind in the moral Creation, that wear gaudy Feathers and Plumes, whose Sound, in the Assemblies of Saints and Sinners, proves to be vox & præterea nihil.

LIII. The Boicupecanga is a Serpent, so called because its Back looks as if it were overgrown with Briers and Thorns, the Ridge being sharp pointed, which makes the Beast look as if he were guarded by little Spears: This prickle-back’d Serpent is of a monstrous Extension, very frightful, and venemous, the very sight of which strikes Terror into Man and Beast.

LIV. The Cucurijuba is a Water-Snake of twenty-five or thirty Foot long, and three Foot in Compass, will swallow a Hog or a Stag at once; has Teeth like those of Dogs, but makes no use of them as Instruments of Mastication. HARRIS in the Atlas America, mentions one kill’d when asleep, that was twelve Yards and a half long, and proportionably big, in whose Belly they found two wild Boars. This Creature I take to be the Lyboya, (or a near Relative) a gigantick Serpent, already described, therefore I dismiss the Monster, and proceed to the

111LV. MANIMA, another Water-Snake, of the same Proportion with the former, if not more bulky: The sight is terrible; the Monstrosity of Dimensions is sufficient to render it so; but we are told, the Terror vanishes in some Degree upon a view of the Skin, which is exquisitely painted, and the Brazilians not only love to see so spruce an Animal, but reckon it an Omen of a long Life.

If you ask, What a long Life is? I answer, ’Tis nothing but a lingering, slow Consumption: Life itself, what is it, but a meer practical Tautology, a Repetition of the same things over and over, and looks more like a Penance imposed upon Mankind than Pleasure.

LVI. The Terpomongo is another Serpent, which in the Brazilian Dialect, signifies to stick close, so close to whatever it touches, that it is not to be parted. It is about the bigness of a Cable-Rope, which being fasten’d to the Anchor, holds the Ship fast when it rides.

This Property in the Serpent, may be an Hieroglyphick; or Symbol of true Friendship, which is a sacred Mixture: My Friend and I are as two Rivers joined in one, not to be separated; we stick close and fast, traversing the Wilderness hand-in-hand: He who strikes one, wounds the other—No Schism in true Friendship.

LVII. JACORE Lizard; some of these Serpents are as big as Dogs, and resemble them in the Nose; their Teeth large and long, and their Skin impenetrable. They do no harm to their Neighbours, and therefore are generally allow’d to live. They make a loud Noise, by which their Haunts are discovered, and their Liberty hazarded.

They lay Eggs as large as those of a Goose, of an elastick Nature, so hard, that when one is struck against another, they ring like Iron: they frequent both Land and Water.

It’s observable here, that this Animal is obstreporous, and by its Noise invites Danger; whereas Silence would be his Security: yea, its Eggs are as so many roaring Bells. This may serve for a Document to the unruly Member: Thersites, in Homer, was counted a Fool for babbling. A talkative Tongue is the Spring, Ringleader, and Head of Faction in all places.

112The first Rudiments in Pythagoras’s School, was Quinquennian, Silence. The Scholars were not allow’d to talk for five Years, that is, till they had learned the Art of Silence. Harpocrates was the God of Silence, therefore painted with his Finger on his Lip, and was worshipped in Egypt with Isis and Serapis.

ANGERONA was the Goddess of Silence at Rome, and painted with a Cloth about her Mouth. Nor is it less venerable at Venice, where after they come out of the Senate-house, they are as silent about what was said and done, as if they had power to forget all that was said and done.

To the above-mention’d Serpents, the learned Mr. Ray adds, by way of Supplement, a Catalogue of fifteen East-Indian Serpents, which he had from the Learned Dr. Tancred Robinson, whose Descriptions he had from the College at Leyden, which I shall annex to the foregoing^[235].

LVIII. SERPENS Indicus Coronatus, an Indian Serpent, that makes its Appearance with a crowned Head, which it holds up on high, as if proud of the Honour. This is an Emblem of Pride, that Dropsy of the Mind; to yield to its Thirst, is to swallow the Bait, that turned the Seraph into a Devil.

The Remedy used by the Indians for its Wounds, is what they call the Serpent-Stone, which, according to Thevenot and others, is an artificial Composition, and not taken out of this Serpent’s Head.

LIX. VIPERA Indica tricolor major, a Serpent remarkable for a Body decorated with three fine Colours, the Liveries of Summer’s Pride, but living much under ground, the Glories of its Attire are buried in the Earth, the World’s material Mould.

LX. VIPERA Zelanica minor maculis eleganter variegata, a Serpent elegantly garnished with a Variety of charming Colours: It is an Inhabitant of Ceylon, an Island in the East-Indies, called by the Inhabitants Tenarisain, that is the Land of Delights, and not without reason is this Island so called, since it is the most fruitful place in India, producing Gold, Silver, Precious Stones, plenty of Rice, Ananas, Cocoas, best Oranges, Lemons, Figs, 113Pomegranates, Ginger, Grapes, Pepper, Cardamum, Tobacco, Nutmegs, Sugar; Mulberry, which yield much Silk; Palm-trees, which afford a Liquor for their constant Drink, &c. But in midst of these pleasing Varieties, they are haunted with various sorts of venemous Serpents; an Emblem of our present State, which is a Compound of Pleasure and Pain.

The Gods will frown, wherever they do smile;

The Crocodile infests the fertile Nile.

CEYLON is an Emblem of Man, to whom Pleasure is as a delightful Situation; but in it dwells a Serpent, called Pain. Pleasure is the principal Intendment of Nature, and the great Object of our Inclination, without which Life would be no Blessing, but a Mortification: Yea, ’tis Pleasure reconciles us to Pain; for who would submit to nauseous Medicines, and Tortures of the Surgeon’s Knife, but for hope of the Pleasure of Ease that succeeds it.

No Serpent so terrible as Pain, which is a strange domineering Perception, that keeps off Ease when wanted, and destroys Ease when we are in possession of it.

LXI. The Malcarabeta of Ceylon is a Serpent painted by Nature in a Garb blue and white; the last of these two Colours shew best by Candle-light. This leads us to the Excommunication by Inch of Candle; that is, while a little Candle continues burning, the Sinner is allow’d to come to Repentance; but after it burns out, he remains excommunicated to all Intents and Purposes.

LXII. The Ethetulla is a Ceylonick Serpent; of a little slender Body, and sharp-pointed Head. This is a kind of Ranger, delights in Groves and Forests, and may be known by a white and green Vesture, in which it rambles among the Trees.

LXIII. MALPOLON is another Serpent of that celebrated Island, and of a vermilion Hue, imbroider’d with curious fine red Spots, which shine like so many Stars.

LXIV. SERPENS Putorius, so denominated, probably because of its filthy Smell; by which it resembles the Putorius, a 114little Animal call’d Fitchet, that smells ill, especially when enraged^[236]. Jonstonus and Gesner make it to be the Druinus, which has been already describ’d.

LXV. The Anacandia, a Ceylonick Serpent, of monstrous Corpulence, being in longitude about 25 Foot. D. Cleyerus, who accounts for this gigantick Serpent, says, he saw one of them open’d, in whose Belly was found a whole Stag, with all his integral Parts: In another they found a wild Goat; and in a third, a Porcupine arm’d with all its Darts and Prickles^[237]. Serpents of this nature have often fallen in our way, by which we may imagine, that there is a vast spread of them over the Earth. Mr. Ray from Cleyerus gives this account of the Monster——Tho’ the Throat seems narrow, yet ’tis very extensible, and the Facts have been confirm’d by Experience. When the Prey is catch’d, he wraps himself about it, takes it by the Nose, sucks the Blood, and soon reduces it to a Hodge-podge; after he has broken the Bones in pieces, that emit a Sound like a Gun, ibid. And in doing all this he spends two days.

LXVI. The Ghalghulawa is another Ceylonite, that goes by the Name of Serpens Indicus Saxatilis, describ’d by whitish Lines, that run across one another: Whether the Poet refers to this, as a Serpent affecting stony and gravelly Situations, or to a certain Fish, I determine not^[238].

LXVII. The Manballa is another Indian, and from its Name we may conclude it has something of the canine Nature, for it flies with great Fury at Passengers, as some Dogs usually do. ’Tis of a light red (or bright bay, as we call it in Horses) spotted with white.

LXVIII. The Nintipolonga, an Indian Serpent, whose Skin is checker’d with white and black Spots. Its Bite is accompanied with mortiferous Sleep, therefore call’d Serpens hypnoticus, soporiferous 115Serpent, whose Wounds are as an Opiate, or Medicines that induce sleep, in which they die. Q. Why may not we suppose this narcotic Poison to be the same with that, which Cleopatra used in executing the Sentence that Heroine past upon herself?

LXIX. The Wepelon Serpent: Nothing is said of it, but that it resembles an Indian Reed or Cane in form.

LXX. SERPENS Fluviatilis, seems to be the Water-Snake.

LXXI. SERPENS Spadiceus, a Serpent of light red Colour.

LXXII. Then follows the Ceylonic Hotambœia. Dr. Robinson’s Account of this Serpent, he had from the learned Hermannus’s Library.

N. B. Some of these Eastern Serpents may coincide and agree in Character with those in America, and other Regions. Where there is such an infinite Variety of them, and delineated by so many different hands, ’tis difficult to give an exact Description of every individual Serpent.

Other parts of the East-Indies (Continent and Islands) are infested with Serpents of various kinds and sizes, and he must be more than a Conjurer in History, that can charm them to make their Appearance in one Place, and all in their proper Habiliments.

LXXIII. The hooded or Monk Serpent, found in an Island near Batavia (a Dutch Settlement in the East-Indies) which differs from other Serpents in the uncouth Shape of its Head, that looks as if it were cover’d with a large long Hood, like a Monk’s Cowl, or the Widow’s Veil, therefore called the hooded Serpent, which is a very dangerous Animal. Upon a view of its Prey, it immediately advances towards it, with terrible Rage and Hissing.

When the Sieur de la Case was hunting one day in the Woods adjacent to Batavia, he saw one of these Serpents descending from a Tree, making a fearful Noise: It was about the thickness of a Man’s Arm, and in length about eight Foot.

This venemous Creature was no sooner on the Ground, but it made towards him with the greatest Fury; but having a Gun ready charg’d, he very happily shot it dead, and made off hastily for fear of a second Attack^[239].

116LEGUAT, who gives this Account, and was in Batavia, A.D. 1697, says, he saw a Serpent in that Country about fifty Foot long. N. B. The Skin of one that was 20 Foot long, is shewn in Batavia, that swallow’d an Infant, ibid.

LXXIV. The Musk Serpent, so term’d from its musky or sweet Scent. These sweet-scented Animals are Inhabitants of the East, between Calicut, the second Kingdom of Malabar, and Candahor. In Ceylon are Musk-Rats, where the Inhabitants eat all Rats, but this kind.

These Musk-Rats are in all things shaped like our Water-Rats, only something larger; and in other respects differ only in that musky Scent. A Gentleman, who kept one of them in a wooden Chest, observed that two days before it died, ’twas most odoriferous, and scented the Room above what was common^[240]. In Muscovy is a Water-Rat, which smells like Musk; and also a great number of Musk-Cats, which look like young Bucks without Horns, and therefore call’d Musk-Harts by the Chinese, because they resemble those Creatures. The Musk is contain’d in a little Excrescence near the Navel^[241].

In America also, are found Woods abounding with Musk-Rats, that are as big as Rabbits, and have Burrows in the Ground. Their Skins are black, Bellies white, and smell exceeding strong of Musk^[242]. The vegetable World also, entertains us with Musk-Pears, Musk-Roses, single and double, and the Ever-green, &c. N. B. Musk-Rats frequent fresh Streams, and no other.

The word Musk comes from the Arabic, Moscha, a Perfume of strong Scent, only agreeable when moderated by the Mixture of some other Perfume, by which it becomes an agreeable artificial Odour.... Musk is found in a little Swelling, like a præternatural Tumor, or Bag growing (about the Bigness of a Hen’s Egg) under the Belly of a wild Beast, of the same Name; and appears to be nothing else, but a kind of bilious Blood there congeal’d.

This Musk-Animal is common in the East-Indies, as in the Kingdoms of Boutan, Cochin China, but the most esteem’d are 117those of Tibet. When the Bladder under the Belly is taken out, they separate the congeal’d Blood, and dry it in the Sun.

Sir John Chardin^[243] says, Musk is also produced in Persia from an Impostume in the Body of a Beast, that resembles a Goat, and grows near the Navel, and is better than that of China. The Scent of it, adds he, is so strong, that it many times kills those who hunt the Beast, when they first open the Bag, except they stop their Mouths and Noses with Linnen: ’Tis easily counterfeited, and the best way to try it, is by drawing a Thread, dipt in the Juice of Garlick, thro’ the Bag with a Needle; and if the Garlick loses its Scent, the Musk is good. Atl. 397.

LXXV. The Boitiapo (that should have been mention’d before with its Brazilian Relatives) is a large Serpent, about seven Foot long, not quite so thick as a Man’s Arm, of an olive Colour, yellow Belly, in Body round, cloath’d with Scales that make an elegant Appearance in a sort of triangular form. ’Tis very venemous, and its Wounds not curable without timely and proper Applications.

The Lacertan Snakes or Lizards come next under Consideration, and in the same order as laid down by the learned Mr. Ray^[244]. Previous to that, I beg leave to observe, that Moses places two sorts of Lizards among unclean Creatures, the Stellio and Lacerta. These Lizards differ vastly in Bulk; some a Finger’s length; in Arabia, some of a Cubit long; in the Indies, twenty-four Feet in length. Several sorts of Lizards are mention’d in Scripture, Lev. xi. 30. the two former are translated Stellio and Lacerta; the third is translated a Mole, but Bochart maintains, it is a Cameleon; the fourth is describ’d Prov. xxx. 28. and there, Spider is render’d Stellio, a Lizard. Mr. Ray begins with

LXXVI. The Crocodile, the largest of the Lacertan Race, a Name which is supposed to come from a word^[245] that signifies afraid of Saffron, because this Creature abhors the Smell of Saffron, as a learned Author observes^[246]. It is an amphibious Beast, noisome and voracious, and one of the Wonders of Nature; for, from an Egg no bigger than that of a Goose, proceeds an Animal which increases to eight or ten Yards in length.

118His Mouth is very wide, and is extended to the Ears; his Snout and Eyes like those of Swine; the Teeth, which are ingrail’d, are white, acute, strong and numerous; the Feet arm’d with sharp Claws; the Skin of the Belly is tender and may be easily penetrated, but the other parts of the Body are not penetrable by Swords and Arrows: It defies even the Wheels of a loaded Cart, as well as Darts and Spears: It is of a yellow Colour, say some; but Wormius in Mr. Ray’s Synopsis says, that those he had seen, were inclin’d to the grey or ash Colour.

The Tail is near as long as the Body, upon which are Fins of a Fish, whereby he is capacitated to swim. When he strikes with his Claws, he tears with his Teeth, and grinds the very Bones of what he kills into Powder. In Winter he lives much without Food, but in Summer, his Sustenance is of the animal kind, but is most fond of human Flesh; and as he is an amphibious Creature, plunders both Elements^[247].

The Crocodile, when prest with Hunger, swallows Stones, which have been found worn round about, and the wasted parts reduced to such minute Particles, as were fit to circulate with the Mass of Blood^[248].

In Egypt the Crocodile is made the Object of religious Adoration, but not by all the Nation; for the Inhabitants of Tentyra (an Island form’d by the River Nilus) were so far from worshipping that hateful Monster, that they despised it, and often brought them to the Roman Shews for Diversion.——This Aversion to Crocodiles caused a War between the Tentyrians and the other Egyptians, who worship’d those Creatures; of which People Job seems to speak in the following Words: Let them curse it that curse the day, who are ready to raise up their Mourning, Job iii. 8. Some read it, to raise up the Leviathan, or to awake the Crocodile; of which Job gives an admirable Description, under the Name of Leviathan, Job xli. 1, 2, 3, 4.... So the Psalmist, Thou breakest the Heads of Leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be Meat to the People inhabiting the Wilderness.

When I think of the superstitious Egyptians warring against the People of Tentyra, I can’t but observe how the same kind of Spirit (the more the pity) too often reigns among Christians: Those who have ridicul’d Superstition, and endeavour’d to propagate 119Truth, have always had Vengeance and Wrath breath’d out against them, and have been exposed to the same Fate as the Tentyrians.

The Habitations of Crocodiles are generally in great Rivers, as the Ganges in Asia, one of the greatest Rivers in the World, and which is accounted sacred: Its Water is clear and sweet, weighs an Ounce in a Pint lighter than any other Water in the Country: The Great Mogul’s Court drink none else with their Wine. These monstrous Animals are also found in the Nile and Niger, two of the greatest Rivers in Africa; and also in the great Rivers of America, especially those of the Amazons, which abound with Crocodiles of vast Bigness, that very much annoy the Inhabitants.

GEMELLI in the Atlas, says the Crocodile is hatch’d of an Egg no bigger than that of a Turkey, but grows to thirty Foot long, the Back arm’d with impenetrable Scales, the Mouth wide enough to swallow an Heifer, and only moves the upper Jaw; it sees better by Water than Land, is cowardly, and generally flies from those that attack it, but daring enough otherwise; for which reason the Egyptians made it the Hieroglyphick of Impudence.—They have no Tongue, and eat nothing in all the autumnal Quarter^[249].

This Animal has a great Dexterity in catching Wild-fowl, which always abound in those great Rivers, and along Sea-shores, as Ducks, Teals, and other Water-fowls: When in want of Food, he goes into the Sea, where he lies in such a manner, that the upper Part of his Back appears above the Water, and looks like a piece of Timber floating; the wild Fowls mistrusting nothing, come so near it, that he immediately devours them: They lurk among Reeds and Bushes, on the Banks of Rivers and great Pools, from whence they suddenly leap out, and eat up their Prey, which sometimes happens to be People that come to drink or fetch Water.

The Inhabitants of Madagascar, an African Island, look upon Crocodiles as Devils, and swear by them: When Differences happen among them, they go to a River, where he that is to swear throws himself into the Water, and conjures the Crocodiles to be Arbitrators betwixt him and his Adversary, and to let him 120live if he speaks Truth, but if otherwise, to destroy him^[250]. Among the Rarities in Gresham-College, London, is a Crocodile about two Yards and a half long. Crocodiles are little known in Europe, but common in the Indies.

The Land Crocodile, call’d Seincus, is variously described. In the Molucca Islands they are accounted the fiercest of Monsters, contrary to those of the Nile, according to some Writers^[251]. Harris^[252] says, that they are very harmless, and in some places so tame, that Children play with them. Le Comte says, what are called small Crocodiles, are huge Lizards, found all over the Woods in Siam, as also in Houses and Fields^[253].

This Land Crocodile is indeed an amphibious Animal, lives partly in the Water and partly upon dry Ground: It has four slender Legs like a Lizard; its Snout is sharp, and its Tail short, cover’d with small Scales of a silver Colour. ’Tis hatch’d in Egypt, near the Red-Sea, in Libya, and the Indies.

In Leviticus there’s mention made of a kind of Crocodile, in the Hebrew called Choled, which the Septuagint translates κροκοδειλος χερσαιος, a land Crocodile, which is a kind of Lizard, that feeds upon the sweetest Flowers it can find; this makes its Intrails to be very much valued for their agreeable Smell. Bellonius says, it has four Feet, and a round knotty Tail, and is as big as the Salamander.

There’s scarce any way to manage him by Land, unless it be by a Wile, as they do on the Bank of Nilus, where little Huts are erected, from whence the Watchmen, upon the Approach of a Crocodile, spring out with long Branches in their Hands, which they, with great Dexterity, thrust into its Throat; and not being able to extricate itself, it falls down, upon which others of them discharge their Arrows at his Belly, which being a tender part, he is soon killed; but in Water he is quickly noosed, because for want of a Tongue, he can’t safely open his wide Mouth, without being suffocated.

This terrestrial Crocodile comes to us by way of Alexandria and Venice, and is very useful in physical Prescriptions.

121LXXVII. The Cordylus is a little noxious Reptile, supposed by some to be the Land Crocodile, because upon first sight it looks like the Nilotic; but upon a stricter view, the Fallacy appears. The Back is cover’d with close compacted Scales, as a House with Tiles, by which ’tis distinguish’d.

Its Tail is rough, and like a Club, wherewith it strikes whatever it meets, therefore is called Caudiverbera, that is, one that strikes with the Tail; a Tail prominent with War^[254].

LXXVIII. The Tapayaxin is a Lizard of New Spain, and of a round form; and, Spaniard-like, is slow in Motion, and as loth to change its Seat, as the Spaniards their old Fashions and Customs. This little Creeper is of the northern Tribe, being generally found in the Mountains of cold Regions. It is observable, that if its Head be comprest or squeezed, it will throw out drops of Blood with a Force that will carry them several Yards off^[255].

LXXIX. The Lacertus Viridis, or green Lizard, is found in Italy, &c. lives in Meadows, and being of the harmless kind, little is said of it. There are many Lizards of other Colours, but none so beautiful as the green ones; tho’ very small, they are pretty: Many make themselves very familiar with them, and put them in their Bosom^[256].

LXXX. The Tejuguacu is a Brazilian Lizard, of black Colour, beautified with elegant white Spots, which renders it pleasing to the Eye: Its Tongue is long and cloven, smooth and red. ’Tis a little Creature, and moves its little Body with great Celerity; is patient in Want, and will for six or seven Moons, live without any kind of Sustenance, but Air, the Fluid in which we all breathe.

LXXXI. The Taraguira is another Brazilian, of about a Foot long, whose Body is smooth, and naturally guarded by an Armour of a strong squamatick Skin, and the Scales situated in a 122kind of triangular form: It affects to reside in Underwoods, and Places inclosed, and near to Houses.

LXXXII. The Americina Serpent, which is not much different from the former, except it be in its forked Tail, which terminates in two different Points; and in this Article seems to differ from all other sanguineous Animals, among whom, says the learned Ray, I have never heard of any else furnish’d with two Tails: This looks like something anomalous in Nature, and contrary to its common Rules, if the Description be true.

LXXXIII. The Taraquico Aycuraba is another venemous Offspring of Brazil, a Species of the former, but differs from it in the Tail, which is single. This Animal is covered with little rough triangulated Scales, the Extremity of which is decked with brown Spots, and the Back with various dusky Specks, ranged in the form of Waves.

LXXXIV. The Americina is a little venemous Creeper, whose Body inclines to the square, about three Fingers long, in Crassitude as the Quill of a Swan; bright to the Eye, and smooth to the Hand: The Back is made strong by whitish Scales; the Head, Shanks, and Sides with brown ones: The Tail is of a fine azure Colour; its Claws are setigerous, resembling the Bristles of a Hog.

LXXXV. CARAPOBEBA is another minim Serpent of America, and veneniferous, four or five Fingers long: The Body, that in Colour resembles a Liver, is adorn’d with white Marks, (and the Tail with white Lines) and is illuminated with glaring Eyes, like Globes of Glass.

LXXXVI. TEJUNHANA is a little Serpent, whose Head is sharp-pointed: The Tail is about six Fingers long, smooth and round, and ends like a Needle; the Head is cover’d with rough Scales, like Milford Oysters; the Back and Sides are cloath’d with a Skin, that is finely painted with green and brown Colours, and when touched, feels soft like Velvet.

123LXXXVII. To these Americans I add the Stellio, which Mr. Ray calls the swift, or spotted Lizard, whose Body makes a glorious Appearance, by glittering Spots, that when it makes its Parade, looks like a little moveable Firmament of Stars: This Serpent is pretty common in Thrace, Sicily, and Syria^[257].

’Tis said of this Animal, that it casts its Skin and eats it again; and if so, ’tis a proper Emblem of desultory Creatures, who leave their Vices for a time, and return to them afterwards^[258].

Among Serpents is such Variety of charming Colours, and Figures, that if it were not for the natural Antipathy that we have for them, perhaps there is not one thing that the Eye could take greater Delight in.

Besides the above Lacertick Serpents of Brazil, Rochefort^[259], a French Author, mentions other Serpents different from these, which come next under Consideration.

LXXXVIII. The Les Anoles, a Serpent in bigness like the Gallick Lizards, but of a longer Head; of a yellow Skin, like a Sun-burnt Roussilonite, or the Savage Man in the Isle of Borneo; Russet Back, channel’d with green; of an ashy or cineraceous Colour; a boisterous noisy Animal. It’s generally in motion by Day, and by Night, lodges in hollow places, where it joins with the Brotherhood, in disturbing the Neighbours with hideous Croakings: by the loudness of its Noise, it should seem that it had but an empty Noddle.

LXXXIX. LES ROQUET, a Serpent of a ruddy Colour, intermix’d with black and yellow Points: of sparkling Eyes, and majestick Mien, walking in a stately manner with Head erect; and skipping about like a Bird, or a French Beau, who was said to make a Solecism with his Hand, when he made a false Gesture on the Stage.

XC. The Maboujas, a word that signifies a Devil in the Indian Language, and given to this Serpent, because in its Nature it is most malignant and mischievous: It lives in fenny Ground, 124and shaded Valleys, dreadful in Appearance, and more so in its Executions.

This cruel Serpent is an Emblem of the old Serpent, that great fiery Dragon, that in a few Hours reduced Job, a wealthy Prince, into the lowest Ebb of Poverty, converted his Palace into a Dunghill, and his Body into an Hospital of Diseases; and if permitted, he would immediately turn the Earth into a Scene of Blood and Destruction; therefore he is called απολλυωνορ, the Destroyer, Rev. ix. 11. the Murderer, and Shedder of Blood. N. B. The tutelar Deity of the Cæsars was Apollo, that is, the—Destroyer. The like kind of bloody Deity has presided in the Temples of Tyranny ever since.

XCI. The Gobe Moujes, so denominated by the French, from its gobbling all kinds of Flies, which it constantly hunts, and swallows in a voracious manner. It commonly frequents Houses where it suffers no little Insects to live, no not upon Garments: It is of the stellionick form, and the least of all the Quadrupeds in those Antilles, which our English call, the Leeward-Islands.

May not this Animal serve to represent those gobbling Sots, who brush off the Flies of Melancholy, and drown them in the inchanted Cup? Thus likewise the Sons of Mammon hunt for golden Flies, as Entertainments most delicious.

XCII. BROCHET DE TORRE, or the Land-Pike, is a Serpent of about fifteen Inches long, so termed from its Likeness in Figure and Skin to that Fish. Instead of Fins, it has four Feet, too weak to support the Body, therefore crawls on its Belly, after an odd unusual manner, winding its Body about like a Pike newly taken out of the Water; which kind of Motion being strange, strikes Terror into Spectators. Tetre denies it to have the perfect Shape, Head and Skin of the common Pike, and treats Sieur Rochefort with some Roughness, according to Mr. Ray.

In the Night, these Serpents are found under the Rocks, where they make a frightful Noise, more hideous than the croaking of Frogs and Toads. In Antigua is a Fish called Cane, like our Pike in figure, seven or eight Foot long, and big in proportion: It preys like the Shark, and especially on human Flesh; and the 125least Bite of its Teeth proves mortal Poison, without immediate Application of some sovereign Antidote^[260].

XCIII. The last he mentions, is a little Serpent, about seven Fingers in length, and terrible to the Eye. The Skin is embroider’d with black Scales, that look smooth and sleek as if it were a Surface of Oil: It is furnish’d with very sharp Teeth, small Eyes, but so weak that they can’t long face the Light, no more than a Frenchman can look Truth in the face, or a Spaniard the Field of Battle.

When this little venemous Animal apprehends any Danger, it immediately digs into the Earth, with its five crooked and strong Claws, that soon penetrate the Ground: ’tis guilty not only of Evils among Beasts, but of great Devastations in Orchards and Gardens^[261].

I have wondered, says a learned Author, to see with what great Quickness, Art, and Strength, many Vespæ, Ichneumons, wild Bees and Beetles,—perforate the Earth, yea, even Wood itself; but the most remarkable in this way, is the Mole-Cricket^[262]. Swine, who dig in the Earth for their Food, have all parts of their Head adapted for that Service, but rather more remarkable in the Mole, whose Neck, Eyes, Nose and Ears are all fitted in the nicest manner, to its subterraneous way of Life.

XCIV. The Ground Rattle-Snake, so called, only because it resembles the real Rattle-Snake in Colour, but is somewhat darker: It never grows above twelve or sixteen Inches long; ’tis reckon’d among the worst of Snakes, and of a hardy Nature, because it keeps out of its Winter-Quarters the longest of any. N. B. This Serpent and some of the following are taken out of the natural History of Carolina^[263], a part of America belonging to England. The Natives of that Country were of a larger Size than Europeans, and accounted so faithful in their Promises, and so just in their Dealings, that they had no Words to express Dishonesty, Fraud, or Cheating,—What contributed chiefly to their honest Simplicity, and plain Method of living, was their Contempt of Riches; were content with plain Food and Raiment, without being anxiously sollicitous for to-morrow.

126XCV. The Horn-Snake, very venemous, hisses exactly like a Goose, upon any body’s Approach. Serpents of this Class strike at the Enemy with their Tail, which is arm’d at the end with a horny Substance, like a Cock-Spur, that kills whatever is wounded with it. ’Tis said, that in Virginia, they only shoot their Tongues, and shake them at the Enemy^[264].

XCVI. The Hydrus, Natrix, or Water-Snake, of these are various sorts, and all in some degree amphibious. When the Coluber Aquaticus wounds any, ’tis attended with a most disagreeable Odour, and so strong, that it forbids a near Approach to the unhappy Sufferer, who immediately falls into a Tremor and Distraction, and soon expires (the third day, says Ælian) without timely Relief^[265].

Its common Residence is in shallow Waters, and when they are dried up, it goes upon dry Ground, where its Wound is more dangerous than in Water: But more of this elsewhere.

XCVII. In that Country they have what they call Swamp-Snakes; three sorts of which are near a-kin to the Water-Snakes, and may be rank’d among them. The Belly of the first is of the carnation Colour, the Back is dark: the next, which is of a brown Colour, always abides in the Marshes: the third is of a motley Colour, and very poisonous.

They dwell on the sides of Swamps, i. e. Bogs, Marshes, and Ponds, have a prodigious large Mouth, and they arrive to the thickness of the Calf of a Man’s Leg. Among these I place the black Truncheon-Snakes, that live on the Banks of Rivers, which, when disturbed, shoot into the Water, like an Arrow out of a Bow. I fancy the Name is borrow’d from a certain Weapon call’d Truncheon, which we call Battoon, or Tipstaff, of a cylindrical form, used by principal Officers of State, Generals, and sometimes by Constables, when they go upon secret Expeditions.

XCVIII. The Red-belly-Snake, this is so called from its ruddy Colour, which inclines to an Orange-red. Of these are two sorts; 127one, like Abel the Innocent; the other, like Cain the Cruel: An Emblem of the World, humane, angelic Animal, and Vegetable, in which is a Mixture of Good and Evil.

XCIX. The Red-back-Snake, so named from that Colour; a long, slender Snake, but not very common. A certain Surveyor of Lands in Carolina happen’d to step over one of these, which he did not see till his Servant spy’d it: The Surveyor inquired of the Indian that was along with him, Whether it was a very venemous Serpent? Who answer’d, That if he had been wounded by it, even the Indians themselves, tho’ expert in the Art of curing serpentine Wounds, could not have saved his Life^[266].

Red, which is one of the primary Colours, proceeding from the least refrangible Rays of Light, is a lively Emblem of Fire, or the fiery Venom in this Serpent, whose principal Quality is to draw Blood.

C. The Scorpion-Lizard; ’tis commonly called so, but is no more like it than a Hedge-Hog: It is indeed of the Lizard Colour, but much larger: Its Back of a dark copper Colour; the Belly, in Orange; quick in its Motion on the Ground, and very nimble in running up Trees; has several Rows of Teeth, and is reckoned to be of a very poisonous Nature.

CI. The Long Black-Snake, is a land Animal, and very common. I have, says my Author, kill’d several of them, full six Foot in length. Its Bite, tho’ painful in its Consequences, is not deem’d commonly mortal: the wounded Part swells, and turns to a running Ulcer. No living Creature more nimble in Motion, or a greater Enemy to Mice, for it leaves not one of that Vermin alive, wherever it comes. This Serpent kills the Rattle-Snake, by twisting its Head about the Neck of that Snake, and whipping her to death with its Tail.

This Serpent very much haunts Dairy-houses in those Countries, and makes very free with unguarded Milk-Pans, and Cream-Pots: It delights to be among Hens, whose Eggs it does not suck, but swallows them whole, as all Snakes do their Sustenance. It will often swallow the Egg under a sitting Hen, and then lie in the Nest in the form of a Ring.

128Allow here a few Remarks upon the Nature of Milk and Eggs.

In all kinds of Vegetables is an oily Substance, which is a Fluid that Animals take in with their Food, and no vegetable Food is nutrimental, without some Proportion of this Oil; even Grass, especially in its Seed, abounds therewith, which being thoroughly mixt with the Saliva, it turns milky in the Stomach: Which differs from the Chyle, only as having been more concocted, and containing a large degree of Salt, which renders it convertible into Curd.

MILK therefore is an oily vegetable Matter, circulated first in Plants, then in Animals, and capable of being reduced into a caseous and watry Substance, (or Cheese and Whey, if you please.) If Milk finds no opportunity of passing off in its own natural form, it turns to Fat, or goes away by Urine and Sweat, which commonly is the case in Men, for they generate Milk as well as Women, &c.

An Egg is from a certain animal Liquid, which by repeated Circulations in the Body, arrives at a perfect animal State; this Fluid comes from the oviparous Class, which is the White wherein the Yolk appears to swim. The White and Yolk of Eggs are neither alkaline nor acid.

The White dissolves by a gentle Heat, till it totally liquifies, (thus the Hen’s Heat gradually dissolves the White of a prolific Egg into Nourishment for the Chicken) but if you expose the White to the Heat of boiling Water, it will immediately harden, into a viscous, dry Mass.

The White of an Egg is a surprizing Menstruum, for if it be first boiled hard in the Shell, and afterwards suspended in the Air by a Thread, it will resolve and drop down into an insipid Liquor; which is that heterogeneous Menstruum so much used by Paracelsus, and will make a thorough Solution of Myrrh, which is more than Water, Oils, or Fire itself can effect^[267]. N. B. The White of an Egg, by a strong Distillation, will afford an alkaline Spirit, and will putrify by Digestion; and a single Grain of this putrify’d Substance taken, will, like Poison, presently cause a Nausea, Vomit, Diarrhœa, Fever ... as Bellini tells us he has tried. And the learned Boerhaave himself, had seen those terrible 129Effects of it, which however are immediately stopt by drinking any acid Liquor, as Vinegar, Juice of Lemons. From Milk I proceed to give an account of an odd Custom about Cheese in Antiquity, viz. Among the Romans, one of their Tabernæ was called Casearia, a Caseo i. e. from Cheese; not because Cheese was made or sold in it, but because it was wont to be smoaked there: It being a Custom among the old Romans and other Italians, to make a great Smoke with Reeds and green Wood, on purpose to dry and colour their Cheese; hence the Poet Martial.

Non quemcunque focum, nec fumum caseus omnem,

Sed velabrensem, qui bibit ille sapit.——

i. e. That Cheese only is pleasant and grateful, which does not suck in every Fume, but which is smoak’d only, velabro, in Tents or Booths.

CII. The King’s Snake, is the longest of all others; but not common. It is said to be terrible to other Serpents, though not very venemous and gross: the Indians, Men and Women, in Carolina, make Girdles and Sashes of their Skins, as Signs of Conquest, and wear them as Trophies of Honour.

This puts me in mind of Hippocrates, the Prince of Physicians, who tells us that in the Eastern Parts of Europe, there is a Scythian People, called Sauromatæ, bordering on the Palus Mæotis, where the Women ride on Horse-back, draw the Bow, throw the Javelin as they ride, and fight in their Battles, so long as they remain Virgins; and were not allow’d to marry, till they had killed three Enemies in the Wars^[268]. Of my Author ’tis said, He neither knew how to deceive, nor be deceived^[269].

N. B. These were the Women called Amazons, descended from the Scythians, whose Women were as warlike as the Men, and joined with them in their Wars.

CIII. The Corn-Snake, is most like the Rattle-Snake of all others in Colour, but the Chequers are not so regular; neither 130has it any Rattles. They are frequently found in Corn-fields, from whence, I presume, they have their Appellation. In their Qualities they resemble the Green-Snakes, that are innocent by Nature, and in form admirably pretty, if I may be allow’d by the Ladies, to call a Serpent so.

CIV. The Blowing-Serpent, which is a Species of the Viper, but larger than the European, is so called, because it seems to blow, to spread its Head, and swell very much, before it bites; which Bite is very poisonous, and seems to receive some additional Malignity from the Enlargement of its Head beyond the common Proportion.

CV. The Brimstone-Snake, so denominated from the Similitude of Colour: They might as well call it, the Glass-Snake, for if any Credit be given to the Historian, ’tis as brittle as a Glass-Tube, or a Tobacco-Pipe, so that upon the touch of a Twig, it immediately breaks into several Pieces, which some say, and nobody believes, are capable of Re-union.

Its component Parts may be weak and frail, but it is questionable, whether so brittle as represented: ’Tis true indeed there are hard Bodies, that would not be affected with a Twig, yet are very brittle. Thus Iron, which is one of the hardest Metals and yet most brittle, and by fusing, it becomes harder and more brittle. Now this great Brittleness of Iron, arises from the great quantity of Sulphur-Brimstone intermixed with it. The abundance of Sulphur in Iron, is apparent from the Sparks it emits from under the Smith’s Hammer; those fiery Sparks being only the Sulphur of the heated Iron, nothing of which is seen in any other Metal^[270]. N. B. Roll-Brimstone sold in the Shops comes from the native Sulphur, which Helmont always preferred to that purified.

CVI. The Yellow-Snake is in length about seven or eight Foot; the Neck is small, rather less than its Body, which grows bigger, till it be as big as one’s Wrist, and continues so large to the Anus; from whence it diminishes by degrees to the Tail. Its Head (which is not very large) is of a dark Colour, and so are 131the Scales all over the Body, with some yellow Streaks here and there. The Belly is all yellow, like Marygold, whose Flowers are cordial.

These Serpents are for the most part to be found in the woody Mountains of America, coil’d up in the Paths, as Ropes in a Ship: they are not hurtful, unless irritated; they feed on Birds, Rats, &c. which they swallow whole, and therefore Nature has given them such a folded, rugous, inward Tunicle of the Stomach, that it may extend, and receive things of large Dimensions. Many of them have been killed with thirteen or fourteen Rats in their Bellies^[271].

It has been observed, that the Heart of this Serpent was beating an Hour after the Head was cut off, and that it would turn and twist its Body strangely in its Dissection, for a long time after the Bowels were out: The Lungs were very membranaceous, being nothing but Blood-Vessels and Air-Bladders. So a very learned Author. ibid.

CVII. The Chicken-Snake, so called because of its Executions in the Poultry-yard, where it devours all Eggs, and lesser Birds that come in its way. These Serpents are of a sooty Colour, and will very readily roll themselves round a smooth-bark’d Pine-tree, eighteen or twenty Foot high, where there is no manner of hold, and there sun themselves, and sleep all the pleasurable part of the Day, reserving the hours of Darkness for rambling^[272]. There is no great matter of Poison in them. Here the Historian mentions the Eel-Snake, improperly so called, I think, because it is nothing but a Leach, that only sucks, and can’t sting nor bite, so as to do any Damage.

CVIII. The Vectis, whose Head, strictly speaking, is neither round, flat, nor pointed, but looks like a Swelling on both sides, one stretching transversly, like a Bar that guards a Door, or, if you please, a Bettee, an Engine to break open Doors. Though this Sense be not intended here, yet ’tis true, that Serpents do make forcible Entries, but it is always with Teeth and Tail, by which they often throw down the whole Fabrick, and drive out the Inhabitant.

132CIX. The Agnasen Serpent, called the Mother of Ants, because it lodges in their Apartments, and other warm Situations. We read of Ants in the East-Indies that build their Houses above Ground, and with the finest Clay, of which the People make their Idols; their little Houses are like strong Butts, hollow within, where they dwell, and breed in Nests like Honey-combs.

The Butts present to my view the Bow and Arrows in the Hands of the Parthians, who were esteemed the best Archers in the world, and very deservedly, having the Art of shooting backwards, and making their Retreat more terrible than their Charge: Whence that of Seneca^[273], The Parthians Flight does most affright. The manner of their Fight is describ’d by the Poet, who says, They were better Soldiers when they run away, and fought best when furthest off, trusting most to the Bow^[274].

M. CRASSUS, in his Expedition against them, being told by an Astrologer it would be unprosperous, because of some ill Aspect in Scorpio: Hush Man, quoth he, I fear not Scorpio, but Sagittarius.—But to return to the Motherly Serpent, which is about a Foot and a half long, the Body slender, adorn’d with red and white Streaks. Another Author says, ’tis of a red Colour, distinguish’d by black Lines, intermix’d with white Spots: The Indians play with this Serpent (as Ladies with their Lap-dogs) and for Diversion, wear this little innocent and pretty Animal (as a Necklace of Pearls) about their Necks^[275].

CX. The Macacoatl, or Anguis Cervinus, so called from its horned Head, which resembles that of a Deer, as thick as a Man’s Thigh, in length about twenty Foot, sprinkled with dusky Spots inclining to the black and yellow.—This seems to be a Member of the gigantick Family, already described. Ibid. 273. Therefore I dismiss it, and proceed to the

CXI. AQUASEN Serpent, which seems to be the Birth of the Philippines, and very venemous: Its Wound proves fatal in a few Minutes, which is preceded by the Putrefaction of the Flesh, next 133to the affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown Colour, and a large Head^[276].

CXII. The Serpent Otus is one of the Plagues of America, and very poisonous, there being but few hours distance between the Wound it gives and Death. It is about an Inch thick, and three Foot long, a little Head and whitish Belly, and may be farther distinguish’d from others, by white and black Spots, and three red Lines running across; slow in Motion, and fond of Shade; found in Cuba, a famous Island, where the antient Inhabitants went naked, tho’ they might have been cloath’d in Gold. The Historian speaking of Spanish Cruelty, observes, that a certain Indian Prince having fled to Cuba for Shelter, was taken by the Spaniards, and condemned by them to be burnt alive. When they were tying him to the Stake, a Priest told him if he would embrace the Spanish Religion, he should go to Heaven; but if not, he must burn for ever in Hell. Upon this, the poor distressed Prince ask’d him, if there were any Spaniards in Heaven, and the Priest answering, Yes; Hathuey the Prince replied, viz.

THAT if it be so, I’ll rather go to the Devils in Hell, than go with the Spaniards to Heaven; for their Cruelty is such, that none can be more miserable than where they are. N. B. This account is given by one of their own Bishops^[277].

CXIII. The Dopon is reckoned to be a most dangerous Serpent; ’tis about an Inch round, and four or five Foot long. The vulgar Opinion is, that the whole Body is all over tinged with Poison, the Tail excepted. Its Head is very large, and of an octangular form, so far as the Eyes, from which it grows less and less to the Mouth, which is oblong and flat, arm’d with six Teeth in the upper Jaws, and six in the lower, besides lesser ones: The Tongue is slender, and of a black Colour.

Its Wounds are terrible, allowing the Patient only about twenty-four hours to live. No sooner is the Wound given, but all parts of the Body begin to swell, and soon extend beyond their due Proportion; that they are soon disabled from performing their Operations^[278].

134Thus Pride, the malignant Tumour of the Mind, was the fatal Wound, by which the Angelic Serpent, the first in Dignity among created Beings, was transformed into a Devil. Sin, a Poison so strong, that by the first taste of it, the whole human Nature was infected. Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden Fruit, and lo! we must all die for it, at the distance of so many thousand Years.

CXIV. The Attaligatus is a small slender Serpent, not exceeding the Quill of a Goose in proportion; not poisonous in its Nature, yet very mischievous; for these little Creatures are an united Body, and live in community, and never separate: they are a Society without Schism, which is more than can be affirmed of all human Societies, civil or ecclesiastick.

When these small harmonious Reptiles go abroad, they travel in Company, a hundred strong or more, and where they find any asleep, they immediately seize the Body, and with a Force united and irresistable, they devour it^[279]. Behold! a Conquest by an Army of Worms!

Thus Herod the Great, the Proud, the Cruel, when upon the Throne, was attack’d by an Army of Worms, that quickly devoured him. His Body became worm-eaten like a piece of rotten Wood^[280]. Of the Executions done by Worms, we have divers Instances in the human World. No part of Man’s Body, whether inward or outward, but is subject to Worms, and have been tormented with them.

Man’s Body, if rightly understood, would appear to be a Granary for Worms, of divers Colours and Sizes: In the inward Parts, as Stomach, Guts, Liver, Blood, Gall, Bladder, have been found swarms of Vermin, sapping the Foundation of the animal Structure. We have Instances of Worms bred in the human Brains, and were discovered in the Brain of the Paris-Girl when opened—probably laid, by some Insect, in the Laminæ of the Nostrils, from whence it gnawed its way into the Brain^[281]. So in the outer parts.

135GALEN in Jonstonus says, that in Ethiopia, India, and the mountainous part of Egypt, the Inhabitants were tormented with Worms, that bred in their Legs and Arms, called Dracunculi, whose Motion in the Flesh was conspicuous to the Eye.

LUCIUS CORNELIUS SYLLA, Consul and Dictator of Rome, (the Glories of whose Valour were obscured by barbarous Cruelties) died of a φθιριασις a wormy or lousy Disease: Thus Aliman^[282], a renowned Greek Poet, and Pherecydes the Philosopher, and Master to Pythagoras, died of the same loathsome Distemper.

In Persia there are very long slender Worms bred in the Legs and other Parts of Men’s Bodies, six or seven Yards long. Those who live upon the Red-Sea, and feed upon Locusts, are, in the last Stage of Life, subject to a sort of Flying-Worms, like what is called a Tyke, spread over all the Body, arising at first from a Scab, by scratching of which they tear their Flesh. Nieremberg. Some relate divers Examples of Worms taken out of the Tongue, Gums, Nose, and other Parts by a Woman at Leicester, which they were Eye-witnesses of. N. B. Mr. Dent and Mr. Lewis, in the Philosoph. Trans. in Lowthorp’s Abridg. where these and divers others may be seen. If it did not extend the Digression too far, I might add here, That there are no Animals, as Sheep, Wolves, Goats, Deers, Cows, Horses, Swine; yea, no Vegetables, as Trees, Herbs, Plants, Flowers, but abound with Worms; and all these have Worms peculiar to themselves. By the help of microscopical Glasses, we may discover Legions of Worms in Vinegar, human Blood, and other Liquids.

CXV. The Ecatotl, Anguis-Venti, Serpent-of-the-Wind, and very innocent, and perhaps the Name may be borrowed from a gentle salutary Gale; it is about six Spans long, and two Inches in Crassitude; the Eyes are black, Teeth small, the Belly bright, 136like Silver. The Back and Sides illustrated with white Streaks, alternately painted with Yellow and Azure: the Tongue is of a black Colour, small, long, and cloven, and most nimble in its Vibrations^[283].

CXVI. DE Angue-Laqueo, the Ensnaring-Serpent. In the Province of Vera-Pas, west of the Honduras; they are much infected with several Insects, as Muskettoes, Fire-Flies, and Serpents. Among the last is one Serpent of great Bulk, and excels in Craftiness, being very subtle and sharp in laying hold of its Prey. The Method is surprizing; for it wraps up itself in the Form of a Ginn, and so decoys the Game into the Snare: It bites like a Dog, and is very mischievous, tho’ not of the venemous Order. Ibid.

CXVII. The stupid Serpent, which they call Canaucoatl, in Character is contradictious; for, as represented in History, ’tis dull and in a manner destitute of Sensation, and yet a Creature full of Vitality and Spirit; and indeed is only remarkable for its Mettle. It is of the Tribe of Innocents, and very strong, and fears no Assault. In Dimension, monstrous; for Thickness, equal to a Man’s Body, and twice the Length. ’Tis said, some have sat upon it, apprehending it to be only the Trunk of an old Tree. Some other fabulous Things are reported of it.

It lives in the Shadow of Woods, often concealing itself under Branches and Leaves of Trees, where it surprizes the Prey, which, to speak with the Vulgar, it draws to him, by the Force of its Breath, as a Loadstone does Iron. The Authors of the Atlas mention a Serpent of this attractive Power in the Philippine Islands; Birds and other Animals are drawn into the Trap by the Charms of the Breath; yea, Partridges, Weasels——are made to run into its devouring Jaws. Ibid.

If this Serpent be endued with this magnetic Property, it is a living Loadstone, and more extensive in its Attractions than the real one; for this draws all animal Bodies to it, whereas the real Loadstone only attracts Iron. Attraction in the gross, is so complex a thing, that it may solve a thousand different things alike. This Creature is called Ibitin in America; and probably the same with the following, though distinctly considered by the Historian.

137CXVIII. The Serpent Bitin, an Inhabitant of the Mountains and Woods in the Island of Cuba, &c. of great Bulk, and Length about four Ells; and in Shape terrible to the Eye. The Head, which resembles that of a Calf, grows large to the Eyes, which sparkle with the bright and black, and are incircled with Rays of Green; it has wide Jaws, armed with many sharp Teeth, among which are four of the canine sort.

CANINI Dentes, that is Dog’s-Teeth, are two Teeth in each Jaw, so called, because they end like those of a Dog in a sharp Point, whose particular Office is to pierce the Aliments, therefore are buried in their Sockets, by which they are more able to resist all lateral Pressures, than the Molares, or the common Grinders.

This Bitinian Serpent hangs by the Tail on Trees, devouring Men and Beasts that pass by, and come within its Reach, by the dint of halituous Attraction, as the stupid, and some of the Philippine Serpents are said to do; but if it be so, the Philosophy of it is not yet accounted for.

CXIX. The Monoxillo, or Mucronated-Serpent, so called because its Termination is sharp-pointed. It has something of the Fierce and Terrible in its Appearance, but is more dreadful in Aspect than Nature; for its Wounds, though painful, are not mortal. ’Tis of the Lacertan Kind and Colour; the Tail long, and Legs of small length; the Body about two Spans long, the Tongue large and forked and of red Colour. ’Tis tedious in Motion; the whole Compound is crustaceous, like Shell-Fishes, adorned with white and yellow Spots, resembling little Pearls, or Seed of Grummel or Gray-Mile.

N. B. The Seed of Vegetables consists of an Embryo, in which is contained the whole Plant in Miniature. A compleat Oak is visible in an Acorn by a Microscope.

CXX. The Tapayaxin, a little wonderful Serpent; some say of the Lacertan Kind, others say of an orbicular Form, not above four Inches Long. The Body is cartilaginous, or gristly, smooth and solid. This kind of Coverture is harder than a Ligament, and softer than a Bone, but is not covered over with any Membrane to make it capable of Sensation.

138It moves slowly, and recommends itself by Diversity of Colours: when touched, the Body appears to be cold. Now, Bodies are said to be cold or hot, as their Particles are in a greater or lesser Motion, than those of the sensitory Organs. All Changes in the created Globe, are the Effects of Motion, without which all Bodies would become unactive Masses^[284].

This little Animal, is said to be pleased, or rather unconcerned, when taken up by human Hands; called on that account, the Friend of Man; that is, he who is not against us, is for us; therefore merits our Smiles. His Situation corresponds with his natural Disposition, for it is an Inhabitant of cold Regions. When its Head is comprest, Drops of Blood gush out of his Eyes, which he casts to a great distance from him; which agrees with a former Description, &c.

CXXI. DE Haro coloti genere. The Serpent Harus, according to the Historian^[285], is a Native of the Philippines, and of the Lacertan Tribe: a very long Head (like the Philippine Queen) on a bulky Body, terminating in a sharp Point. It resembles the Quaquetzall, is in Mexico, and agrees therewith in most things, and of which it seems to be a Species.

It chuses its Habitation among Shrubs adjacent to clear Streams, and never defiles a Body, so prettily coloured, with muddy Water, till constrained to make the Bulrush its Shelter against the excessive Heat of the Sun^[286].

CXXII. The Tamacolin, or a Serpent called Rubeta, of the Lineage of the red Toad: This kind is made up of Variety, differing only one from another in Magnitude, Colour, and Poison. The lesser kind not so venemous as the larger. Some are green, some are brown, and others black. In showery Weather they make an open Appearance, and in such Numbers, that none walk abroad without running the risk of a poisonous Touch.

NEW-SPAIN abounds with them, where they affect watry Habitations. In Peru are Toads as large almost as Cats or Dogs, but not so poisonous as those of Brazil, where they have a Fish 139called Amyacu, i. e. Toad-Fish; ’tis about a Span long, and oddly painted; its Eyes are fine and fair: It swells and snorts when taken out of the Water, which was the reason of giving it that Name: When flayed it may be eaten, but is otherwise poisonous; the Poison is drawn out by Application of Fire to the Part affected^[287].

CXXIII. TETZAUCOATL, or the rare Serpent; so called, because the least of Serpents; and though very little, scarce four Inches long, or in Bulk so big as a Goose-quill, yet its Wounds are most deadly. The Belly is red, and distinguishable by black Stains; the Back yellow, interlaid with divers Spots. It is an Inhabitant of the North, and delights in cold Apartments. This (though distinctly described by the Historian) seems to be the same with the Tetzaucoatl^[288]. N. B. Little Things, greatly dangerous.

The Poet weeps for a Person killed by the Fall of an Icicle, which is a little Drop of Water congealed^[289]. Anacreon, the celebrated Lyrick Poet among the Greeks, was choaked with a little Kernel of a Grape. Little Things do great Executions. Little Worms destroy floating Castles. Tarantula, a little Spider, poisons a Giant. In Barbadoes is what they call the Poison-Tree, a little Drop of its Sap flying into a Workman’s Eyes, makes him blind; therefore Workmen cover them with Cypress.

PLINY, from M. Varro says, there was a Town in Spain undermined by Conies, and another in Thessaly by Mold-Warps, and another in France, from which they were driven out by Frogs.... In some parts of Africa, People were constrained by Locusts to leave their Habitations. Out of Gyaros (one of the Islands of the Cyclades in the Ægean Sea, most of which are now under the Turks) the Inhabitants were forced away by Rats and Mice, little Things: And if it be true, that Theophrastus the Philosopher reports, the Treriens were chased away by an Army of little Worms, called Scolopendra^[290]. All these mighty Conquests were made by little contemptible Insects.

What says the Laconian, when wounded with a Dart? I am not, quoth he, concerned at my Death, but at my Fall by a 140Wound from a little feeble Archer. For ’tis Satisfaction to the Vanquish’d to die by the Hand of heroic Valour; hence that of Virgil;

Æneæ Magni dextra cadis....

’Tis by the Great Æneas’ Hand you fall.

The reason was, because the Lacedemonians were wont to fight with Swords, therefore it was not counted Bravery to kill Men with a Dart, a thing that may be done by any Woman.

So in the vegetable World, there are Cedars and Shrubs. In Natural Philosophy, we read of Atoms, that are Minima Naturæ, the ultimate Particles into which Matter is divisible, and are conceived as the first Rudiments, or component Parts of all physical Magnitude, or the pre-existent and incomprehensible Matter, whereof particular Bodies were formed; there are Mountains and Mole-Hills,

So ... there was Alexander the Great, and there is Alexander the Little, the ingenious and learned Mr. Pope; the one conquered by the Sword, the other by his Pen, and has made all the Regions of Fame tributary to him.

CXXIV. The tame and tractable Serpent, is of the Indian Race, about an Inch long, when brought first from the Field for domestick Education; and when at its full Growth, is not much short of a Man’s Thigh. Its Habitation is in some little Hutch erected on purpose, (indulgentiæ gratia) where it idles away its time, till Hunger brings it out. Upon its Approach to the Master of the House, it creeps up to his Shoulders, where the Embraces of that terrible Creature (being made tame) are received with Delight^[291].

CXXV. The Tleoa, or Tetloa, that is, a little fiery Serpent, and very common in the new World, and described by the Historian thus^[292], viz. ’Tis about a Finger broad, and five or six Foot long, and differenced from others by a Medley of Spots, compounded of white, black, yellow, and dun Colours. The Head is like 141that of our Vipers, and the Tail, which seems to have a touch of the Rattle, ends acutely.

Its Wounds are deadly, and burn like Fire; hence the Name it bears: Though fiery in Nature, is slow and winding in Motion, and may be avoided by the Traveller, if he has Eyes and Ears. Its usual Residence is in Mountains, and the higher Mountains are, the greater the Cold, (because they only receive direct, and but little of the reflected Rays of the Sun) yet are the Habitations of fiery Animals.

The Learned observe, there are Mountains a Mile and an half high, to the tops of which, no Vapour, and consequently no Clouds, can ever reach: And hence it is that in very high Mountains, as the Pico de Theide in Bohemia, though the middle part be always inverted with Snow, and the bottom scorched with intolerable Heat; yet on the top you will find yourself in a pure, thin, serene Air, and view the Clouds hovering at a considerable distance below you^[293].

Hence it is that all Thunder is confined within less than a Mile’s Height. The Air is coldest in the highest places, and hottest in the lowest; but in the intermediate Atmosphere, where we live, very unequal: but no Climates, however situated, are privileged with Exemption from venemous Creatures, and where they are less pestered with them, ’tis owing to the Cultivation of the Land.

The Wounds given by this Serpent are dangerous, and cured by an Herb called Ancola, by Jonstonus, p. 26, 27. but Anola, by Nierembergius, p. 277, 283.

CXXVI. The Hydrus, or Natrix, an acquatic Serpent: The former word from ὑδορ Water, of which ’tis an Inhabitant; the other word denotes its Skill in the Art of Natation; it goes under various Denominations, as appears in Jonstonus; who, from Pliny observes, that this Serpent is superior to most in Beauty, and inferior to none in Poison^[294].

NICANDER, who calls the terrestrial Hydrus, a foul coloured Beast, vindicates the beautiful Character of the Marine; who yet is not very nice in its Choice of Water, for muddy and 142clear is equally the same to this beautiful Slut^[295]. In its Nature ’tis very poisonous, says one; Cardan is in the Negative. The truth is, there are several sorts of them, some of which are harmless, and others hurtful, and their Wounds attended with very terrible Effects, described by the poetick Physician^[296].