Colour and Figure; some with a Tail turn’d up, others with a flat Tail,
prominent in the middle: There are various sorts of them; one of which
appears in the form of a Turbot, whose Eggs are as large as
Garden-pears.
When upon Land their Mouth will not open, unless it be by Force, or they
be cast into a Vessel of Water: When put upon Salt, they move the Tail
and die; their Skin is close compacted, and not penetrable by a Sword;
and ’tis said that Swine’s Flesh is Poison to them[198].
Footnote 198:
_Jonstonus de Quadruped._ p. 138.
The common Report is, that the _Salamander_ is able to live in the Fire,
which is a vulgar Error: The Hieroglyphick Historian observes, that upon
Trial made, it was so far from quenching it, that it consum’d
immediately[199]. It is true, that _Newts_ (or Water-lizards) Frogs,
Snails, and such icy Animals, will endure the Fire for a longer time
than others will, by reason of an extraordinary degree of Coldness,
which dissipates and scatters the Flame for a little time.
Footnote 199:
_Joannis Pierii Hierogl._ cap. 21-26. p. 195-6, 7.
I have read an Experiment made upon a _Salamander_, that was thrown into
the Fire, and there came from it a sort of gelid, moist, viscous Humour,
which resisted the Power of Fire for a little time; but those
Exhalations being dried up, was soon consum’d. In the _Philosophical
Transactions_, we have another Instance, which seems to carry the matter
further.
M. _STENO_ writes from _Rome_, that a Knight called _Corvini_, had
assured him, that having cast a _Salamander_ (brought to him out of the
_Indies_) into the Fire, the Animal thereupon swelled presently, and
then vomited store of thick slimy Matter, which did put out the
neighbouring Coals, to which the _Salamander_ retired immediately,
putting them out also in the same manner as they rekindled; and by this
means saved his Life about two Hours, and afterwards lived nine Months;
that he had kept it eleven Months, without any other Food but what it
took by licking the Earth, on which it moved, and on which it had been
brought out of the _Indies_, which at first was cover’d with a thick
Moisture, but being dried afterwards, the Urine of the Animal served to
moisten the same: Being put upon _Italian Earth_, it died within three
days after[200].
Footnote 200:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridgement_, v. ii. p. 816.
As to the Possibility of the thing; I make no doubt but he, who made
_Water_ the Habitation of Fish, can make _Fire_ to be the Residence of
another sort of Beings. The Sun, which is the Centre of our planetary
System, for aught we know, may be the Seat of glorious Inhabitants; or,
as others conjecture, the Place of future Misery.
Upon the whole, the _Salamander_ being of a mucous, slimy, and cold
Body, will, like Ice, soon extinguish a little Fire, but will be as soon
consum’d by a great Fire; therefore it was no Absurdity in _Galen_,
when, as a _sceptical Medicine_, he recommended the _Ashes of a
Salamander_.
The like Humidity is observable in Water-Lizards, especially if their
Skins be prick’d: Yea, Frogs, Snails, White of Eggs, will soon quench a
lesser Coal. We read of _incombustible Cloth_, (_Linnen Paper_,) made
from a Flaxen-Mineral, call’d Ασβεστος by the _Greeks_, and _Linum
vivum_ by the _Latins_.
[Illustration:
_Plate 5^{th}_
]
This _Asbestos_, or Matter out of which this wonderful Cloth ... is
made, is a Fossil, a mineral stony Substance, of a whitish Colour, and
woolly Texture (call’d _Salamander’s-Wool_) the downy Fibres, separable
into short Filaments of Threads, capable of being spun, and made into a
sort of Cloth, which will endure the Fire without consuming. When foul,
instead of washing, they throw it into the Fire, which cleanses without
burning it. Whole Webs and Coats, Napkins, Handkerchiefs, Towels, have
been made of it; which were so far from being consumed by Fire, that
they were only cleansed from their Dross, and came out purified into a
greater Lustre than if wash’d with Water.
Its principal use, according to _Pliny_[201], was for making of Shrouds,
in which the Corps of their Kings were usually burnt, lest their royal
Ashes should be blended with common Dust. The Princes of _Tartary_ use
it to this day in burning the Dead[202]. _Nero_ had a Napkin or Towel
made of it. The _Brachmans_ among the _Indians_, are said to make
Clothes of it. The Wicks for their perpetual Candles were made of
it[203]; and some to this day use it for Lamp-Wicks.
Footnote 201:
Book xix. cap 1.
Footnote 202:
_Philos. Transact._
Footnote 203:
Dr. _Lister_.
The Emperor _Constantine_ ordered an incombustible sort of Linnen to be
made of _Lapis Amianthus_, the growth of _Cyprus_, that might burn in
his Lamps, which were in his _Baths_ at _Rome_. The Commentator on St.
_Augustin_ says, that he saw several Lamps at _Paris_, which would never
be consumed: and at a Feast at _Louvain_, there was a Napkin thrown into
the Fire, which was restored to the Owner clearer and brighter than if
it had been rinsed in Water[204].
Footnote 204:
_Ludovicus Vives, in his Scholia—de Civitate Dei. Pancirol. Historia
rerum deperdit._
The _incombustible Paper_ is made of this lanuginous Mineral, viz.
_Asbestine-Stone_, which will bear burning without being injured.
Whoever would be further informed about this wonderful incombustible
Stone, may peruse Dr. _Bruckman_, Professor at _Brunswick_, who has
publish’d _a natural History of the Asbestos,_ or _incombustible Paper_;
and what is most remarkable, has printed four Copies of his Book on
_this_ Paper, which are deposited in the _Library_ of _Wolfembuttle_.
The manner of making this extraordinary Paper is described by Mr.
_Lloyd_, in _Philosoph. Transactions_, N^o. 166.
_N. B._ The _Salamander_ is said to live in the Fire, and has power to
extinguish it: “From which Conjuncture was taken the _Device_ of Great
King _Francis_, the first of the Name, (Father of Arts and Sciences)
_Nutrisco & Extinguo_, I Feed and Extinguish[205].”
Footnote 205:
_Pedro Mexia_ and M. _Francesco Sansovinio_, the famous _Italian_.
XXIX. The _Cameleon_ belongs to the Class of Quadrupedes, and is a
little Animal resembling a Lizard, but of a larger and longer Head: Its
Eyes stand out of its Head above one half of their Globe, which he turns
so obliquely, that he sees every thing behind him: Nature perhaps has
given it this Advantage, because its Legs (by the slowness of its
motion) are of no use to avoid his Enemy, by running away. There is yet
something more extraordinary, in the motion of his Eyes, for when one of
them moves, the other has no motion at all; one looks upward, the other
downwards[206].
Footnote 206:
A Journal of the Philosoph. Mathematical and Botanic Observ. by _Lewis
Feuillée_, A. D. 1725.
The length of these Creatures does not exceed twelve Inches, and they
have a proportionable bigness. The Skin is plaited and very fine,
transparent, jagged like a Saw, and thin; and must be very compact and
hard, since, according to the Historian[207], ’tis not penetrable by the
Teeth of Serpents. It has four Feet, and on each Foot three Claws; its
Tail is long and flat, with which, as well as with its Feet, it fastens
itself to the Branches of Trees: its Nose long, and ends in an obtuse
point: In other respects it is made like a Fish; that is to say, it has
no Neck[208]: Reckoned by _Moses_, _among the unclean_—Numb. xi. 30.
Footnote 207:
_Ælian,_ iv. 33.
Footnote 208:
_Calmet,_ p. 351.
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 not afford a finer Variety of Shadowing, nor our finest
Pictures more lively, sweet, and proportionable Drawing.
Footnote 209:
_Le Compte’s Memoirs_, p. 502.
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].
Footnote 210:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. ii, p. 816.
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 of 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.
Footnote 211:
_Pellicula vivit. Tertull. de Pallio_, cap. 3.
Footnote 212:
_Feuillée_’s _Journal. Franckf._ 1597. p. 3.
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._
Footnote 213:
_Jonstonus de Animalib. inter Quadrupedes_, p. 141.
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 fastens, ’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.——
Footnote 214:
_Africa._
Footnote 215:
For _America_.
Footnote 216:
_Jonstonus de Quadrupedibus._
’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].
Footnote 217:
_Atl. Afric._ p. 49, 50.
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.
Footnote 218:
_9 & interdum 12 pedes longus est._ Ray.
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.
In 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].
Footnote 219:
_Jonstonus_, Articulus xvii. p. 23.
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.
Footnote 220:
_Historia Naturæ Maximè Peregrinæ_, p. 268-9.
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, and 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 made
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.
Footnote 221:
_Acosta_, _Gage_—The Civil and Moral History of the _Spanish
West-Indies_, in _Atlas Geogr. America_.
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].
Footnote 222:
_Nierembergii Historia Naturalis_, p. 271.
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.
Footnote 223:
_Curzon_’s _Catalogue of Rarities_, p. 445.
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. After 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.
Footnote 224:
_Nieuhoff in Atl. America,_ p. 263.
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].
Footnote 225:
_Raii Synopsis_, p. 328.
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_ Tables[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.
Footnote 226:
_Raii Synopsis_, p. 328.
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....”
Footnote 227:
D’où venes vous? De Marinnan. A qui estes vous? A un Portugais. Que
fais tu-la? Je garde les poulles. Vous gardez les poulles? Ouy moy, &
je sçai bien faire.—_Sir_ William Temple’s _Memoirs_, and _Mr._
Locke’s _Essay_, Book II. _chap._ 27.
... “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
in 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].
Footnote 228:
_Anton. Herrera_’s History of _America_, Vol. II. in his Account of
_Darien_, p. 72.
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 these 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.
Footnote 229:
_Jonstoni Historia Naturalis_, p. 25, 26.
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 Remedies 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]
Footnote 230:
_Raii Synopsis Animal._ p. 329. _Londini_ 1693.
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 Claws 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]
Footnote 231:
_Nieuhoff in Atlas, America._
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 suffer’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._
Footnote 232:
_Holstein Ambassadors._—_Herbert._—_Atl. Asia._
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].
Footnote 233:
_Fætor illius nullatenus—possit tolerari._ Raii Synopsis.
Footnote 234:
Quod vulpis fuga, vipere cabile
Mallem quam quod oles, olere, Bassa.
_Martial._
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 of 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
LV. _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.
The 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].
Footnote 235:
_Ray_’s _Synopsis Animalium_, p. 330.
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, Pomegranates, 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 little 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.
Footnote 236:
_A putorio, quia valdè fœtet._
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.
Footnote 237:
_De octavo genere merentur legi, quæ D. Cleyerus in Ephemer. German._
Anno 12. Observ. 7. cui titulas, _De Serpente magno Indiæ Orientalis.
Urobubalum deglutiente Narrat. Raii Synopsis Animalium_,—p. 333, 334.
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].
Footnote 238:
Tum viridis squamis, parvo saxatilis ore. _Ovid._
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 Serpent_,
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].
Footnote 239:
_Fr. Leguat_’s _Voyages_, in _Atl._ for _Asia_.
_LEGUAT_, 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].
Footnote 240:
_Lowthorp_’s _Abridg._ vol. iii. p. 594.
Footnote 241:
This Animal is described by _Philip Martinus_ in his _Chinese Atlas_.
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.
Footnote 242:
_History of the Antilles._
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 those 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.
Footnote 243:
_His Travels._
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
Footnote 244:
_Synopsis Animal. de Lacertis._
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.
Footnote 245:
Κροκοδειλος δειλος. _Græcis timidus._
Footnote 246:
_Calmet._
His 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].
Footnote 247:
_Jonstonus_, 141.
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].
Footnote 248:
_Nierembergius._
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 Truth, 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].
Footnote 249:
For _Africa_, p. 47.
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 live 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_.
Footnote 250:
_Dellon on Madagascar, in Atl. Afr._
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].
Footnote 251:
_Barth. Leonardo de Argensola_’s Discovery of the _Molucca_ and
_Philippine_ Islands.
Footnote 252:
_Atlas Amer._ 263.
Footnote 253:
_Memoirs_, 2d Edit. p. 502.
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.
LXXVII. 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].
Footnote 254:
_Raii Synopsis Animalium Quadrupedum_, p. 263.
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].
Footnote 255:
See _Dr. Plot’s History of Staffordsh._ p. 252.
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].
Footnote 256:
_Nat. History of Carolina_, 131, 2. _N. B._ These are found in
_Ireland_.
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 kind 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.
LXXXVII. 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].
Footnote 257:
_Ray_, p. 265.
’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].
Footnote 258:
_Grew’s Cosmologia Sacra._
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.
Footnote 259:
_History of the Antilles-Islands._
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, and 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 least Bite of its Teeth proves mortal
Poison, without immediate Application of some sovereign Antidote[260].
Footnote 260:
_History of the Antilles._
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].
Footnote 261:
_Ray._
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.
Footnote 262:
_Derham_ _Phys. Theol._
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.
Footnote 263:
In the new _Collection of Voyages_, 4to, printed 1713.
XCV. 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].
Footnote 264:
_Lowthorp._ vol. iii, p. 599.
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].
Footnote 265:
_Ælian._ lib. iv. cap. 57. _Accessio Gyllii._—
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; one, 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].
Footnote 266:
_Natural History of Carolina._
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.
Allow 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 Effects 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.
Footnote 267:
_Boerhaave’s Process_, p.
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].
Footnote 268:
_Hippocrates upon Air, Water, and Situation; upon Epidemical
Diseases_, _&c._ translated into _English_, by the learned Dr.
_Clifton_.
Footnote 269:
Of _Hippocrates_ ’tis said,——_Qui tam fallere quam falli nescit_.
-Macrobii Opera, p. 27.
_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 has 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.
Footnote 270:
_Boerhaave’s Method of Chemistry._
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 the 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].
Footnote 271:
_Sir Hans Sloan’s Voyages to Madeira, Barbad._ vol. ii. Lond. 1725.
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.
Footnote 272:
_Natural History of Carolina_, p. 134.
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.
CIX. 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].
Footnote 273:
Terga conversi metuenda Parthi.
Footnote 274:
Pugna levis, bellumque fugax, turmæque fugaces,
Et melior cessisse loco quam pellere miles.
_Lucan._
_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].
Footnote 275:
_Joan. Euseb. Nierembergii Historia Naturæ_, p. 272,-3.
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 to the
affected part. It is about two Spans long, of a brown Colour, and a
large Head[276].
Footnote 276:
_Nascitur in Philippicis._ ibid. p. 273. Nierembergius.
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].
Footnote 277:
_Barthol. de las Casas_, Bishop of _Chiapa_. Hist. of _Antilles_.
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].
Footnote 278:
_Remedio est Alexiterium pangagausen._ Nierembergii Historia, cap.
xiii. p. 274.
Thus 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!
Footnote 279:
_Nierembergii Historia_, cap. xiii. p. 274.
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.
Footnote 280:
γενομενος σχωληχοβρωτος, Act. xii.
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.
Footnote 281:
_Derham_ from _Bartholinus_.
_GALEN_ 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.
Footnote 282:
_Pliny._ Part. i.
Sed quis non paveat pherecydos fata tragœdi:
Qui nimio sudore fluens, animalia tetra,
Eduxit turpi miserum qua morte tulerunt.
Sylla quoque infelix tali languore peresus
Corruit, & sœdo se vidit ab agmine vinci.
_Sic testatur Serenus medicus._
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, like 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].
Footnote 283:
_Nierembergius_, cap. xv. p. 274.
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.
CXVIII. 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.
It 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].
Footnote 284:
_Newton_’s _Opticks_, p. 375.
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.
Footnote 285:
_Nierembergius_, cap. xxiv. p. 276. _Nascitur in Philippicis._
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].
Footnote 286:
_Ibid._ p. 276.
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 called _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].
Footnote 287:
_Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General._
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.
Footnote 288:
_Nieremb._
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.
Footnote 289:
Oh! ubi non est si jugulatis aqua.
_Mart._
_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.
Footnote 290:
_Pliny’s Natural History_, Part I. B. viii. Cap. 29.
What says the _Laconian_, when wounded with a Dart? I am not, quoth he,
concerned at my Death, but at my Fall by a Wound 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].
Footnote 291:
_Nierembergius_, cap. xl. p. 283.—Humeros heri amicè conscendunt,
benevolè terrifici animalis amplexus tolerantis.
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 that of our Vipers, and
the Tail, which seems to have a touch of the Rattle, ends acutely.
Footnote 292:
_Nierembergius_; from _Franciscus Hernandus_.
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].
Footnote 293:
_Montibus Tepeztlanicis._
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].
Footnote 294:
_Jonstoni Historia Nat._ p. 28.
_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 clear 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].
Footnote 295:
’Tis sometimes called _Lutra, ex Luto_; because it delights most in
foul Water; or the Word may signify, to wash and make clean.
Footnote 296:
Pessima quas fecit plagas hæc signa sequantur;
Arida tota cutis circum putret horribilemque
Elevat aspectum, magni ignitique dolores
Tandem hominem interimunt.——
_Nicander._
In some parts of _Persia_ they are very numerous, described by white
Heads and black Body, four Cubits long, and dangerous to those who
dabble in the Water by Night, as they often do in that hot Country where
these Animals feed upon Fish and Frogs[297]; and breed upon Land,
according to _Aristotle_[298].
Footnote 297:
Stagna colit, ripisque habitans his piscibus atram
Improbus Ingluviem ranisque loquacibus explet,
Exhausta palus—Exilit in siccum—
_Virg. Georg._ lib. iii.
Footnote 298:
_Jonstoni Hist. Nat._ p. 28, 29.
Its common Habitation is in the _Myclean Lake_, in _Corcina_ or
_Corcyra_, now _Corfou_, (a little rich Island in the _Venetian_
Dominion) and also about _Taracina_ (a City of the _Volscians_ in
_Campania_, in _Italy_, not far from _Amyclæ_) where the People, not
daring to kill Serpents, were overthrown by them; to mention no more.
_Ibid._
CXXVII. The _Natrix-Torquata_, _Jonston_ makes different from the
former, and describes it thus——Called _Torquata_ from its beautiful
Neck, which looks as if incircled with a strong Collar of Pearls.... On
the hinder part of the Head is a little narrow Space in the form of two
Scales, where the Spots on both sides end acutely in a triangular form.
The _Scholiast_ upon _Nicander_, compliments those _pretty Spots_ with
the Title of _little Crowns_[299].
Footnote 299:
_Ibid._ p. 29.
It goes under various Appellations. The _Greeks_ called it Guardian of
their Houses[300], it being of the innocent sort. Some of the _Italians_
call it _Carbonarium_, a Collier, because its Colour inclined to
Coal-black, or Iron. Mr. _Ray_ calls it, the _common Snake_. It is
larger than a Viper, and more gross in Body; brings forth its Young by
Eggs, hatch’d by foreign Heat; feeds on Mice; sucks Cows, upon which
follows Blood. The Reader is referred to a former.
Footnote 300:
Οφεις οικουροι.
[Illustration:
_Plate 6^{th}._
]
CXXVIII. The _Marine-Dragon_, as _Pliny_ calls it, or the _true
Marine-Serpent_, in the Dialect of _Jonstonus_, who, in his Description
of Fishes, gives a particular account of it. We have already accounted
for monstrous Serpents in the _Indies_, where some have Teeth in the
form of a Saw, with which they do more hurt than with their Poison, says
the _Greek_ Historian[301].
Footnote 301:
_Æliani Hist._ lib. xvi. cap. 3.
In _Africa_, are some large and strong enough to contend with Oxen by
Land, and to overturn a three-oar’d Galley by Water; which agrees in
Character with those of _Norway_ already described: There we found some
of 200 Foot long, winding themselves about Ships, according to _Olaus
Magnus_, Archbishop of _Upsal_.
In several of the _Persian Islands_ are some of twenty Cubits long, and
very terrifying to Sailors. Such also are seen in the Promontory of
_Carmania_, the Residence of the _Ichthyophagi_, a People that feed
wholly upon Fish; a fine Country for such who are inclin’d to keep a
_perpetual Lent_. Tho’ these Monsters are born in the Deep, yet are they
found in fresh Waters, and sometime sporting upon Land, where they
sleep[302].
Footnote 302:
_Jonston. de Piscib._ p. 9. Articulus v.
The same Author tells us, of a _terrible Battle_ that happen’d in
_Turkey_, in the time of _Bajazet_, between the _land_ and _marine
Serpents_, that continued from Morning to Night, when after a great
Destruction on both sides, the _Marines_ fled. _Ibid._
CXXIX. The _Rubetarian-Serpent_ is a very noisy Animal, who for its
croaking Noise is resembled to a land Toad. It also engages the
Attention of the Eye, for it excels in Beauty: It’s known among Country
People by these two Characteristicks, _viz._ _Loud_ and _Pretty_. Here
we see, what is an Offence to the Ear may be a pleasing Entertainment to
the Eye; thus the Five Senses agree to differ in their several
Perceptions, and to meet in several distinct Apartments of the capital
Temple, in the pacifick Empire. But to return to the _beautiful
Padalica_ of the _Polonians_:
It is said of this Serpent, that when it wounds any in the Foot, the
Remedy is to put the wounded part into the next Earth, that is inclined
to the moist, for twenty-four hours. This seems to differ from the
_American Rubeta_.