wat * : Scar: of gy x toe Mew pg: SB Pi ee atta Ay O 0301 OO1485L 5 —* Suimate Creation: POPULAR EDITION OF POUR LIVING WORLD,” A NATURAL HISTORY BY See RreEV. 2. G Woom REVISED AND ADAPTED TO AMERICAN ZOOLOGY, BY JOSEPH B. HOLDER, M.D., Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences; Member of the Societiz of Naturalists, EB. U. 8.; Member f the American Ornithologists’ Union; Curator of Vertebrate Zoology, #imerican Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York. FULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY. VOL, III. NEW YORK: SELMAR HESS. _ BY SELMAR HESS. ‘ "4 ’ ors foil ATORY- NOP. HE Reptilia and Batrachia form the subjects of this volume. The published Reports of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries, and the various Bulletins and Papers of the National Museum and Smithsonian Institution, have been of equal importance in affording the most recent facts and views touching American Zoology. For the use of the contents of these works we acknowledge the courtesy of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The Fishes and Invertebrates are catalogued and described very fully in the above-mentioned publications, all of which are accessible to students or those desiring further technical knowledge, but their contents are too voluminous to be fairly utilized in this volume. Vou. IIT. pe ee id: etapa at © rel dent va “ i aay oy eae ie oye dest iiseg aie Nie: f CONTENTS. PAGE CLASS REPTILES. 3 Section SHIELDED REP TILES,—Order CHELARIANS; or TORTOISES : 5 True Tortoises— Testudinidae..........0.ccece ees 6 Terrapins—Himydidae 0... 0... cece veces essccees 9 Aquatic Tortoises—Ohelididae,........+2s0ceeeeees 17 Soft Turtles—Trionycidae.........060..cceeeee see 19 Sea Turtles—Oheloniadae........ 06... cece cence 21 Order EMYDOSAURI; or TORTOISE-LIZARDS: 28 Crocodiles—Crocodilidae ............ ce ceeecceecees 29 Alligators—Alligatoridae ........6.ceccecseceeecece 35 Order AMPHISBAENIA: Amphisbeenidae,...........6...4- 38 TS OS GOR SF Fi oe San ee ren 38 Section SQUAMATA; or SCALED REPTILES, — Order SAURA; or LIZARDS.— Sub-Order Sxpro- @Loss®; or SLENpER-Tonaurep Lizarps.— Tribe RU LUGAUR A... cells auaiiaa ahs cs aes \s're sey a's 40 Monitors—Monitoridae .............ce cece eeeee 40 PPROUUORINE— CNG Pee seu. 6'6 oi est0 vw 8.cieinioa'e s'4 6 43 True Lizards—Lacertinidae..............0...ceee 45 Band-Tailed Lizards—Zonuridae,................- 50 Cylindrical-Bodied Lizards—Chalcidae............ 54 Other Families of Lizards—Anadiadae, Chirocolidae, Cercosauridae, Chamesauridae.........2.000002+: 55 Tribe GeIssosauRa: 55 Gape-Eyed Skinks—@ymmnophthalmidae, .......... 5T Pagopus, Delma—Pygopidae.......-..-.022.ee.0ee 57 Aprasia—Aprasiadae,—Lialis—Lialicidae........... 58 Skinks—Scincidae......... Tee apg a OA OR 58° Ophiomore—Ophiomoridae.—_Seps—‘Sepsidae........ 68 _ Javelin Snake—Acontiadae,..... 2.6... 6. cece ee eee 69 Blind Reptiles—Typhlinidae, Typhlopsidae......... 70 Rough-Tailed Lizards—Uropeltidae.. ............++ 71 Sub-Order Pacuy@.ossak; or Tutck-Toneuep Lizarps.— Tribe Nycrisaura: Geckos—Geckotidae......... 71 Tribe SrropiwosauRa: True Iguanas—Iguanidae.......... 15 Iguanas of the Old World—Agamidae............. 84 Tribe DenpRosauRA; or TREE LIZARDS...........02...-+ 89 Order OPHIDIA; or SNAKES: 93 OGUYS—COTOIANdAE. Yves leis Phebe lew Seuciens ess ehs 95 OPS VATA. Sasi pana cene se calbaige tele cig eee 104 River and Sea Serpents—Aydridae..............4+ 115 NA ION ares Gas cle dg ale de ae HUE ES 0 ¥i8's 0:0 118 Conocephalus—Calamaridae.—Schaap-Sticker with other species—Coronellidaé.........2-c.eeeeeeeee 125 Water Snakes—WNatricidae. .........0eceseeeeseeee 127 MAbs — COUbiNGE ag ek desire seis sics see's nacecess 130 Tree Serpents—Dryadidae ..............ccee eens 184 Almost-Toothless Serpents—Dasypeltidae, or Rachio- Oe SE rE Pe 0) = a 187 True Tree Serpents—Dendrophidae..........2...4+ 137 Wood Snakes—Dryiophidae..............0cceeceee 139 Dipsas—Dipsadidae,— Deadly Serpents — Hlapidae (commencing with Banded Bungarus.)...... .....ee0eeeeees 140 Other Families of meops Senpeany eee eee, OM AMMOIAG LS eps ie ben tert ee e ober eee ae st 149 Order BATRACHIA; or FROGS AND TOADS.—Sub- ‘ Order Barracuta SarentraA; or LEAPING Ba- TRACHIANS: 149 A. Aglossa; or Tongueless Batrachians: Dactyle- rae, Pandas. ore. ee A 150 B. Opisthoglossae; or Tongued Batrachians: 151 BRETT TORS PH MGNIUAB cei ccs eee es susteccese tans 152 Vou. JIL. AGE Horned and Land Frog—Oystignathidae........... : 158 Painted Frog—Discoglossidae——Nurse Frog—Aly- WUNES Foran Riae wh upusler ig ae Risioee some ie padin ae 159 Toads—Bufonidae, ......... 0c ccc ccc ee cee cneeeees 160 Polypedatidae, Hylidae............+- 164 Tree-Frogs, | Pelodryadae P scaascathal by the Blue Frog), or Phy Ll if ( d by the Bicolor Tree-Toads. | Wien Wows ai is oh a eicsn See 4 5k wn 60 168 Hitoulesidaasiscs As lecces oversees 5 169 C. Proteroglossa; or Batrachians with Tongue free in front: Rhinophryne—Rhinophrynidae............ 169 Sub-Order Batracutia GRADIENTIA; or CRAWLING Ba- TRACHIANS: 170 2 Salamandridae,.......05.cecsseeceee 170 asap,” ; Plethodontidae — (commencing’ with Japanese ders. MeN nck stale «5 sg t pasa iinie's © 175 Order PSPEUDOSAURIA; or FALSE BATRACHIANS: Gigantic Salamander, ete.—Protonopsidae.......... 176 Congo Snake, ete.—Amphiumidae..........-.++.45 179 Order PSEUDOPHIDIA; on FALSE SERPENTS (genus Caecilia).— Order PSEUDOICTHYAS; or FISH-LIKE REPTILES......... LER SD 180 Order MEANTIA, comprising odd forms of CRrawline BATRACHIANS: Proteidae..........eececcecscoes 185 Mud Eel—Sirenidae...........-.eceseecceee Rarer 186 CLASS PISCES; or FISHES. _ iss Order CHONDROPTERYGII; or SOFT-FINNED FISHES.—Sub-Order ELEUTHEROPOMI; or FREE- Gittep Fisues: Sturgeon and Shovel-Fish— AAA BONAGA CAL iii cba taletees oa e's KERR aS rene sess 190 Spoon-Bill Sturgeon—Polyodontidae. ...........0++ 192 Chimaeras—Chimarridae .... 0.0.0... 2 cece ca ceeees 193 Sub-Order 'TReMATOPNEA; or Fishes with Gills fixed to Bars, —Sub-Section Squaxt, comprising Sharks and Shark-like Fishes: Dog-Fishes—Scyllidae....... 196 PHATE —SOMANGAE oc. Sc oss) chiens nbc ucactssdoees 196 Angel-Fish—Squatinidae ......... 6. cc. ceeeeae dees 204 Sub-Section Ratt; or Rays: Saw Fish—Pristinidae.—True BYR MORO rrr nolo 33s «0 x cstoniouben eee 379 Chrysophora—Ruielidae——Hereules Beetle—Dynas- MEME RMERIer iat a. {Uta tie osisc ist. ES Roe ven 380 Section PRIOCERATA, — Stirps Macrosrernt: Chryso- chroa—Buprestidae, — Spring Beetles—Hlateridae (first example: the Firefly) 2... ooo... occ eeeeeceeseees 380 Stirps APRUsTERNI: Glow-Worm--Lampyridae,—Dermestes— ~~ Dermestidae.—Soldiers and Sailors— Telephoridae. —Ptilinus and Death Watch—Ptinidae.......... 381 Section HETEROMERA; Cardinal Beetle—Pyrochroidae.— Ripiphorus—Mordellidae.—Blister Flies—Cantha- MEI SCTE NS os SSS oe eek soak oe UE O eee eke e'es 382 Section ATRACHELIA; Meal Worm—Tenebrionidae....... 383 Section PSEUDOTETRAMERA,—Stirps RuyNCcHoPorRA: Weevils—Bruchidae, Attelabidae, Curculionidae, Sco- Oe aa a ae eR 388 Section LONGICORNES: Xenocerus—Prionidae,— Musk Beetle—Cerambycidae... ....- 20. .0e eee cece eens 885 Section PHYTOPHAGA: Tortoise Beetles—Cassididae,— Chrysomela, and Bloody-Nose Beetle—Chrysome- TI SR No SS) oD Ay 386 ’ Section PSEUDOTRIMERA: Ladybirds—Coccinellidae. .... 386 Order DERMAPTERA; or EARWIGS.................. 387 Order ORTHOPTERA, comprising Grasshoppers, Locusta, Crickets, ete.—Section CURSORTA: Cockroaches — MEME een cis oe Use ccs ont exiss oe 388 Section SALTATORIA: Crickets—Achetidae, and Gryllidae 389 ee 2.7, 1) 7 390 Section AMBULATORIA;: Walking Sticks and Spectres— NE a edie «o'o'e'esseicunent.ceeenws on 391 Section RAPTORIA: Praying Insects—Mantidae.......... 392 Order THYSANOPTERA; or FRINGE-WINGED IN- . SECTS.— Order NEUROPTERA, comprising Termites, Dragon-Flies, ete.—Section BIOMO R- PHOTICA: Termites—Termitidae............... 393 Dragon-F lies—Libellulidae’.... 2.2.2.0. 6 ccc 394 Section SUBNECROMORPHOTICA: Lace-Wing Flies— Hemerobiidae.— Ant-Lion—Myrmeleonidae ........ 395 Order TRICHOPTERA; or CADDIS-FLIES,—Order HYMENUPTERA; or Fiies and Brxrs.—Section TEREBRANTIA, — Sub-Section PuyrirHaca.— Tribe Serrivera: Saw-Flies — Tenthredinidae, Le DR ne SAP Sie ea oe SR 397 Sub-Section EvromopHaGa; or Insect-Eaters.— Tribe Spt- CULIFERA: Gall Insects — Cynipidae.—Ichneu- mons—Ichneumonidae,......0 06... e eee eee 399 Tribe TusuLir“erRa.—Section ACULEATA,—Sub-Section—In- SECTIVORA: Cuckoo Flies—-Crabronidae. — Sand and Wood Wasps—Bembecidae, Sphegidae, Sco- a, BEEBE one palpi ¢ 5 ah Send a ee 400 Large-Headed Mutilla—Mutillidae................. 401 Sub-Section Dipiopteryen: Solitary Wasps—Humenidae, OSE ert 1 ee ne ee 401 Sub-Section MELLIFERA: Honey Bees—Apidae ............ 402 Order STREPSIPTERA, comprising Insects parasitic on MUR VE BBNEORO 5s Xe aS eH theese cece eos 404 Order LEPIDOPTERA, comprising Butterflies and Moths 404 Section RHOPALOCERA: 406 PGMORIANE:: 5.55 5a debs Gide ss oe 406 HpTCONU EAE soi Geen nas 8 os 409 Butterflies, Danaidae, Nymphalidae............ 411 Brycinidae..-. 01.2. 000ccccce ete ees 414 Lycaenidae, Hesperidae............. 415 Section HETEROCERA: - 416 PRAOIOROG 00s he ch eee was Cte ke 416 Moths. Anthroceridae, Aegeriidae.......... 419 Uraniidae, Hepialidae.............. 420 Vou, JIL. eit PAGE Bombycidae (Silk-Worm) ............. 421 MORO 5 ire C84 a ie iene 422 Lithosiidae, Noctuidae.............. 424 Moths. POONER a icirews sein mek 3 <2 425 Tortricidae, Tineidae............-.+ 426 Ba) eR ar Pes eA oS a rer 427 Order HOMOPTERA, comprising the Cicadas, Froghop- pers, Plant-Lice, Cochineal Bug, ete.—Section TRIMPERA?> | 0adae. 6 a5 805 52s es his d ee vo ns 3 427 Lantern-Flies—Fulgoridae,. ........ 0.2202 e evens 428 Hoppers—Cercopidae,. ;.-..0...ceeaccrccserceences 429 Section MONOMERA: Cochineal Insect—Coccidae ,........ 429 Section DIMERA: Grape Phylloxera—Aphidae............. 430 Order HETEROPTERA, comprising Water - Beetles, Whirligigs, Skippers, Bed- Bagh — Section HY- DROCO RIGA: 50 Ra Fe BEI S 430 Back-Swimmers—Notonectidae.—W ater Scorpion— UME Gs canine tins Seah chi SSR ngnkiob aid'y> SA 431 Section AUROCORISA: Wheel-Bug—Reduviidae.—Dala- a ee Sr er ER ey en Rock ee 431 Order APHANIPTERA: Fleas—Pulicidae................ 432 Order DIPTERA; or TWO-WINGED INSECTS.—Section CEPHALOTA,—Stirps NemMocera: Gnat—Culi- cidae—Crane-F lies— Tipulidae. ...-..........+5. 433 Army-W orm—Mycetophilidae. ......-0.0200c eee e es 434 Section BRACHOCERA,—Stirps Notacantua: Gad-Fly, Isetse, ete.—Tabanidae..... 0.0... 0.02. c cece eee 434 Strps AtuHERIceRA: Common and Bot-Flies—Muscidae, UN LO asa hg neg id scan pio see wae ee Se 435 Stirps Puptpara: Forest-, or Horse-F lies—Hippoboscidae.— Lise Ahern sk Fe ee Re ee se ees 437 CLASS CRUSTACEA. 438 Section PODOPHTHALMATA; or STALKED-EYED CRUSTACEANS,.—Order DECAPODA; TEN- LEGGED CRUSTACEANS, — Sub - Order Bracuyora; or Saort-TarLep CrusTacvans.... 438 Tribe OXYRHYCHITA: 439 Macropodiadae (commencing with the -Steno- Spider Sed OEE oc Fe COCO 439 Crabs. POU cas nes ch SV EPE In AE A* 56 441 : ParthenMdae .. . . 0 Chaametien tore ace aaa ene raat 547 Sub-Class HYPOSTOMATA.—Order ASTEROIDEA; or STAR-FISHES: 549 Asterias, etc.— Asteriddae. .... 2.0.0. cc ceeecacccces 551 Brittle Stars—Ophiuridae. ...... 0.0.2.0 cceecccceeee 552 Shetland Argus—Hurydlind... 2.2.0... 6 ccc eee ees 553 Order CRINOIDEA: Feather Star, and................... 553 © Medusa’s Head, : 060.5 as cau deeepe adh pe eee 554 - CLASS ACALEPHA; or Nettles, or Jelly-Fishes, or Hydroids......... 556 Order SIPHONOPHORA; or SIPHON-BEARING MOL- LUSKS.—Present Classification of J elly-Fishes: 557 Sallee Man—Velelladae........02 0... ee seen eee ene 559 i da Man-o’-War—Physaliadae, ........... 560 a 68-— Dighyidae 3. «os Sa cn vt ve Reameeta a 56L Order CTE OPHORA: or COMB-BEARERS: Cydippe—* Oalkaniridaess oe e ees one 562 Venus’ Girdle— Beroida Order DISCOPHORA; or DISC-BEARERS.— Tribe Gym- NOPHTHALMATA; or Nakep-Eyxep Mrpusa: Sarsia —Sarsiadae, --Eudora, and Aequorea--Aequoreadae 564 Tribe StTEGANOPHTHALMATA; or Coverep-Eyep Mepusar:— Chrysaora, Rhizostoma—Rhizostomadae.......... 566 CLASS ZOOPHYTES; oR ANIMAL PLANTS. 568 Order ACTINOIDA; or RADICATED ZOOPHYTES.— Sub-Order ActINARIA: Pink Anemones—Luder- Green Anemone—Antheadae, — Pearlet Anemone, Pufilets, and Vestlets— Hyanthidae.— Plumose Anemone, and Widow—Sagartidadae,............ 569 Warty Anemone—Bunodidae,.........- 2.60. ....0. 570 Actinia, and Crambactis— Actiniadae.............. 57L Fungia—Fungidae. —Cup-Corals—Caryophylleadae,. 572 « Tree-Corals — Oculinidae,— Brain-Coral — (Astraea)— AOC ROMEO Is aij eca ian eare go TR plat Gee Roem 573 Trne Coral Oraedla ses Cle ae setae thas ceed 574 Order ALCYONOIDA, comprising Gorgonias, Sea-Fans, Sea-W hips, ete.: 574 Gorgonia—Gorgoniadae ...... 2.266. e eee cece eee 575 Sea Pen Pennatuladae. —Sea-Tiger—Alcyoniidae .. 576 Order HYDROIDA: Tubulariadae........-..6..0 06 cece eae 576 Sertulariadae.—Bell-Zoophytes—Campanulariadae.. 577 The Coral Reefs of Florida..........-...---...085 578 CLASS ROTIFERA; oR WHEEL ANIMALCULES. 581 CLASS RHIZOPODA; OR ROOT- FOOTED PROTOZOANS. 583 Sub-Class PORAMINIFERA.... 2... 2.0.00 cceeee eee ceeeeee 583 Sub-Olass POLYOYSTINA 2... 2s snes tac eeveneeitie S... 584 CLASS INFUSORIA; oR MICRO- SCOPIC ANIMALS: 585 Vorticella—Peritricha,.........ccccee cee ceceeeeees 586 Stentor—Heterotricha...... 6... c ccc eee e eee eee cece 587 CLASS PORIFERA; OR SPONGES: 51:87 Present Classification of Porifera “ee Kuh ea utes Gates 591 tae L.. OF Paige pt RA TIONS; ILLUSTRATIONS PRINTED IN COLORS. PAGE Soft Turtles ....... eS AP Pree 20 Bulle Terral dk Ta dwetiiiis sc 154 Stag-Beetle, and Longicorn Beetle. 378 MER OMNMIN Grabs Si5 0s ans 085. ¢,0.0.9:5, 414 PAGE Silk-Worm, and Moths........... 422 Cicadae, Lantern-Fly, ete......... 428 Fiernvit.Orabe: :...5c45 csp eee ae 458 FULL-PAGE WOOD ENGRAVINGS. Crab-Spider, or Matoudou....... 492 Holothurians, and Sea Star....... 544 Sea-Anemozes..... ware ote . 568 Heroules” Beetle. . oo... 6 scons 0 *380 Dragon-Flies, Laying Eggs....... 894 MONG oie oe Kas dccipibe Saca® . wee et 85 PURIUIA-INOCLGES ooo inte cias t bine ees ses 110 ALLIGATORS. RIVER AND SEA SERPENTS. Alligator............00seeeese eee eees 36 | Black-Backed Pelamis............. 116 Jacare, or Yacare................4. 87 | Acrochodore............-+20+ seeee 117 AMPHISBANIDA., Carpet Snake 2:2 0:05 s0dne oc nas-se 118 Sooty Amphisbeena...............-. 38 Cheat Seed tach | MOO MARES AND BOA ‘ LIZARDS. Natal Rock Snake........ss0.-c.005 120 White-Throated Regenia ........... 41 Dog-Headed Boa.......0.s0sc0ees0e 199 PUTER MOOTCOE ce oan soe via sins ae ae 42 | Boi qusgw.. 0..avsee east 193 Teguexin, or Variegated Lizard..... 43 COLUBRIN2. Crust Lizard Ne ewesta S26 bs, 4 So. 0:68 Sis: 635 44 Schaap-Sticker.......-. ..c.e0eceess 126 Scaly Lizard. WEPREAS nays ce meee ese 46 Ringed Snake, or Grass Snake ...... 198 Eyed Liserd esata a eddie ca vid Thuakder Snakes.) ..2..020. 053k ees 1381 Groen Ligand. «+. -----.-0+-samenat-e 389 Mole Cricket. sic. -icnas sss npeesmeas 389 ODD FORMS OF ORTHOPTERA, Walking-Stick Insect......-...+.--- 391 Praying Insect.......... « SCALED REPTILES; SQUAMATA. LIZARDS; OR SAURA. SLENDER-TONGUED LIZARDS; SEPTOGLOSS&. E now leave the shielded reptiles and proceed to the Scaled Lizards. These creat- ures form a very large and important group, and may be distinguished from the previous section by the covering of the body, which is formed of scales either granular or overlapping each other, instead of the straight-edged plates which cover the bodies of the tortoise and crocodiles. The tongue of these animals is rather long, nicked at the tip, and often capable of extension. The young are produced from eggs, sometimes hatched before being deposited, but generally after they have been laid in some suitable spot. The eggs are covered with a rather soft, leathery shell. The true Lizarps have four limbs, generally visible, but in a few instances hidden under the skin. Their body is long and rounded, and the tail is tapering and mostly covered with scales set in regular circles or ‘“‘ whorls.’”’ The mouth cannot be dilated as in the snakes; because the under jawbones are firmly united in front, instead of being separable as in the serpents. The ear has a very singular appearance, the drum or ‘‘tympanum”’ being mostly distinct and exposed. There are twenty-four families of true Lizards, and passing by several anatomical and structural distinctions, which will be found at the end of the volume, we will proceed at once to the first family, called the Monrrors. In all these creatures the head is covered with very little, many-sided scales; the tongue is long, slender, and capable of being withdrawn into a sheath at its base; the scales are small, rounded, and arranged in cross rings, those of the side resembling those of the back ; the legs are four in number, and each foot has five toes. They are all inhabitants of the Old World, and are seldom, if ever, found far from water. Our first example of the true Lizards is the WHITE-THROATED REGENIA, or WHITE- THROATED VARAN, a remarkably fine and powerful species of Lizard, inhabiting Southern Africa. A rather full and accurate description of this Lizard is given by Dr. Smith :— “Tt is usually discovered in rocky precipices or on low stony hills, and when surprised seeks concealment in the chinks of the former or the irregular cavities of the latter, and where any irregularities exist on the surface of the stones or rocks, it clasps them so firmly with its THE NILOTIC MONITOR, OR VARAN OF THE NILE. 41 toes that it becomes a task of no small difficulty to dislodge it, even though it be easily reached. Under such circumstances the strength of no one man is able to withdraw a full-grown indi- vidual, and I have seen two persons required to pull a specimen out of a position it had attained, even with the assistance of a rope tied in front of its hinder legs. The moment it was dislodged it flew with fury at its enemies, who by flight only saved themselves from being bitten. After it was killed, it was discovered that the points of all the nails had been previously broken or at the moment it lost its hold. te, "ZZ gait _ WHITE-THROATED REGENIA.—Regenia albogularis. **It feeds upon crabs, frogs, and small quadrupeds, and from its partiality to the two former, it is often found among rocks near running streams, which fact having been observed by the natives, has led them to regard it as sacred, and not to be injured without danger of drought.” This fine Lizard has large, oblique nostrils, a shortish tail with a double keel on its upper surface, and the scales are oblong and have a blunt ridge or keel. The head is short and the scales of the body are large, convex, and surrounded with granulations. The length of the full-grown Regenia is nearly five feet, and its color is dark brown, above variegated with large white spots, and paler beneath, especially under the throat. THe Nintotic Montrror, or VARAN OF THE NIL, as it is sometimes called, is, as its name imports, a native of those parts of Africa through which the Nile, its favorite river, flows. The natives have a curious idea that this reptile is hatched from crocodile’s eggs that have « been laid in hot elevated spots, and that in process of time it becomes a crocodile. This odd belief is analogous to the notion so firmly implanted in the minds of our own sea-side Vou, IL—6. 42 GOULDS MONITOR. population, that the little hermit crab, which is found so plentifully in periwinkle shells, is the young of the lobster before it is big and hard enough to have a shell of its own. It is almost always found in the water, though it sometimes makes excursions on land in search of prey. To the natives itis a most useful creature, being one of the appointed means for keeping the numbers of the crocodile within due bounds It not only searches on land for the eggs of the crocodile, and thus destroys great numbers before they are hatched, but chases the young in the water, through which it swims with great speed and agility, and devours them unless they can take refuge under the adult of their own species, from whose protection the Monitor will not venture to take them. NILOTIC MONITOR.—Monitor niloticus. When full grown, the Nilotic Monitor attains a length of five or six feet. The color of this species is olive-gray above, with blackish mottlings. The head is gray, and in the young animal, is marked with concentric rows of white spots. Upon the back of the neck is a series of whitish-yellow bands, of a horse-shoe, or semilunar shape, set crosswise, which, together with the equal-sized scales over the eyes, serve as marks which readily distinguish it from many other species. The under parts are gray, with cross bands of black, and marked with white spots when young. Specimens belonging to this genus are scattered over the greater part of the world. For example, the InpIAN Monttor (Monitor dracena) is found in the country from which it takes its name. It is rather a prettily marked animal, being brown with black spots when old, and yellow eye-like marks when young. Another species, Goutp’s Monitor (Monitor gouldii), inhabits Australia, being most commonly found on the western side of the land. TEGUEXIN, OR VARIEGATED LIZARD. 43 WE now arrive at another family of Lizards, called from the typical species, the Teguexins. In these reptiles, the head is covered with large, regular, many-sided shields, the sides are flat, and the throat has a double collar. Our first example is the TE@UEXIN, or VARIEGATED LiIzARD, so called on account of the contrasting colors with which it is decorated. It is also known by the name of SArEGuARD, a title which has been given to it because it is thought to give notice, by hissing, of the approach of the alligator. The monitors derive their name from a similar belief, they being thought to warn human beings of the approach of poisonous serpents. TEGUEXIN, OR VARIEGATED LIZARD.—Téjus tejuixin. Several species of Teguexin are known, all inhabiting the warmer portions of America, and possessing similar habits. It is said that, although strong and agile, they do not ascend trees, but range at will the hot sandy plains or the dense damp underwood on the margins of lakes and rivers, into which they plunge if alarmed, and remain below the surface until the danger has passed away, their capacious lungs and imperfect circulation permitting them to endure a very long immersion without inconvenience. The Teguexin is a large and powerful Lizard, exceeding five feet in length when full grown, and extremely active. It feeds mostly, if not entirely, upon animal food, and makes great havoc among snakes, frogs, toads, and other semi-aquatic creatures. It often indulges in diet of a higher nature, and when it can find an opportunity, devours poultry, or breaks and eats their eggs. Sometimes it has been known to eat Lizards of a closely allied species, a fact which has been proved by finding some bones, and other portions of the Ameiva lizard within the stomach of a Teguexin that had been killed. Together with these relics were found the shelly wing-cases of beetles, and the skins of sundry caterpillars. 44 THE HELODERMA HORRIDUM. The teeth of this species are strong, and the reptile can bite with great force. It is a bold and determined combatant when attacked, and if it succeeds in grasping a foe, retains its hold with the pertinacity of the bulldog. ‘The flesh of the Teguexin is eaten, and thought to be excellent. According to Azara, the skin of its tail, when separated into rings, is con- sidered to be a safeguard against paralysis, and worn for that purpose, as well as to remove tumors, another healing power which it is supposed to possess. The general coloring of the Teguexin is as follows: The upper parts are deep black, with bold mottlings of yellow or green. On the upper part of each side there are two series of white spots, and the under parts are mostly yellow, with black bands. The coloring is, how- ever, extremely variable. Tue curious little AmEtva, which has just been mentioned as falling a victim to the previous species, is closely allied to the Teguexin. It is rather a pretty Lizard, with a very long whip-like tail, and peculiarly elongated toes on the hinder feet. The long tail is covered with a series of scales, arranged in rings, of which about one hundred and twenty -have been counted in a perfect specimen. The color of the Ameiva is dark olive, speckled with black on the nape of the neck and front of the back. On the sides are rows or bands of white spots edged with black, from which peculiarity it is sometimes called the Spotted Lizard. There are many species of Ameiva, inhabiting either Central America, or the West Indian Islands. == = CRUST LIZARD.—Heloderma horridum. THE very odd-looking creature, scientifically termed Heloderma horridum, which is seen in the engraving, is an inhabitant of Mexico, where the natives call it Tola-chini. Though looking somewhat like an Ameiva, it forms a separate family, of which it is the only species. It differs from the Ameiva by the formation of its teeth and tail, the latter being thick, and shorter than the body. As the pointed teeth are set as in the deadly snakes, the natives of Mexico believe the reptile’s bite to be fatal. This belief, however, is without any founda- tion, as the reptile really possesses no poisonous fangs. Like some frogs, the Heloderma has a penetrating scent, and when disturbed, it ejects an odorous saliva from its mouth. During the day it hides in self-made holes at the foot of trees, and there it lays in a lethargic position until night, when it chases its prey, consisting of beetles, worms and frogs. The Heloderma is of an earthy-brown color, the whole body being covered with yellow, white, and brownish-red spots, and the tail with dark scales. It attains a length of nearly three feet three inches. THE SCALY LIZARD. 45 Tue Srx-LINED TARAGUIRA also belongs to the Teguexins. This pretty little Lizard, with its dark green body, and yellow streaks, inhabits North America. Mr. Holbrook makes the following remarks respecting its habits: ‘‘This is a very lively, active animal, choosing dry and sandy places for its residence, and is frequently met with in the neighborhood of planta- tions, or near fences and hedges. Most usually it is seen on the ground in search of insects ; its motions are remarkably quick, and it runs with great speed. It is very timid. It feeds on insects, and generally seeks its food towards the close of the day, when they may be seen in corn fields, far from their usual retreat ; and not unfrequently I have met male and female in company.” The Six-lined Lizard (Onemidophorus sexilineatus), called in the South ‘‘Taraguera,”’ inhabits the States from Virginia to Mexico. A brief notice must also be given of two curious species, also belonging to the same family. The first is the SpuRRED CreNTROPYX, or SPURRED LizarD (Céntropyz calcdtus), so called from two pair of small, sharp, horny spikes, which are set at-each side of the base of the tail. The color of this species is olive-green above, with three streaks of a paler hue, and a double series of black spots on the back. Below it is greenish-white. The other species is the Great DRAGON (Ada guianensis), a native of tropical America. This fine Lizard is generally from four to nearly six feet in length, and is strong and nimble. It does not appear to be so good a swimmer as some of the preceding species, but runs fast, and can climb trees with great agility. It is generally found among the marshy and low-lying lands, though it spends more time on the land than in the water. It is a desperate fighter when attacked, and as it has a habit of hiding itself in a deep burrow, and bites fiercely at the hand that is thrust forward to seize it, it is not easily cap- tured. It is, however, much sought after, as its-flesh is very good, and the eggs are thought to be great delicacies. There are usually from thirty to forty eggs. The general color of this reptile is olive, yellow beneath, and mottled with brown. There are twelve genera and about forty species of the family 7eid@, or the Teguexins, this name being derived from some local designation. They are all peculiar to the New World. THE true Lizarps, or Lacertinide, now come before our notice. The tongue of these reptiles is long, flat, can be thrust out to some distance, and very deeply forked. The teeth are hollow at their roots, the scales are keeled, and the sides are flat. They are scattered over the greater part of the globe. _ Europe possesses at least two examples of this family, one of which, the Scary Lizarp, is extremely common. This pretty little reptile is extremely plentiful upon heaths, banks and commons, where it may be seen darting about in its own quick, lively manner, flitting among the grass stalks with a series of sharp, twisting springs, snapping up the unsuspecting flies as they rest on the grass blades, and ever and anon slipping under shelter of a gorse bush, or heather tuft, only to emerge in another moment brisk and lively as ever. These little creatures are so quick and sharp sighted, that it is not very easy to catch them, especially if they are among gorse bushes, for they twist about so adroitly, that a very smart movement of the hand is required to follow them, and the prickly points of the gorse are always lurking among the grass, to the detriment of a tender skin. They can swim toler- ably if thrown into the water, but do not seem to seek that element voluntarily. I have generally found that when flung into water, they lie for a short time quite motionless, with their limbs extended, and tail straight, as if bewildered with the sudden change. They soon, however, get their head towards shore, and then, with a serpentine movement of the tail, scull themselves to land. This is one of the reptiles that produces living young, the eggs being hatched just before the young Lizards are born. With reptiles, the general plan is to place the eggs in some spot where they are exposed to the heat of the sunbeams ; but this Lizard, together with the viper, is in the habit of lying on a sunny bank before her young ones are born, apparently for the 46 THE EYED LIZARD. purpose of gaining sufficient heat to hatch the eggs. This process is aided by the thinness of the membrane covering the eggs. The color of this little Lizard is extremely variable, but in general, the upper parts are olive-brown, with a dark brown line along the middle of the back, this line being often broken here and there. Along each side runs a broader band, and between these bands are sundry black spots and splashes. The under parts are orange, spotted with black in the male, and olive-gray in the female. The total length of the Sealy Lizard is about six inches, according to the figure in our illustration. THE beautiful Eyep Lizarp, or GREAT SpoTTED GREEN LizARD, as it is sometimes called, from the colors with which it is decorated, is a native of Southern Europe, and various other warm portions of the world, being found in Algiers, Senegal, and parts of America. en TS = ee — ae ~ eee <5, — bi x GIR wi stihatag ~ 9h | Een RN SCALY LIZARD.— Zootoca vivipara. This creature inhabits dry spots, where the sun has most power, and may be seen among hedges, underwood, or loose stones, running about in search of food, and displaying the gem- like brilliancy of its clothing, as it darts from spot to spot with the agility which characterizes all the species of this genus. It is of rather a fierce nature, having littie fear, and boldly attacking any antagonist that may assail it. If it be irritated with a stick, it will turn sharply upon the offending weapon, and bite it smartly ; and if a dog attempts to seize it, the courageous little creature will spring upon its muzzle, and maintain its hold with such pertinacity, that it will suffer itself to be killed rather than relinquish its grasp. In consequence of this combative character, it is greatly respected by the inhabitants of the country where it dwells, and being thought to be poisonous as well as ferocious, is dreaded with a fear quite as keen, though not so reasonable, as would be inspired by a rattlesnake or cobra. The home of this species is generally made under the roots of trees, if the soil be suf- ficiently dry and sandy to suit its habits. Otherwise it will excavate a tunnel in the side of a bank or under a hedge, always choosing a southern aspect, so as to ensure the warmth which its nature seems to demand. Sometimes it settles upon a soft sandstone rock for its domicile, and hollows out a deep burrow in the softest part of the rock, mostly choosing the loose, sandy layers that often occur between two tolerably broad strata of rock. Like the rest of the Lizards, it feeds on insects and similar creatures, darting on them with great speed and certainty of aim. THE GREEN LIZARD. 47 The color of this Lizard is very beautiful, rendering it one of the most lovely of its tribe. The ground color of the body is bright, glittering green, as if covered with an armor of emeralds, upon which are set, along the sides, some rather large, eye-like spots of rich F WN. ~> EYED LIZARD.—Lacerta ocellata, (One-half natural size). azure. A kind of network of black is also spread over the body, sometimes running in well-defined lines, and sometimes composed of rows of black dots. The temples of the Eyed Lizard are covered with unequal, many-sided scales, rather convex in their form. Its length when full grown is about fifteen or sixteen inches, but it is very variable in size as well as in color. A very beautiful species of this genus is common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This is the Green Lizarp. As its name imports, this reptile is of a green color, and with the exception of the preceding species, is as beautiful a creature as can be seen. Like the eyed Lizard, it haunts sunny spots, and may be found in orchards, gardens, shrubberies, copses, and similar localities, where it can find plenty of food and obtain conceal- ment when alarmed. Old ruins, too, are greatly haunted by this beautiful Lizard, which flits among the moss-covered stones with singular activity, lying at one moment as if asleep in the sunbeams, or crawling slowly, as if unable to proceed at any smarter pace, and then, when the hand is thrust towards it, disappearing with a rapidity that looks like magic. Since the great demand for ferneries and vivaria of different descriptions has arisen, this Lizard is used as a beautiful ornament to a glass fern-case, and is sufficiently hardy to be kept alive with a very little care. It seems to revel in the sunshine, and there are few objects more 48 : THE SAND LIZARD, beautiful than the emerald green hues of this Lizard, as the sunbeams flash and glitter on its resplendent surface. . It is susceptible of kindness, and can soon be tamed by those who choose to take the trouble of familiarizing themselves with their bright and lively favorite. Although sufficiently bold and apt to bite if it fancies itself aggrieved, it can be so thoroughly tamed that it will come and take flies out of the hand. In France and other countries this pretty harmless little creature is greatly dreaded, the popular belief attributing to it sundry destructive powers of the same nature as those which our rustic population believe to be exercised by the com- mon newt. The color of this beautiful creature is rich shining green above, a little blue sometimes appearing upon the head, and the quality of the green being rather variable in different GREEN LIZARD.—Lacerta viridis. individuals. A multitude of little golden spots are also perceptible on the back, and similar — dots of black are not unfrequently sprinkled over the surface, Underneath, the green fades into a yellower hue. UnvtiL comparatively later years, the Sanp Lizarp was confounded with the scaly Lizard, which has recently been described. This reptile is extremely variable in size and coloring, so variable, indeed, that it has often been separated into several species. Two varieties seem to be tolerably permanent, the brown and the green; the former, as it is believed, being found upon sandy heaths where the brown hues of the ground assimilate with those of the reptile, and the green variety on grass and more verdant situations, where the colors of the vegetation agree with those of the body. Though quick and lively in its movements, it is not so dashingly active as the scaly Lizard, having a touch of deliberation as it runs from one spot to another, while the scaly Lizard seems almost to be acted upon by hidden springs. It does not bear confinement well, and in spite of its diminutive size and feeble powers, will attempt to bite the hand which dis- turbs it in a place whence it cannot escape. When it finds itself hopelessly imprisoned, it loses all appetite for its food, hides itself in the darkest corner of its strange domicile, and before many days have passed, is generally found lying dead on the ground. THE ELEGANT OPHIOPS. 49 ‘Unlike the scaly Lizard, this species lays its eggs in a convenient spot and then leaves them to be hatched by the warm sunbeams. Sandy banks with a southern aspect are the favored resorts of this reptile, which scoops out certain shallow pits in the sand, deposits her eggs, covers them up, and then leaves them to their fate. Mr. Bell, who has paid great attention to this subject, has remarked that the eggs are probably laid for a considerable period before the young are hatched from them. As has been already remarked, the coloring of this creature is exceedingly variable in different individuals. Generally it is sandy-brown above, with some faint bands of a darker brown with rows of black spots, which sometimes have a whitish dot in their centre. The sides have a tinge of green more or less distinct, and the under surface is white. In some individuals the green is very distinct. The average length of the Sand Lizard is about seven inches or a little more. ; Passine by a series of genera affording but few interesting points, we come to the curious animal called the CAPE Sprne-roor. The generic name Acanthoddctylus, signifies Thorn, or Spine-toed, and is very appropriately given to this animal and the other species of the same genus. All the Spine-foot Lizards are inhabitants of Africa, and most of them are found towards the northern portion of that continent. According to Dr. Smith, ‘‘ this Lizard is found on the sandy districts of Great Namaqua- land, and where the surface of the country is irregular it is generally met on the highest spots. Where small sand-hills occur, it resorts to them in preference to the other localities, and from the peculiar assistance it derives from the serrated fringes which edge its toes, it runs over the loose sand on the steep surfaces of those slopes with great activity. It feeds on insects.” The color of this Lizard is a very peculiar brown above, changing from yellow-brown to a much warmer hue, partaking of the orange. The top of the head is mottled with dark brown, and the back is freckled with the same hue. From the eyes run two whitish bands on each side, the lower terminating at the hind-leg and the upper reaching some distance along the tail. Between and about these bands are bold brown mottlings in the male, and an orange wash in the female. The upper part of the legs are also mottled with dark brown. The toes are very long, especially those of the hind-foot, and are edged with a fringe composed of sharply pointed scales. The female is larger and more clumsily made than the male. ANOTHER pretty species of Lizard, termed the NamAqua Erem1as, is found tie portion of Africa from which it derives its name. The name Eremias signifies a dweller iu a wilderness, and is given to this and several other species because it is always found in hot and arid situa- tions, the sandy flats between Cape Town and Little Namaqua-land being its most favored localities. It is chiefly remarkable for the great length and slenderness of its tail, which measures five and a half inches in length, although the head and body together are only two inches long. The color of the back and upper parts is delicate brown mottled with a deeper hue, and along the back are drawn four narrow lines of light reddish orange. The sides are cream-yellow, the upper portions of the legs are olive-brown, and the under surface of the animal is yellow- ish-white. There is a trifling variation in the coloring, according to the age of the individual. Thirteen or fourteen species of this genus are known to zoologists, most of them being natives of Africa. Our last example of the true Lizards or Lacertinide is the curious little creature termed the ELeGanr Oputops. Two species are known as belonging to this genus, and they can at once be separated from the true Lizards by the character of the eyelids, which are only rudi- mentary and hardly visible, so as to have gained for their owners the generic title of Ophiops, or Serpent-eyed Lizards. The Elegant Ophiops inhabits the south-eastern portions of Europe, and the neighboring parts of Asia. The shores of the Mediterranean appear to be favorite localities of the Ophiops, and in those places it is not at all uncommon. It is lively and active in character, and, like Vou. I1.—?, 50 THE COMMON CORDYLE. the rest of the same family, feeds on insects, which it catches by suddenly springing on them as they repose from their aérial excursions or crawl along the ground. Like most Lizards, it is rather variable in coloring, but the general tints are as follows. The back and upper parts are olive, sometimes deepening into bronze. Along each side run two bands of pale yellow, and between the bands are sundry black spots, also arranged in lines, but varying in form, size, and number, according to the age of the individual. The under parts are white. Quitting the true Lizards, we come to another family of reptiles, called the Zonuride, or Band-tailed Lizards, because the scales of the tail are arranged in regular series or rings, and by their overlapping cause the edges to stand out boldly in whorls. Along the sides of these reptiles runs a distinct longixudinal fold, covered with little granular scales, and the eyes are furnished with two valvular lids. THE Common ZoNURUS, or ROUGH-SCALED CoRDYLE, is a native of Southern Africa, and very plentiful at the Cape, where it may be seen among the rocks or in sunny localities flitting ROUGH-SCALED CORDYLE.—Zonurus cordylus. (One-half natural size.) from spot to spot with some speed, though not exhibiting the singular activity which is pos- sessed by many of the smaller Lizards. It is chiefly remarkable for the curious aspect of the tail, with its whorls of spike-tipped scales, which looks as if a number of thimbles had been deeply notched round their edges and then thrust into one another. There is a somewhat similar reptile called the Common CorpyLe (Cordylus polygonus), but it may be distinguished by a peculiarity of structure which has caused it to be placed in a different genus. In the members of the genus Zonirus, the eyelids are opaque, as is generally the case, but in the genus Cordylus there is a smooth transparent spot in the centre of the lower eyelid. The form of the Rough-scaled Cordyle is rather stout and flattened, as accords with the comparative slowness of its movements. In color it is variable, but the usual tints are orange- ELEGANT OPHIOPS. . ~ BIBRON’S GERRHOSAURUS. 51 yellow on the back, sides, and tail, fading into yellow on the head, and white on the under parts. This species may be distinguished from the other Cordyles by the smooth shields of the head and the rhomboidal-shaped scales of the back, which are larger in the centre than on the sides, and decidedly keeled. On the flanks the keels are so long as to become spines, and the sides of the neck are covered with sharp spine-like scales. THE FAtse CorDyLeE is placed in a separate genus, on account of the shape and size of the scales upon the back and sides. Instead of being large and tolerably even in size, as in the preceding genus, they are very small and granular, alternating with bands of larger scales, which are three-sided, convex, and slightly keeled. These scales are largest on the sides of the back. The generic name Microlepidotus signifies small-scaled, and is given to these creat- ures in allusion to the minute scales of the back and sides. The habits of this reptile are much like those of the previous species. Dr. A. Smith writes as follows respecting this creature, after describing the singular variations of color to which it is subject :— “*Each of the varieties appeared to be restricted to its own localities, and, so far as my observations extend, no specimens of two varieties are ever found in the same localities. All the varieties inhabit rocky situations; and, when they have a choice, they invariably prefer precipices and the stony walls of difficultly accessible ravines. In this situation they wander carelessly, in search of food or warmth, unless alarmed by what they may regard as enemies. On being closely approached in their retreats, they are with difficulty captured, as, by aid of the prominences on the hinder edge of each temple, they hold on with a tenacity which is quite surprising ; and by them they occasionally offer such an effectual resistance to the force applied from behind, that the tail breaks off from the body before the reptile is secured.”’ As, in Dr. Smith’s work, the description of the different varieties occupy nearly five quarto pages of letter-press, it is evidently impossible to give more than a general description in this volume. Suffice it to say, that in one variety, found on the Table Mountain and about Cape Town, the color is ochry-yellow above, banded with dark brown; in another, which inhabits the rocks about Algoa Bay, it is yellow, with bold, black bars along the back ; another, which lives on the banks of the Orange River, is brown above, warming into bright chestnut in the male, and olive-green mottled with dusky black in the female ; and a fourth variety, which is found in the high, mountainous regions about Natal, is bright green, with an olive-green stripe and short bars of the same tint across the back. The tail is also banded with two shades of green, one a deep olive, and the other having a much yellower hue. The female of this variety is without the bands, and is only mottled with dark olive, and spotted with the same hue along the sides. The length of the False Cordyle is about eighteen inches, A SMALL group of reptiles is collected under the generic title of Gerrhosauri, or Basket- Lizards, because the arrangement of their scales and coloring has an effect as if the body had been covered with delicate wicker-work, such as is employed to protect glass flasks from injury. These Lizards are natives of Southern Africa, where they are far from uncommon. They are all rather pretty in form and coloring, but the most pleasing in general appearance is Brsron’s GERRHOSAURUS (Gerrhosaurus bibréni). This animal is found near the Orange River, and may be seen slipping about among the rocky sides of the dark ravines that are so plentiful in that neighborhood. It isa very shy and timid creature, and if it fancies itself watched by an unfriendly eye, or suspects the least shadow of danger, it quietly glides under the heap of dead wood and dried leaves which collect in abundance in such localities, and will not venture out again until it is tolerably sure that the danger has passed away. As is the case with most of these Lizards, there is considerable variation of coloring, but in general the upper surface is dark brown, and the sides of the head, the throat, and front of the fore limbs are bright scarlet. Along the back run four yellow lines, of which the two central only extend as far as the hind legs, whereas the two outer streaks are continued to the extremity of the tail. It is not a large species, being about ten or eleven inches in length. 52 ; THE SCHELTOPUSIC, Ok PSEUDOPUS. THe generic name, SAuRoPHIS, which is given to the reptile next in order, is of Greek origin, and signifies Lizard-snake, in allusion to the very serpentine aspect of its body. This singular creature inhabits Southern Africa, and at first sight might be easily mistaken for a serpent as it crawls about the ground, its four tiny limbs being far too weak to render it any great assistance in progression, which is achieved, as in the serpents, by continual move- ment of the projecting edges of the scales. Very little is known of its habits. The head of this reptile is of a somewhat pyramidal shape, and covered with shields, as are both temples. The scales of the back are slightly grooved, and a small keel runs across their length; they are regularly arranged in fourteen series. On the abdomen, the shields are in six rows. There are four very small and feeble limbs, each of which is furnished with four little short and compressed toes, with rather long claws at their extremities.. The body is long and cylindrical, and a decided groove runs along each side. Its color is tawny brown, each scale being of a deeper hue at its edge, so as to give a slightly mottled appearance to the creature. The legs and lower edge of the temple are white, spotted with little dots of black. On account of the great rapidity of its movements, our next example has received the appropriate title of TACHYDROME, a name derived from the Greek, and signifying a swift runner. This pretty little Lizard is an Asiatic animal, being mostly found in China, Cochin China, and Java. Although its limbs are much larger and more powerful in proportion to the size of the body than those of the preceding species, its tail is of such great comparative length, and so slender in its proportions, that, quick as is the creature in all its movements, it has much of a serpentine aspect. The tail, indeed, is longer in proportion to the body than is the case with any other of the order, being three times the length of the Lele and head, and tapers from the body like the thong of a whip from its handle. The collar of this creature is covered with scales and decidedly toothed. The scales of the back are nearly square in form, slightly overlap each other, and are arranged in four longitudinal series. Each scale has a decided keel along its length. The scales of the sides are small and granular, and those of the abdomen and throat are larger, strongly keeled, and boldly overlap each other, a provision which is evidently intended for the purpose of aiding the creature in progression, and enabling it to hold itself firmly in any cleft into which it may have retreated. The scales of the common snake answer the same purpose, as any one may prove by taking a snake by the tail and drawing it backwards over a carpet, or by allow- ing itself to insinuate half of its body into a crevice in a rock or old wall, and then endeav- oring to draw it out again by pulling at its tail. The color of this pretty Lizard is dark olive above. On each side a bold, white streak, edged on either side with black, runs from the base of the head to the insertion of the tail. On the sides of the body and neck are a multitude of little black dots, each having a white centre, and between these dots the color is blue, glossed with golden yellow. The abdomen and under parts are pure shining white, and the tail is generally olive, though in some speci- mens it has something of a metallic or iridescent lustre, and gleams with golden or coppery reflections. Between the nostril and the eye runs a short black line, and on the temples are two similar lines, with a white streak between them. The total length of the Tachydrome is about one foot. In the curious snake-like Lizard called the Scurentopustic, or Psrupopus, the limbs are almost entirely absent, the front pair being altogether wanting, and not even exhibiting a trace of their locality, while the hind pair of legs are only indicated by two slight scale-like appendages at the junction of the tail with the body. It is often the case that with reptiles in which the limbs are externally wanting, their bones, although very small and delicate, are found beneath the skin. But in the Scheltopusic, the only indication of legs is found in a THE GLASS SNAKE. 53 pair of very tiny bones attached to the pelvis, and exhibiting the merest rudiment of the missing limb. Moreover, the pelvis itself is very small and slight, and is itself scarcely more than rudimentary in its form, though affording one of the needful transition links between the quadrupedal Lizards and the footless snakes, some of which, indeed, possess the rudiments of limbs even in a more doubtful state than is found in the Sheltopusic. In consequence of the absence of limbs, the movements of this reptile are completely those of a serpent, and sa snake-like is it in all its gestures, that in the countries where it resides, it is popularly consid- ered as a serpent, as is the case with the blind-worm. The Scheltopusic is a native of the coast of Northern Africa, and is also found in Dalmatia, the Morea, and parts of Siberia, where it is called by the title under which it is now generally known. It seems to be rather a timid creature, and very mistrustful of strange sights or sounds, always remaining within the vicinity of some familiar spot, whither it seeks an im- mediate retreat if disturbed. Thickly wooded valleys, where the underwood is dark and dense, and the vegetation is rank and heavy, are favorite localities of this harmless and weaponless reptile, which has no mode of defence if attacked, and can only retreat from the approach of danger by gliding silently under the brushwood and insinuating itself in some dark crevice, where it lies secure. So watchful is this creature, that although its movements are rather slow, it is not very easily captured, mostly gliding away in so silent a manner that it has reached its haven of safety before its presence is even suspected. Even if it be seen and followed, it is not readily captured after once it has succeeded in burying itself among the brushwood, for its color is sufficiently sombre to harmonize so well with the dark soil and dead sticks and leaves among which it resides, that its outline can with difficulty be discerned, even by a practised eye. As is the case with most reptiles, it loves to emerge from its retreat and crawl to some spot where the sunbeams have thoroughly warmed the ground, and there to lie basking in the genial heat. While thus occupied, it is not so wary as at other times, and may be approached and secured before it can make good its retreat. The whole aspect of this reptile is so serpentine that it has been attacked and killed under the impression that it was a poisonous snake, and great has been the surprise of its slayers to find that they had destroyed, not a venomous serpent, but a harmless Lizard. This creature has been often captured alive and kept in confinement. In its wild state it feeds mostly on insects, the smaller reptiles, and similar creatures, sometimes gliding into a nest of newly hatched birds and swallowing them. This propensity was once exhibited by a captive Schel- topusic; it had fed very contentedly on hard-boiled eggs, until one day it contrived to gain access to a nest full of very young birds, and swallowed the whole brood. The jaw-teeth of this reptile, although not of a venomous character, are strong, and those of the palate, although small, are probably useful in aiding the creature to secure and swallow its prey. The tongue is thin and covered with a little papille of various sizes. Along each side runs a rather deep groove or furrow, which, on a closer inspection, is found to be double. The scales of the back are rather shining and closely set, and there is a slight keel running along the centre of each scale, which is shown ‘more distinctly on the tail than on the body. The kool} is shown more distinctly in the young than in the adult. The color of this reptile is rather variable, but in general the ground color of the body is chestnut, profusely dotted with blackish spots, caused by the dark edges or spots of each scale. These'scales are arranged in a regular series of thirteen longitudinal rows. The eye is bright golden-green, and has a very beautiful appearance, as it contrasts well with the chestnut and black of the body and head. The young Scheltopusic is very different from its parent in the coloring, being gray above, with rather obscure bands of grayish-brown, and the under surface is gray, with a whitish lustre. The length of the Scheltopusic is about eighteen inches, the tail occupying about three-fifths of the whole measurement. In the curious reptile which is appropriately called the Guass SNAK#, there is not even a vestige of limbs, so that it is even more snake-like than the preceding species. The generic 54 THE CHALCIDA. title of Ophisaurus is of Greek origin, signifying Snake-lizard, and is given to the reptile on account of its serpentine aspect. The reader may remember that on page 52 there is an account of the saurophis, a name which is exactly the same as that of the present species, except that the one is called the lizard-snake and the other the snake-lizard, a distinction vhich, in the present case, is without a difference, so that the two reptiles might exchange titles and yet be appropriately named. The Glass Snake is indeed so singularly like a serpent that it can only be distinguished . from those reptiles by certain anatomical marks, such as the presence of eyelids, which are wanting in the true serpents, the tongue not sheathed at the base, and the solid jaw-bones, which in the serpents are so loosely put together that the parts become widely separated when the mouth of the creature is dilated in the act of swallowing its prey. The Glass Snake is one of the earliest of the reptile tribe to make its appearance in the spring, shaking off its lethargy and coming out of its home to bask in the sunbeams and look after the early insects, long before the true snakes show themselves. It is generally found in spots where vegetation is abundant, probably because in such localities it finds a plentiful supply of the insects, small reptiles, and other creatures on which it feeds. it is fond of frequenting the plantations of sweet potato (Convoloulus bafatas), and during harvest-time is often dug up together with that vegetable. The home of this reptile is made in some very dry locality, and it generally chooses some spot where it can be sheltered by the roots of an old tree, ora crevice in a convenient bank. It moves with tolerable rapidity, and its pursuer must exercise considerable quickness before he can secure it. To catch a perfect specimen of the Glass Snake is a very difficult business, for when alarmed, it has a remarkable habit of contracting the muscles of its tail with such exceeding force that the member snaps off from the body at a slight touch, and sometimes will break into two or more pieces if struck slightly with a switch, thus earning for itself the appropriate title of Glass Snake. The common blind-worm, which will be described in a future page, pos- sesses a similar capacity, and often uses it in a rather perplexing fashion. Catesby remarks that this separation of the tail into fragments is caused by the construction of the joints, ‘‘ the muscles being articulated in a singular manner quite through the vertebre.”’ The tail is more than twice the length of the body, from which it can only be distinguished by a rather close inspection. The head of the Glass Snake is small in proportion to the body, rather pyramidal in shape. Along each side of the body runs a rather deep double groove. The coloring of this creature is extremely variable, but is generally as follows: The head is mottled above and at the sides with black and green, and the jaws are edged with yellow. The upper part of the body is marked with multitudinous lines of black, green, and yellow, and the abdomen is bright yellow along its length. In the tail there are about one hundred and forty rings of scales. Sometimes the upper surface is black on the sides and neck, and brown on the back, - the head being marbled with yellow and black ; another variety is chestnut above, with white spots edged with black, and the under parts pale orange ; while a third variety is gray mottled with black. The total length of this reptile is from two to three feet. The Glass Snakes are represented in North America by the Opheosaurus ventralis. It is seemingly a serpent, having no external limbs. The tail is very brittle, and the animal has from that fact been regarded as so brittle that a blow will fracture the body. The truth is, there are thin transverse septi between the vertebe, and this is the point where separation takes place so readily. Its range is from Tennessee southward from Kansas. Four small families now follow, containing but very few individuals. The first of these is called the Cuatotps. These reptiles have long cylindrical bodies, with a slight granular groove on the front of each side, and four very short rudimentary limbs. The typical species of this family is the Cuatots (Chalcis flavescens), a native of tropical America, Guiana, and the neighboring parts. The fore-feet have three toes, but the hind-feet are undivided, so as to form a single toe. The scales are squared, and arranged in twenty longitudinal series on the back, and six series on the abdomen. THE GEISSOSAURL — 55 THE next family, the ANADIAD®, contains, as far as is known, only one species, the Eyep ANADIA (Anadia ocellata), thought to inhabit tropical America. In this creature the lower eyelids are pellucid, the scales of the back and sides six-sided and not overlapping each other, while those of the abdomen are squared. The limbs are four in number, and there are five unequal and rather flattened toes on each foot. The color of this species is pale brown, with a bronze gloss, deepening on the sides, and having some white spots edged with black towards the front. Beneath it is shining white. In the family of the Currocotm# there is likewise only one species, called the Curro- coLE (Heterodactylus imbricatus), a native of Brazil. This creature has a double collar, and the ears are hidden beneath the skin. The scales of the back, the sides and the tail, are six- sided, rather sharp, arranged in regular rings, and furnished with keels. Those of the abdo- men are squared and arranged longitudinally in six rows. There are four short legs, with five ‘toes on each foot, the thumb of the fore-limbs being only rudimentary. The color of the Chirocole is brown, with a pale streak on each side. Tue fourth family is the CercosAuRIDA, containing two genera. These animals have the ears distinct, the throat with a double series of shields, and the collar distinct. On the back and upper part of the tail the scales are large, boldly keeled, and arranged into a regular longitudinal series. The scales of the under portions are squared and flat. There are four limbs, each with five unequal toes. A good type of this family is afforded by the Eyrp Crr- cosauRus (Cercosaura ocellata). The body of this creature is long and rather cylindrical. Its color is black, with four white streaks, the head and the under parts are yellowish, and the sides are sprinkled with green, and variegated with eight or nine white spots edged with black. Our last example of the Cyclosaurian reptiles is the ANeurnr LizARD, or CHAM MSAURA, the only representative of its family. The Anguine Lizard is a native of Southern Africa, and is obtained from the Cape of Good Hope. Of its habits there is but little known. It is a curious-looking creature, exceedingly snake-like in general appearance, its four limbs being of the most rudimentary character, small, delicate, feeble, not even separated into toes at the extremity, but ending in a single claw, as if the whole limb were only composed of one small joint. These imperfect limbs are wholly useless for progression, those of the anterior extremity being hardly larger than the long, narrow scales with which the body is covered, and the hinder pair exhibiting but very little more development. So perfectly serpentine is the form of this creature, that the mark of separation between the tail and body is so slightly defined that the precise line of junction is almost invisible ; whereas, in the common blind-worm, itself a most snake-like reptile, the line of demarcation is plainly shown by a decided diminution in the diameter. The tail is very long and slender, measuring more than twice the length of the body. The head of the Anguine Lizard is covered with regular, many-sided shields, and the temples, and the whole of the body and tail are clothed with scales, their edges projecting - boldly, and arranged in a series of regular rings, or ‘‘whorls.”? Along the back there are six rows of broad scales, and on the sides and abdomen the scales are long, narrow, and with a decided keel running along their central line. There is no groove along the sides, which are rounded. Upon the head the plates are rather long, keeled, and project very slightly over each other. The ears are distinct. The color of the Anguine Lizard is brown, and along each side runs a long yellow streak. GEISSOSAURI. A srconpD tribe of Lizards now comes before our notice. These are the GEISSOSAURI, 4 title derived from two Greek words, the former signifying the eaves of a house, and the latter a Lizard. As in this tribe there are many families, and more than eighty genera, it will be 56 THE GEISSOSAURT. — impossible to give more than a very slight account of these reptiles, or even to mention more than a small number selected as types of the large or small groups which they represent. Indeed, the lower we descend in the scale of creation, the more numerous the species seem to become, and the more perplexing is the task of selecting those species which are worthy of mention on account of their scientific characteristics, and yet possess sufficient individuality to interest the general reader. To watch the greater number of reptiles in their wild state, is a task simply impossible for any human being to achieve. Many reptiles live in dry and thirsty lands, where no creatures but the white ant and the Lizard seem to acquire moisture, and through which the traveller can only pass with hasty steps, dreading the delay of each minute, lest his precious store of water should fail, and leave him to perish by the most terrible of deaths. Others reside on the sides of precipitous rocks, over which the enterprising traveller can only pass at hazard of life and limb, and in any case would not be able to watch the proceed- ings of the shy and timid Lizards that find their home among these craggy recesses, and retreat into them on the slightest alarm. But the chief residence of the reptile race is to be found in hot climates, and in low, swampy ground, where the morasses are ever filled with decaying vegetable matter, and exhale a soft, thick, miasma, as deadly to the white man as the fumes of arsenic, and injurious even to the dark-skinned native, who can breathe unharmed a fetid atmosphere that would smite down his white master as quickly and surely as if he were struck with a bullet, and who only attains his fullest development under these conditions. In these dread regions, their seething putridity concealed by all the luxuriant vegetation of tropical climes, like a royal mantle flung over a festering corpse, the reptile race abound, the poisoned air being to these creatures the very breath of life, and the surrounding decay the sustaining power of their existence. Indeed, the object of their lives seems to be, by individual transmutation of poisons into living flesh, to destroy by slow but certain degrees the mass of decaying vegetation, and so to prepare an abiding place for beings of a higher order than themselves. On placing ourselves even in imagination amid such scenes, we seem to be transported back into the former ages of our earth, when man could find no resting-place for his foot, and no atmosphere in which he could breathe and live ; when the greater part of the soil was little more than soft mud, the air thick, dank, heavy, and overcharged with decomposition, and the multitude of strange reptiles that bored their slimy way through the deep ooze, crawled lazily upon the slowly hardening banks, or urged their devious course through the turbid waters, were the physically ruling though morally subservient powers of the world. Little is wanting to complete the illusion, except to give to every object an increase of dimensions ; for the vegetation of those days was rank and luxuriant to a degree that is now well indicated, though on a smaller scale, by the foliage of the tropics, and the huge forms of the ancient and now extinct reptile race are closely reproduced by the more familiar inhabitants of the swamp before us. As the expanse of putrefaction was greater in those epochs, so the miasma destroyers were larger. Frogs and toads as big as calves, reptilian quadrupeds as large as elephants, and reptilian bats expanding leathery wings as wide as those of the pelican, were fit inhabitants of the atmosphere which they breathed, and in which their mission was consummated. Now that, ° the marshy districts are smaller and less poisonous, the reptile race that inhabits them is of smaller dimensions. The earth has now been so far purified by successive generations and regenerations of life and death, added to human ingenuity and industry, that its harmful districts occupy but a comparatively small portion of its surface, the greater part of the world being suitable for human habitations, the black man settling as a pioneer, a hewer of wood and drawer of water, where the white man cannot yet abide. But in all those localities where the miasmatic exhalations impall the land with their pestilential mantle, and scatter the seeds of death on every breeze, the reptiles may be found luxuriating amid the deadly elements, and thriv- ing in spots where the foot of man dares not tread, and his inquiring eye ventures not to penetrate. ; THE PYGOPUS. 57 Tur first family of this tribe is distinguished by the apparent absence of eyelids, those organs being only rudimentary and scarcely visible, so as to give to the eyes a superficial resemblance to those of the serpents. On account of this peculiarity, the reptiles belonging to this family are termed the Gape-eyed Skinks. Their bodies are spindle-shaped, their tongues are scaly, nicked at the tip, their teeth are conical, and their limbs are four in number, and very feeble. These creatures are found in various parts of the globe, but Australia seems to be their favorite home. The Perr, or AusTRALIAN TriLiqua (Crytoblépharus boutonii), is a good example of the Gape-eyed Skinks, or GyMNOPHTHALMID&, a long name derived from two Greek words signifying naked-eyed. As its name imports, this reptile is a native of Western Australia, but it*is also found in other parts of the world, specimens having been taken in Timor and the Mauritius. The color of the Pete is olive, sometimes with a wash of bronze, mottled with brown, and variegated with little black streaks. Sometimes there is a bright yellow streak on each side. Its eyelid is circular and scaly, and the three upper scales are the largest. Tue next family is well represented by the Pyeopus, or New HoLLuANnD SCHELTOPUSIO, a curious reptile that inhabits Australia. PYGOPUS.—Pygopus lepidopus. (Two-thirds natural size.) This creature might easily be mistaken for the snake-like Lizard called the Scheltopusic, which has already been described on page 52, as the two fore-legs are entirely absent, and the hinder pair are very small, rudimentary, and set so closely against the body that they would escape a casual glance. They are flattish, covered with scales, and are not even divided into joints or toes, so that they are wholly useless for progression, the Pygopus creeping along after the ordinary fashion of snakes. If the creature be turned on its back, a curious arrangement of scales is seen. Between the bases of the lower limbs, several large, shield-like scales are seen, and just above them is a row of rather long and arched scales, extending in a semicircular form from one limb to the other, and looking much like the stones that are set upon the summit of an arched doorway. Each of these scales is pierced with a circular pore, so that the general effect is very striking. The whole body of this reptile is very long in proportion to its width, and it has altogether a very serpentine aspect. The head of the Pygopus is rather short, and is covered above with some rather large shields, that upon the top of the head being equal to any two others in size. The scales Vou, TI.—8. 58 THE COMMON SKINKE. of the back are keeled, and its color is coppery gray, with five rows of rather oblong white spots with black centres, and a few black streaks drawn obliquely upon the sides of the neck. THE Detma (Delma fraseri) is very like the Pygopus, but may be distinguished from it by the scales of the back, which are smooth and without keels, by the shorter hinder limbs, the absence of the pores, and the elliptical shape of the pupil of the eye, that of the Pygopus being circular. Two more small families of reptiles are worthy of a passing notice. The first is that which is represented by a single species, the ApRAsIA (Aprasia pulchellay, and remarkable for being destitute of limbs, and having none of the pores which have just been mentioned. The body is lengthened, and covered with six-sided scales on the upper surface and flanks. The scales are quite smooth, and their color is pale brown, with a dot of dark hue in the centre of each scale, giving a sort of variegated aspect. Along the flanks these dots become longer, so that they almost join each other, and form imperfect streaks on the sides. The lips are yellow. This reptile inhabits Western Australia. ; Tuer next family contains only one genus, which, like the preceding creature, inhabits Australia. In these reptiles the head is long and flattened, the pupil of the eye elliptical and upright, the scales are oval, smooth, and overlap each other, and the curious pores are present, each set in the front edge of a scale. Burton’s Liauis (Lialis burtoni) may be taken as an example of this family. The color is olive above, with five imperfect brown streaks, and gray below, with large whitish spots. THE large and important family of the Skinks contains between forty and fifty genera, nearly each of which possesses one or more species, concerning which there is something worthy of notice. In these reptiles the head is rather squared than rounded, and covered regularly with horny shields. The body is mostly spindle-shaped, thergh sometimes of a cylindrical form, and very much elongated, in which case the legs are generally rudimentary, and sometimes altogether wanting externally. The common blind-worm is a familiar example of this structure. The tail suits the form of the body, being cylindrical in the long-bodied. species, and tapering in those of a more spindle-like shape. The genus in which the Common, or OrricrnaL SKINK is placed, is now so restricted, that it only contains a single species ; but in the earlier times of zoological science, its rules were so greatly relaxed, that many species were admitted within its limits. In this genus the muzzle is wedge-shaped, the scales are thin and smooth, and the tail conical and pointed. The toes are rather flattened, and fringed on the side. They eyes are guarded by distinct eyelids, the lower of which is covered with scales. The palate is furnished with teeth, and has a longitudinal groove, and the ears are small, and toothed in front. There are four short and rather stout limbs, tolerably strong, and enabling the creature to make its escape from its enemies by rapidly sinking below the sandy soil on which it is usually found. The Skink is a native of Northern Africa, and is very common in some localities. Speci- mens are said to have been found in some portions of Asia, and it seems to be clearly proved to inhabit Syria and several parts of India. It is a tolerably active little Lizard, not running fast or far, but contenting itself with hanging about the same locality, and feeling itself more secure on the sandy soil of its native districts, than if wandering at large on the plains. Indeed, unless it is alarmed, or except when it is aroused to short exertions by the presence of its prey, the Skink seldom troubles itself to hurry its pace beyond a slow crawl; and not even when most startled, does it attempt to seek safety in flight. No sooner does it perceive the approach of danger, than it slips below the sand with such singular speed and adroitness, that those who have witnessed this performance, say that it seems rather to be gliding into some hole already excavated, than THE COMMON SKINK. 59 to be engaged in the labor of sinking a tunnel for the purpose of aiding its escape. Several travellers have seen the Skink thus bury itself, and have all carried away the same opinion of its powers. If quietly approached, it may often be detected sleeping in the hot sunbeams, lying stretched at length upon the stones or rocks, and so far steeped in slumber, that it may be approached quite closely without taking alarm. The name of Officinal Skink has been given to this reptile on account of the high place which it formerly held among the medical profession, and the extreme value which it was thought to possess when dried, pounded, made up neatly into draughts or boluses, and used as a medicine. There is hardly a disease to which the human race is liable, which was not thought curable by the prepared body of this reptile, certainly not the least repulsive of all the disgusting substances which the early physicians delighted to choose from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdom, to fill their multitudinous boxes and bottles, and to inflict upon their patients. Sometimes a physician would even evince his belief in the efficacy of his medicine by taking it himself, and would swallow, with full belief in its COMMON SKINK.—Scincus officinalis. healing powers, the burnt liver of a hyena, the moss from a dead man’s skull, the grated flesh of a mummy, or the remains of a pounded Lizard, together with many other substances too revolting to mention. * Did a warrior receive a wound from a poisoned arrow, or was a woodman bitten by a venomous snake, there was nothing so effectual for the cure as the dried flesh of the Skink, sometimes called El Adda, and sometimes known by the name of Dhab. He who provided himself with this all-powerful medicine was secure against fits of all kinds, which never attacked the system fortified by a dose of powdered Skink, or were speedily driven away if the sufferer had not previously partaken of this panacea. All skin diseases were cured by the Skink, and even the fearful elephantiasis yielded to its potent sway. Were the system too inexcitable and lethargic, and did the blood course too slowly through the veins, a little Skink powder would restore the natural powers to their full vigor. Or, on the contrary; if the patient happened to be feverish, restless, with a burning forehead, a parched skin, and a hurried pulse, a dose of the same useful medicine would cool the system, cure the headache, and bring the pulse to its normal state. It is an infallible remedy for worms, eradicates cancer, and removes cataract. In fine, a satisfactory estimate of its valuable properties may be gained by perusing, in the daily journals, any 60 THE BLUE-TAILED SKINKE. advertisement of any patent medicine, together with the list of maladies for which it is a certain remedy. Even in the present day, this medicine is in great vogue among the sages of the Eastern Hemisphere. Should the reader happen to travel into eastern lands, and fall sick of a fever, be afflicted with a sunstroke, find himself suddenly smarting with a nettle-rash, catch a cold, or suffer from sand-blindness, the remedy which will, in all probability, be offered to him, will consist of this universai panacea. In the time of the ancients, the Skink was in much favor as a medicine, and was imported largely to Rome, ready prepared in white wine. The heads and feet were considered the most efficient portions of the animal, and were relied upon as infallible renovators of a constitution broken by age, or shattered by excess. Wherever modern civilization has most penetrated, the Skink has, happily for itself, fallen greatly in medical estimation, and in some places is entirely rejected from the pharmacopeia ; though there are not wanting some European physicians who assert that the creature really does possess some valuable properties, but that it has fallen into disrepute through the over- estimate which had been formed of its powers, and which naturally created a reaction in the opposite direction. In Southern Egypt it still commands the firm belief of the people, and is hunted down with the greatest zeal, as it not only can be applied to the personal ailings of the captors, but can be quickly dried in the burning sunbeams, and sent to Cairo and Alexandria, where it commands a ready sale. In its habits, this Skink much resemibles the generality of terrestrial Lizards of its size and locality. As it seeks for safety below the sand, it is generally to be seen upon the hillocks of fine loose sand which are collected by the south wind, at the foot of any tree which may manage to survive in so ungenial a soil, or are blown against the hedges of the more cultivated land. It generally lies quietly upon the sand, but occasionally starts into vigorous action when it perceives an insect passing within easy reach, makes a sudden rush, captures its prey, and subsides again into its former inactive repose. Beetles are its favorite food, and of these insects it will eat a considerable quantity, but can preserve life for a lengthened period without taking any food at all. Should it be disturbed, it instantly sinks below the sand, with almost magical quickness ; and, according to M. Lefebvre, who collected a great number of these Lizards, a few seconds suffice it for constructing and retiring into a burrow several feet in depth. Although armed with tolerably strong teeth and claws, it does not attempt to bite when captured, and any scratch inflicted on the hand of the captor is merely caused by its struggles while endeavoring to effect its escape. The general color of the Officinal Skink is reddish dun, crossed with bands of a darker hue above. Below and upon both the flanks, it is of a silvery whiteness. It is, however, liable to considerable variations, of which the most important may be briefly denoted as follows: In one variety, the upper parts are yellow, or silver-gray, with seven or eight large brown spots on the sides. In another, the head is yellow, the upper parts are chestnut-brown, profusely sprinkled with little white spots, each scale having two, or even three, white dots upon the surface. The back is marked with a series of broad white bands, generally five or six in number, and having a black patch at either extremity of each band. In another variety, the upper parts are silvery-gray, splashed with pure white, and variegated with irregular brown spots. But however great may be the variations, they are all confined to the upper surface, the abdomen, flanks, and under surface retaining their beautiful silvery whiteness. The banded variety is the most common. The Officinal Skink is by no means a large reptile, seldom exceeding eight inches in length, and being generally about six or seven inches long. The specimen shown in our illustration is drawn of its natural size. The Skinks form a family of which fifty genera and one hundred and fifty species are enumerated, distributed throughtout all parts of the world. Of these the BLUE-TAILED SKINK (Lumeces fasciatus) is very abundant in the Southern States, east of the Rocky Mountains. — It is black, with fine yellow streaks, the middle one forked on the head, The tail is mostly blue. THE SCORPION LIZARD. 61 WESTERN SKINK (Humeces septentrionalis) is found in Nebraska and Minnesota. The CoaL SKINK inhabits the Alleghanies, from Pennsylvania southward. The Grounp Lizarp, or SKINK, Mocoa so called, also, is abundant in the Southern States. THE RED-HEADED SKINK (Plestiodon erythrocephalus), according to Dr. Dekay, inhabits Pennsylvania, and extends southward to Florida. Its length is twelve inches. Two other Skinks are recorded by Holbrook, the Five-lined Skink, and the Striped Skink. Both are exceedingly pretty creatures, inhabiting the Gulf States. Passine by one or two genera of considerable extent, such as Hinulia and Mocoa, the members of which are mostly found in Australia, though there are species which inhabit HINULIA AND MOCOA.. 7rachysaurus rugosua. China, Java, the Philippines and New Zealand, we come to a reptile very well known by the popular title of the Scorpion Lizarp, and called more scientifically, as well as more correctly, the BRoAD-HEADED PLESTIODON. In spite of the rather alarming name which the terrors of the ignorant have caused them to bestow upon it, the Scorpion Lizard is one of the most harmless, as well as one of the most useful little creatures that inhabit the earth. It is a native of Northern America, and is spread over a very large tract of country. This curious Lizard is one of the species that delights in trees, and of which we shall see more in a future page. It generally resides in-some tree buried in the depths of the forest, and remains at a considerable elevation above the ground, never liking to make its home less than thirty or forty feet above the earth, and often placing itself at a much greater height. The domicile in which this reptile most delights is the deserted home of a woodpecker, which has brought up her little family, and forsaken the burrow which had taken such time and trouble to hollow from the decaying wood. Here the Scorpion Lizard takes up its resi- dence, and here it remains snugly concealed unless it is alarmed by an enemy at the gate of its wooden fortress, when it runs nimbly to the entrance, and pokes out its red head with so threatening a gesture, that its intending assailant, thinking it must possess a store of poison to assume so resolute an aspect, retreats from the spot and leaves the reptile in quiet possession of its abode. 62 THE MABOUYA. Happily for the Lizard, the belief in its venomous propensities is widely diffused and deeply engrained in the popular mind, so that without having a single dangerous property except that of undaunted courage when driven to bay, it has established a reputation for ability to avenge itself when injured, which is of no less service to reptiles than men. Not that it is wholly destitute of offensive weapons, for its teeth are strong and sharp, its feet powerful, and its claws are sufficiently pointed to scratch rather deeply. The Scorpion Lizard is naturally a very timid and retiring creature, and on the approach of danger slips quietly out of the way, wisely preferring flight to combat. But if seized, the cap- tor will have no small struggle before he can fairly secure his small but determined quarry, for the creature bites so fiercely with its sharp teeth, retains its hold with such bull-dog tenacity, and kicks and scratches with such hearty good will, that the non-zoological populace may well be excused for thinking it to be venomous in tooth as well asin temper. The bite, indeed, is so severe, and the creature has such power of jaw, that the wounds inflicted are always exceed- ingly painful for an hour or two, and might give rise to the idea that the teeth were poisonous like those of the rattlesnake. The Scorpion Lizard is seldom seen except upon trees, where it can mostly find a sufficiency of food among the insects that always haunt the branches of trees, and of drink in the dew- drops that collect at morning and evening. When, however, it needs a more abundant diet, it descends to the ground for a short visit, but after satisfying its wants, it returns to its tree, runs easily up the trunk, and again establishes itself in its burrow. The head of the Scorpion Lizard is very broad at the base, and narrows rather suddenly to the snout, which is slightly elongated. The upper part of the head is of a bright red color. The body is olive-brown above, and the throat, abdomen, and whole of the under parts, are yellowish-white. Just in front of the ear is a series of oblong tubercles, and the temples are smooth and covered with rather large shields. The feet are large in proportion to the size of the body, and the toes are rather compressed and exceedingly delicate, in fact almost thread- like in form. The length of the Scorpion Lizard is generally about eleven or twelve inches. THERE is a Closely allied species, also common in North America, popularly called the BLUE-TAIL, and scientifically the Fivz-LInED PLEstiopon (Plestiodon quinquelinedtum). Like the preceding species, the Blue-tail inhabits the deepest forests, but is not one of the arboreal reptiles, being always found upon the earth, usually remaining within a short distance of its home, which is made in one of the numerous decaying tree-stumps which are found in these vast forests. Its food consists of insects, which it catches principally upon the ground. The head of this Lizard is red, like that of the scorpion, but of a much paler quality. The body is olive, with five longitudinal white streaks, the central stripe being forked in front, and with two black bands. The tail is brownish, with a decided wash of blue during the life of the animal, a coloring which has earned for it the popular name of Blue-tail. It is, however, subject to slight variations in the color and shape of the markings. There are several little lobes in front of the ears. The length of the Blue-tail is about eight or ten inches. A REPTILE which bears some resemblance to the scorpion Lizard is found in Jamaica and the West India Islands, where it seems to take the place of that creature, and to enjoy a reputation almost as bad, with as little cause. The negroes call it by the name of MaBouya (Mabouya agilis), bat as they apply that term to anything which is, or which they consider to be venomous, and as there are very many really poisonous creatures in those countries, and many more which are falsely thought to be so, the word is rather vague in its application. The Mabouya is a good climber, running up trees with perfect facility, and having a tendency to traverse the huts.of the negroes, much to the consternation of the inmates. Its usual habitation, however, is made in the holes of old, decaying trees, and except during the very hot weather, it mostly remains at home. There is another reptile, inhabiting the same country and to which the same title is applied, and which will be mentioned in a future page. The lower eyelid of the Mabouya is remarkable for a little transparent disc in the centre, the palate is without teeth, and the scales are smooth. Along the back run four black streaks, THE BLIND-WORM, OR SLOW-WORM. 63 the two central stripes extending only to the middle of the body, while the two external lines are prolonged nearly to the insertion of the hinder limbs. Tue great family of the Skinks finds a familiar representative in the common BLrnp- worm, or SLow-worm, which, from its snake-like form and extreme fragility, might well deserve the title of the glass snake. In this reptile there is no external trace of limbs, the body being uniformly smooth as that of the serpent, and even more so than in some of the snakes, where the presence of the hinder pair of limbs is indicated by a couple of little hook- like appendages. Under the skin, however, the traces of limbs may be discovered, but the bones of the shoulders, the breast, and the pelvis are very small and quite rudimentary. This elegant little reptile is very common throughout Europe, and is also spread over some portions of Asia, not, however, being found in the north. It is plentiful along hedge- rows, heaths, forest lands, and similar situations, where it can find immediate shelter from its few enemies, and be abundantly supplied with food. It may often be seen crawling leisurely over a beaten footpath, and I have once captured it while crossing a wide turnpike road. Why the name of the Blind-worm should have been given to this creature I cannot even conjecture, for it has a pair of conspicuous though not very large eyes, which shine as brightly as those of any animal, and are capable of good service. Indeed, all animals which prey upon insects, and similar moving things, must of necessity possess well-developed eyes, unless they are gifted with the means of attracting their prey within reach, as is the case with some well- known fishes, or chase it by the senses of hearing and touch, as is done by the mole. More- over, the chief food of the Blind-worm consists of slugs, which glide so noiselessly that the creature needs the use of its eyes to detect the soft mollusk as it slides over the ground on its slimy course. Speed is not needful for such a chase, and the Blindworm accordingly is slow and deliberate in all its movements except when very young, when it twists and wriggles about in a singular fashion as often as it is touched. The great fragility of the Blind-worm is well known. By a rather curious structure of the muscles and bones of the spine, the reptile is able to stiffen itself to such a degree, that on a slight pressure, or trifling blow, or even by the voluntary contraction of the body, the tail is snapped away from the body, and on account of its proportionate length, looks just as if the creature had been broken in half. The object of this curious property seems to be to insure the safety of the animal. The severed tail retains, or rather acquires, an extraordinary amount of irritability, and for several minutes after its amputation, leaps and twists about with such violence, that the attention of the foe is drawn to its singular vagaries, and the Blind-worm itself creeps quietly away to some place of shelter. Even after the movements have ceased, they may be again excited by touching the tail with a stick, or even with the finger, when it will jump about with a vigor apparently undimin- ished. On frequently repeating the process, however, the movements become perceptibly less active, and after awhile the only sign of movement will be a slight convulsive shiver. Half an hour is, as far as my own experience goes, the limit to which this irritability endures. I well remember meeting with an incident of this nature. I had come suddenly upon a reptile among the rank grass and underwood, that I at first took for a viper, and at which I aimed a thrust with a little twig of decaying wood, which broke at once. Immediately after the thrust, something began to hop and plunge about most violently just by my feet, and having a very wholesome dread of a viper’s fangs, I jumped back a step or two, to the great indigna- tion of a swarm of bees, which had settled themselves in the ruins of an old wooden hut close to the spot. They at once intimated their displeasure in that wing-language so expressive to all bee-owners, so hastily tossing the writhing object to a distance with the shattered remnant of the stick, I got away from the bees, and experimented for some time on the tail of the Blind-worm, as it proved to be. Even the flight through the air, and the heavy fall, seemed to have little or no effect upon the irritability of the severed member, and when I reached it after its fall, I found it hopping about quite merrily. When the tail of the Blind-worn is thus snapped off, the scales of the body project all 64 TAME BLIND-WORMS. round the fractured portion, forming a kind of hollow into which the broken end of the tail can be slipped. According to popular notions, the Blind-worm is a terribly poisonous creature, and by many persons is thought to be even more venomous than the viper, whereas it is perfectly harmless, having neither the will nor the ability to bite, its temper being as quiet as its move- ments, and its teeth as innocuous as its jaws are weak. I fancy that the origin of this opinion may be found in the habit of constantly thrusting out its broad, black, flat tongue with its slightly forked tip ; for the popular mind considers the tongue to be the sting, imagining it to be both the source of the venom, and the weapon by which it is injected into the body, and so logically classes all creatures with forked tongues under the common denomination of poison- ous animals. It is said that this reptile will bite when handled, but that its minute teeth and feeble jaws can make no impression upon the skin; and also that when it has thus fastened on the hand of its captor, it will not release its hold andoes its jaws be forced open. For my own part, and I have handled very many of these reptiles, I never knew them attempt to bite, or even to assume a threatening attitude. They will suddenly curl themselves up tightly, and snap off their tails, but to use their jaws in self-defence is an idea that seldom appears to occur to them. The pertinacity with which the notion of the Blind-worm’s venomous properties is implanted in the rustic mind is really absurd. During the summer of this year, I passed some little time in a forest, and having gone round to the farms in the neighborhood, as distances of several miles are euphuistically called, begged to have all reptiles brought to me that were discovered during the haymaking. In consequence, the supply of vipers and snakes was very large, and on one occasion a laborer came to the house, bare-headed, his red face beaming with delight, and his manner evincing a proud consciousness of deserving valor. Between his hands he held his felt hat tightly crumpled together, and within the hat was dis- covered, after much careful manceuvring, the head of a Blind-worm emerging from one of its folds. As I put out my hand to remove the creature, the man fairly screamed with horror, and even when I took it in my hand, and allowed it to play its tongue over the fingers, he could not believe that it was not poisonous. No argument could persuade that worthy man. that the reptile was harmless, and nothing could induce him to lay a finger upon it; the prominent idea in his mind being, evidently, not that the Blind-worm had no poison, but that I was poison-proof. To add to his alarm, the creature had snapped off its tail during the rough handling to which it had been subjected—a proceeding which, by his peculiar process of reasoning—only corroborated its venomous properties. In its wild state the Blind-worm feeds mostly on slugs, but will also eat worms and various insects. Some persons assert that it devours mice and reptiles ; but that it should do so isa physical impossibility, owing to the very small dimensions of the mouth and the structure of the jaw, the bones of which are firmly knitted together, and cannot be separated while the prey is being swallowed, as is the case with the snakes. In captivity it seems to reject almost any food, except slugs; but these molluscs it will eat quite freely. Ihave kept a specimen in my possession for about four months, which has proved a very interesting creature. After keeping it for a fortnight, I procured six or seven white garden slugs, and placed them in the glass vessel, together with the Blind-worm. The reptile instantly saw its prey, but did not move from its place, merely following with a slow movement of the head the course of one of the slugs that crawled within an inch or two of its nose. Presently it raised its head very deliberately, and hovered over the slug as it glided along, and, after following it for an inch or two, quickly opened its mouth to thefull extent, lowered its head, and grasped the slug just behind the head, squeezing it with some force, and causing a great commotion among the muscles of the foot. Presently it relaxed its hold a little, again opened its mouth and took a,fresh grasp, sak after three or four of these movements, it contrived—how, I cannot comprehend, though I have watched the creature over and over again—to get the head of the slug down its throat. TAME BLIND-WORMS. 65 The process of swallowing was then very easy, and, after a few more efforts, the whole of the molluse had disappeared. After resting for a few minutes, it attacked another slug precisely in the same manner; but I have seldom seen it eat more than two or three at one meal. By degrees it caught and ate all the slugs, and it will finish a dozen in a week or ten days. After a short time my Blind-worm unexpectedly became the mother of a numerous progeny, nine little Blind-worms having made their appearance in the world during the night. They were remarkably pretty little creatures, and so unlike their parent, that few persons would attribute them to the same species. They are much more serpentine in their general aspect, their heads being considerably wider than their necks, whereas in the adult the head and neck are as nearly as possible of the same width. Their color is shining creamy-yellow above, and jetty-black below, the line of demarcation running along the flanks, and being very sharply defined. Along the back runs a narrow black line, which upon the head is expanded, and then divides so as to form a letter Y. Just above the nose is another forked, black mark, looking like an inverted V, and both these letters have a notable circular enlargement at the angle. As the creature grows, the V mark becomes gradually uncertain, and finally disappears; but the black line down the back, and its Y-like termination, retain their position through life, though they are not so conspicuous as in the young, owing to the darker coloring of thé surface. How these little things feed I cannot make out. Though the little creatures born in my house had lived for about five weeks, had grown considerably, and had always been very lively, they had taken no food so far as I could discover. For the first three weeks of their life, they lived in a glass jar closed at the top, and with an inch or so of dry earth at the bot- tom, in which there could be no nourishment. A little milk was poured on the mould now and then; and they perhaps may have licked the moistened earth, and so have obtained some little nourishment, though they were never seen to do so, and indeed appeared’ perfectly indifferent to the milk. When I introduced the slugs, the odd little reptiles acted just as their mother was doing, followed the slugs about with their heads, hovered over them, made believe to eat them, and then were quietly walked over by their intended prey, which, being nearly twice as big as themselves, proceeded on its course without paying the least regard to the tiny reptiles, whose bodies were not larger than ordinary knitting-needles, and easily glided over them, or put them to ignominious flight. After they had been in the jar for some time, I fitted up an old aquarium in a manner intended to imitate as far as possible their natural home, building a bank of earth and stones at either end, laying turf in the middle, and planting ferns upon the banks, with moss round their roots. They enjoyed the change very greatly, immediately proceeded to burrow in all directions through the earth and among the stones, until they established a whole series of tunnels through which they can glide at will, and seem to take great pleasure in permeating their establishment at all hours, especially delighting in pushing their way through the moss and then retreating into their burrows. On a cold day they bury themselves below the mould; but the first gleam of sunshine that plays among the green fern-leaves brings them from their recesses, and causes them to glide about the moss and turf most merrily. Sometimes, when they are coiled asleep within their home, their bodies are pressed against the glass, and it is curious to see how immovable they will lie, in spite of tapping the glass, but how soon they wake up and brisk they become when the glass is warmed. Even a few warm breaths upon the glass suffice to awake them. I think that I have discovered another kind of subsistence for the young; but that has only been possible since they have been placed in the aquarium, or rather, the fernery, as it is now. Sundry very minute insects of the dipterous order may be seen flitting about within the glass, probably having been introduced with the turf and ferns; and it is possible that the young Blind-worms may contrive to catch and eat these creatures, and derive some nutriment from them, in spite of their diminutive size. When wild, the Blind-worm generally retires to its winter-quarters towards the end of August, or even sooner, should the weather be chilly. The localities which it chooses for this Vou. IIL.—9. 66 TAME BLIND-WORMS. purpose are generally dry and warm spots, where the dried leaves and dead twigs of decayed branches have congregated into heaps, so as to afford it a safe refuge. Sometimes it bores its way into masses of rotten wood ; and on heathery soils, where the ground slopes considerably, it selects a spot where it will be well sheltered from the winter’s rains and snows, and DurnOWe deeply into the dry loose soil. It is singular to see the creature emerging from the ground when the least touch will soil the fingers, and to see how totally free from earth stains is the bright glittering skin of the reptile, upon which not a particle of mud can cling. I once detected upon the head of my specimen a projection which I thought was a little lump of mud, I. having just watered the ferns and turf, greatly to the discomfiture of the Blind-worms, both old and young; but, upon close examination, I found it was only a little pebble which had lodged upon the head, as the reptile came hastily out of its burrow to avoid the water. So quietly did the Blind-worm move, that the stone retained its place upon the head for several minutes, and did not fall off until I startled the creature, and caused it to turn its head rather sharply. The Blind-worm would be a most useful inhabitant of a garden—not at all repulsive, and, indeed, very seldom seen, its instinct teaching it to remain within some dark recess during the day, and only to come out at night when the slugs leave their earthy hiding-places, and com- mence feeding. Moreover, it is very prolific, and needs no special appliances, as is the case with the frog and toad, which require the presence of water to produce and hatch their young, and for the little reptiles to come to maturity. Sometimes the number of young is twelve or thirteen, and sometimes there are only seven or eight. The usual average is, however, nine or ten; and they are very hardy little things, requiring no care whatever. Being one of the earliest to retire into its winter quarters, the Blindworm is one of the first reptiles to leave them, appearing before either the snake or the viper. The reason for this early appearance is simple enough. Neither creature can venture into action when it can find no food, the active powers of the body causing a waste which must be restored with nutri- ment. ‘The snake feeds upon frogs, and therefore cannot leave its winter’s home until it finds the frogs ready for it. The frogs, again, which feed upon insects, must wait until the vegeta- tion has attained sufficient luxuriance to afford food for their insect prey ; but the Blind-worm, which finds its nourishment among the mollusks which devour the earliest leaves, is able to leave its winter quarters as soon as the vegetation begins fairly to sprout, and the slugs to devour it. Even during the winter, a warmer sunbeam than usual will tempt the Blind-worm to come to the mouth of its burrow, poke out its head, and enjoy the temporary, but cheering warmth. My own specimens have not yet made any preparations toward retiring to winter quarters, though the usual time has passed away nearly two months ago, a circumstance which is prob- ably due to the warmth of their home, and the occasional supply of slugs which I now and then put into the case. Like the snakes, the Blind-worm casts its skin at regular intervals, seeming to effect its object in various modes, sometimes pulling it off in pieces, but usually stripping it away, like the snakes, by turning it inside out, just as an eel is skinned. Some persons, who have witnessed the process, state that this eversion is only extended to the base of the tail, and that the entire tail is drawn out of the skin like a hand out of a glove. Mr. G. Daniel mentions, that a Blind-worm in his possession cast its skin in so many pieces, that the largest portion was only two inches in length. The process began by a split along the abdomen, and the head was the last part extricated from the rejected integument. This mode of shedding the skin was, however, owing, in all probability, to some weakness in the individual, or to the want of the usual aids, such as the stems of grass, heather, and other vegetation, against which the reptile contrives to rub itself, so as to assist its efforts in peeling off the cuticle. The color of the Blind-worm is rather variable. In my own specimen, now crawling over the paper on which I write, and blotting it sadly, the color is dark olive-brown above, with a shining silvery lustre, and diversified with a narrow black line along the back, and a broader black line down each side. The flanks are grayish-white, mottled with black, and the under parts are nearly black, variegated with a little gray. The Y-like mark on the head is still apparent, but there is SAGRA’S DIPLOGLOSSUS, OR DOUBLE-TONGUED LIZARD. 67 no trace of the inverted V. On the sides of the head, the mottlings of gray and black are very bold, and round the neck runs a collar of black. This mark, however, may have been caused by the stupidity of the captor, who was so frightened at the contortions of the reptile, that he tied a-string round its neck to form a safe handle with which to carry it. Mr. Bell, in his volume on reptiles, states that the tail is obtuse, but that it rather varies in length, in some cases being not more than half the length of the body, while in others it nearly equals the head and body together. In my own specimen, the tail is by no means ~ obtuse, but very slender and well pointed, and can be so tightly curled at its extremity as not to be removable without damage to the creature. While held in the hand, it generally twists ~ the tip of the tail firmly round one of the fingers, not in a spiral position, but so as to make one complete circle, the extremity of the tail just touching the spot where the circle com- mences. The total length of this specimen now lying flat against a two-foot rule, towards which I have just succeeded in coaxing it by a judicious arrangement of light and shade, and an occasional touch with the finger, is thirteen inches and a half. The body and head occupy precisely six inches, and the remaining seven inches and a half are given to the tail. The spot where the body ends and the tail begins is very evident, the diameter of the body diminishing slightly but suddenly. : Tue family of the Skinks contains so many interesting creatures, that it is difficult to make a satisfactory selection, and impossible to avoid a feeling of regret at the necessity for passing so many species without even a cursory notice. Before, however, proceeding to the next family, -we must give a short notice of one or two rather conspicuous species. The first is the Spryve-BAcKED Lizarp of New Guinea (Zribolondtus nove guinee), a very remarkable creature, notable for the singular formation of the scales which cover the back, and in allusion to which the creature has been placed under the generic name Tribolonotus. This long word is of Greek origin, signifying calthrop-backed—calthrops being certain horrible instruments thrown on the ground to check the advance of cavalry, and consisting of four iron spikes, set round a ball in such a manner, that when flung on the gronnd, three points rest on the earth, and the other projects perpendicularly into the air. Though really harmless, the Spine-backed Lizard is a most formidable looking creature, the whole of the back being covered with long and sharply pointed spikes, formed by a modi- fication of the scales, that project boldly in all directions, and fully justify the generic name. Even on the tail the scales, which are arranged in whorls, are long, pointed, and project over each other, so as to give a very formidable aspect to this member. Even the head is armed with these pointed scales, which become larger and larger as they approach the neck. The color of this Lizard is brown above, and grayish-white below. ANOTHER notable member of this family is the well-known Ga.uiwasp (Célestus occiduus). This reptile is a native of the West Indian Islands, and is very common in Jamaica, where it is held in great, but groundless dread, by the inhabitants, and especially by the negroes. It generally haunts damp situations, and is mostly found in marshy lands, near water, or hidden under rocks where moisture is retained by the nature of the ground, It is thought that when the Galliwasp is irritated, its bite is as venomous as that of a poisonous snake, and causes immediate death. On account of the dread in which it is held, the negroes call it by the name of Mabouya, in common with the reptile which has already been described on page 62. The color of the Galliwasp is brown of various tones, diversified with cross bands of black- ish brown. It is about one foot in length, There are several species belonging to this genus, all being found in Jamaica. Tue last example of the Skinks which can be mentioned in these pages is SacRa’s DIPLo- @Lossus, or DouUBLE-TONGUED LiIzARD. This reptile is a native of Cuba, and is found in localities where the air is cool, and the 68 THE SEPS, OR CICIGNA. soil light and moist. It is an active little creature, and moves from place to place with much agility. In this reptile the tongue is rather large, covered with little scale-like papilla in front, becoming more thread-like behind. The color is gray, with a bronzy lustre, and a black streak runs along each side. Tur next family of Lizards contains only one species, the OpHIOMORE (Ophiomorus miliéris), and is separated from the skinks and the sepsidz on account of a formation of the scales of the head, which seems to place it in an intermediate position between those two families. There are no external limbs, and the whole body and tail are long, cylindrical, tapering, and serpentine in aspect. The color of the Ophiomore is brown above, covered with numerous tiny black dots arranged in regular lines along the body, and being larger upon the sides. The under parts are white, and the sides are gray. It isa native of Northern Africa, and has been brought from Algiers. In the Srepstp#, a family which contains seven genera, there are always external limbs, mostly four in number, but in one genus, Scelotes, the front pair of legs are wanting, and the hinder pair‘are small and divided at the extremity into two toes only. o —=—s A = ae args Ri as Nes, SEPS, OR CICIGNA.—Séeps tridactylus. The typical species of this family is the common Szps, or CrcieNa, a curious snake-like Lizard, found in various parts of the world, and not uncommon in many portions of Europe. Specimens have been taken in the south of France, in Italy, Sardinia, Syria, and the north of Africa. The name of Seps is of Greek origin, and signifies corruption. From ancient times to the present day, this harmless little reptile has been held in great dread by the natives of the country wherein it dwells, being considered as a deadly enemy to cattle, biting them at night during their sleep, and filling their veins with corruption. Horses, and especially mares, were thought to be the most frequent sufferers from the bite of this reptile. The legs of the Seps are very weak, and are set far apart, so that the creature trusts but little to the limbs for its powers of locomotion, and wriggles itself along after the fashion of the snakes. The food of the Seps consists of worms, small snails, slugs, insects, spiders, and similar creatures, its general habits seeming to resemble those of the blindworm. Like the lizard, when the winter approaches, it burrows deeply in the loose soil, and remains hidden until the succeeding spring. ‘ THE ACONTIAS, OR JAVELIN SNAKE. 69 The teeth of the Seps are small, conical, and simple, and there are no teeth on the palate, which is grooved longitudinally. The eyelids are scaly, and the lower has a transparent disc. The toes are three in number on each foot, and very feeble; the tail is conical and pointed. The color of the common Seps is grey, with four longitudinal brown streaks, which, on a closer inspection, are found to consist of a succession of brown dots. Two members of the Sepsidze deserve a passing notice before we pass to the next family. The first is the CAPISTRATED SpuaNops (Sphaenops sepsoides). This reptile is a native of Northern Africa, but seems to have a rather restricted range, being seldom, if ever, found out of Egypt. In some parts of that country it is very plentiful, being found in the rice grounds, under hedges, and on the roads where the wheels of passing vehicles have worn deep ruts. Indeed, it appears to have a predilection for ridged ground, over which it passes with considerable speed, and is not to be captured without the exercise of some agility. It is quite harmless, and even when caught, struggles with all its might to escape, but does not attempt to bite the hand that holds it. Like many other reptiles of similar form, it burrows in the ground, but makes its tunnel so near the surface of the ground, and in so horizontal a direction, that the foot of a traveller will often lay.open the superficial retreat and render its inmate homeless for a time. ‘ The ancient Egyptians seem to have held this little reptile in religious veneration, as there are several known instances where it has been honored with the ceremony of embalming, and placed in the sacred tombs, together with other creatures formerly reverenced as types of divinity. The Sphzenops has four legs, moderately well shaped, but rather weakly formed, and the feet are divided into four toes, each of which is furnished at the extremity with a claw. The head is wedge-shaped, rounded in front, the palate is without teeth, and the lower eyelid is transparent. The general color of the Sphzenops is pale brown, with a longitudinal series of black dots, and a black streak on each side of the muzzle. Our last example of this family is the TILIGueU (Gongylus ocellétus), or EyEp Tiniqua, another of the numerous reptiles classed under the common title of Mabouya by the ignorant and fearful. It inhabits the countries bordering the Mediterranean, and is found in Sardinia, Malta, Egypt, and even in Teneriffe. Like the preceding species, it is quick and active in its move- ments, and when seized does not attempt to bite. It is a lover of dry and elevated spots, where the sand is loose, and there are plenty of stones under which it may hide itself. The food of this reptile consists of insects. Besides the names which have already been mentioned, it is also called LACEPEDE’s GALLIWASP and the OCELLATED SKINK. In coloring it is one of the most variable of reptiles, but the general tints are gray, with a bronze gloss, diversified by a number of white spots edged with black. It has four legs, the toes are five on each foot, the head is conical, with a rounded muzzle, and the lower eyelid has . a transparent disc. THE AcontTiIApD& form the next family, which contains three genera. The head is small, the upper eyelid is either very small or altogether absent, the body is cylindrical, and the limbs, when present, are very weak and small. In two of the genera, Nessia and Evesia, there are four limbs, in the former with three toes, and in the latter with the feet small, im- perfect, and not divided into toes. The upper eyelid is distinct though small. In the AcontIAs, or JAVELIN SNAKE, the limbs are absent externally, and the upper eye- lid is rudimentary. The body of this reptile is elongated and cylindrical, not unlike that of the common blindworm. The name Acontias is derived from a Greek word signifying a javelin, and has been given to this creature on account of the shape of the head, which bears some resemblance to the point of a spear. Some writers think that the name is given in allusion to its quick movements when seizing its prey. As in shape, so in habits it resembles the blind- 70 THE TYPHLOPS. worm, and like that reptile is very common in the fields and under hedges. It is a South African reptile, and is found abundantly at the Cape of Good Hope. In its coloring this is a very handsome little creature, being sometimes called the Painted Acontias (by the French writers La Peintade), in allusion to the variegated tints with which it is bedecked. Like many other reptiles, especially those which are lightly colored, it is sus- ceptible of much variation. Generally, however, it is rich chestnut-brown above, profusely dotted with bright yellow, the spots being arranged in series of varying number, one specimen having eight rows of spots, while another has only six. The scales are smooth, the teeth are conical and rather blunt, the eyes are very small, and the tail is short and rather rounded at the tip. ANOTHER curious family of reptiles possesses only two limbs at the most, the front pair being always, and the hinder pair sometimes, wanting. There is a curious, cup-like shield on the chin, the body and tail are cylindrical, and both eyes and ears are apparently absent, but may be found hidden under the skin, where the greater part, if not the whole, of their func- tions must be in abeyance. In consequence of this remarkable privation, they are classed together under the very appropriate name of Typhlinide, a term derived from the Greek, and which signifies blindness. In the typical species, the TyPHLINE, or BLinD AconvTrAS as it is sometimes, but rather erroneously called, the limbs are entirely absent, and the creature looks about as helpless a being as can well be imagined, having no apparent legs, feet, eyes nor ears. The Typhline inhabits Southern Africa, and is found at the Cape of Good Hope. In its coloring it is rather variable, being generally of a brownish hue, with spots of purple upon the hinder part of the scales of the back, and sometimes of a yellowish tint, with violet spots. THERE are so many reptiles scattered over the world, and they are divided by modern systematic zoologists into so many families, that it is only possible to give a short description of one or two examples of each family, while to supply illustrations would be wholly imprac- ticable without nearly doubling the amount of space that can be allotted to them. The next family is called by the name of Typhlopside, or Blind Reptiles, a title which has been given to them because their eyes are either very small, or altogether wanting exter- nally. In all these animals the head is broad, rather flattened, and has a large, erect plate near the muzzle. The mouth is small, semilunar in shape, and placed under the muzzle in a manner somewhat resembling that of the sharks. The tail is cylindrical, and has a large shield or plate at the tip, sometimes conical and sometimes spine-shaped. In the TypuHtops, the typical species, the head is nearly covered by a single, very large shield, which is rather bent downwards in front. The tail is very short and tapers suddenly, and the scales of the body are small and uniform. It inhabits India, where it is not uncommon, though, in consequence of its earth-loving habits, it is not very often seen except by those who know its localities, and search purposely for the hidden reptile. It moves over the ground with some rapidity, and burrows easily, penetrating to a depth of three or four feet during the rainy season. At other times it is mostly content with the shelter of large stones and similar places of refuge. Owing to the small size and the rather remarkable position of the mouth, the Typhlops is unable to act on the offensive, and when captured, although it attempts to glide through the fingers, does not even offer to bite. It is wonderfully tenacious of life, and according to Dr. Russell, will live for some time even when immersed in spirits of wine. The general color of the Typhlops is yellowish-white. , This family contains also the Clawed Snake (Ongchophis)—so called because the bony shield on the muzzle is erect, keeled, and bent over into a claw-like shape—and the Silver Snakes (Argyrophis), a small group of reptiles, deriving their popular name from the silvery lustre of their scales. THE FAN-FOOT. 71 THE last family of the sub-order Leptoglosse, or Slender-tongued Lizards, is the group of reptiles termed the Rough-tailed Lizards, or UroPpreLtip&. In these Lizards the head is rather compressed, flat above, and sharp towards the muzzle. The eyes are of moderate size, and without eyelids, a bony scale answering the purpose. The body is cylindrical, and covered with regular, six-sided scales, sometimes ridged, but mostly smooth. The tail is also cylin- drical, and abruptly terminated, as if cut off obliquely. There are no external limbs, and by most systematic naturalists the Rough-tails have been placed among the serpents, which they very closely resemble, except in the arrangement of certain scales, and the short, abruptly truncated tail. The Rough-tailed Lizards are divided into three genera, separated from each other by the formation of the scales that cover the tail. While moving, the Rough-tails aid themselves by pressing the truncated tail against the ground. Asa typical species, we may select the Puiiip- PINE SHIELD-TAIL ( Uropeltis philippinus), a reptile which, as its name imports, inhabits the Philippine Islands. In this creature the tail is rather flattened, and covered above with a curious “flat, roundish, radiating, granular shield.’ On the lower side of the tail the scales are arranged in six rows. The color of the Philippine Shield-tail is brown above and white beneath, the line of demarcation being very distinct, and regularly waved. THICK-TONGUED LIZARDS; PACHYGLOSS&. A NEW sub-order now comes before our notice, the members of which are distinguished by the formation of their tongues, which, instead of being flat and comparatively slender, as in the preceding Lizards, are thick, convex, and have a slight nick at the end. On account of this structure, the species of this sub-order are termed PAcHy@Loss#, or Thick-tongued Lizards. These reptiles are divided into sundry groups, the first of which is termed the Nyott- saurA, or Nocturnal Lizards. These creatures have eyes formed for seeing in the dusk, circular eyelids which, however, cannot meet over the eye-ball, and in almost every case the pupil is a long narrow slit like that of the cat. The body is always flattened. The limbs are four in number, tolerably powerful, and are used in progression. Of these Lizards, the first family is the GroxoTIp&, or Geckos, a very curious group of reptiles, common in many hot countries, and looked upon with dread or adoration by the natives, sometimes with both, where the genius of the nation leads them to reverence the object of their fears, and to form no other conception of supreme power than the capability of doing harm. Tur Fan-root, or Housk GEcko, is a native of Northern Africa, and is very common in Egypt, and is found, as its name imports, in houses, traversing the floor and walls with aston- ‘ishing address, in search of its food, which consists of worms, insects, and similar creatures. The natives have a very great dread of this creature, asserting that it is extremely poisonous— the poison not being injected by the teeth, but exuding from the lobules of the toes. The generic title Ptyodactylus, or Toe-spitter, is given to the reptile in allusion to this idea. It is said by Hasselquist, that if a Gecko is taken in the hand, the poisonous matter which is immediately shed over the skin from the feet of the captive, causes an instantaneous eruption, similar to that produced by the sting of a nettle. The same traveller proceeds to relate an incident which is hardly so much in accordance with probability, namely, that two women and a girl were lying at the point of death from having eaten some cheese over which one of these reptiles had walked. So great is the dread inspired by this creature, that in Cairo it is popularly termed Abou- burs, or father of the leprosy. The people fancy that it purposely poisons their provisions, and that it is especially fond of communicating the venom to salted meat of all kinds. In former times the Fan-foot was endowed with even greater powers of offence, its teeth being added to its weapons, and asserted to be capable of leaving their impression even on steel, 72 THE SPOTTED GECKO, OR SPOTTED HEMIDACTYLE. though in point of fact, the jaws of the Geckos are rather feeble. and their teeth very small, and hardly able to pierce even the human skin. The Geckos are indebted for their power of traversing perpendicular walls to the forma- tion of their feet, which, although greatly varied in the different genera, have the same essential qualities in all. In this genus the toes are ex- ° panded at their extremities, into a round disc, and fur- nished with claws which are sheathed in a notch cut in the front of the disc. The color of the Fan-foot is red- dish brown spotted with white. THE ComMon GECKO, or RiInGED GxEoKO, is an Asiatic species, being as common in India as the preceding species in North Africa. It may be easily known from the Fan- foot by the large tubercles upon the back. This reptile has much the same habits as the Fan-foot, and possesses equally the ability to run over a perpen- dicular wall. During the day-time it conceals itself in some chink or dark crev- ice, but in the evening it leaves its retreat, moving rapidly and with such per- fectly silent tread that the ignorant natives may well be excused for classing it among supernatural beings. The Gecko occasionally utters a curious cry, which has been compared to that peculiar clucking sound employed by riders to stimulate their horses, and in some species the ery is very distinct and said to resemble the word Geck-o, the last syllable being given smartly and sharply. On account of this cry, the Geckos are variously called, Spitters, Postilions, and Claqueurs. During the cold months of the year the Geckos retire to winter quarters, and are thought to retain their condition during this foodless season by means of two fatty masses at the base of the abdomen, which are supposed to nourish them as the camel is nourished by the hump. The male is smaller than the female, and the eggs are very spherical, and covered with a brittle chalky shell. The color of the Gecko is reddish gray with white spots. The scales of the back are flat and smooth, and there is also a series of rather large tubercular ‘projections arranged in twelve rather distinct rows. * < oe NS cr I vq FAN-FOOT.—Ptyodactylus gecko. CLosELY allied to these two reptiles is the Sporrep GrcoKo, or SPOTTED HEMIDAOTYLE, a rather pretty species of Gecko found in various parts of Asia, and tolerably common in India, China and Ceylon. Sir Emerson Tennent, in his valuable work on Ceylon, gives a very interesting account of this little creature, and relates two curious anecdotes, exiubiting the readiness with which even a Gecko can be tamed by kind treatment. THE CAPE TARENTOLA. 73 ‘In a boudoir where the ladies of my family spent their evenings, one of these familiar and amusing little creatures had its hiding place behind a gilt picture-frame, and punctually as the candles were lighted, it made its appearance on the wall to be fed with its accustomed crumb ; and if neglected, it reiterated its sharp quick call of chie-chic-chit, till attended to. It was of a delicate gray color, tinged with pink, and having by accident fallen on a work- table, it fled, leaving its tail behind it, which, however, it reproduced within less than a month. This faculty of reproduction is doubtless designed to enable the creature to escape from its assailants ; the detaching of the limb is evidently its own act. ‘Tn an officer’s quarters in the fort of Colombo, a Gecko had been taught to come daily to the dinner-table, and always made its appearance along with the dessert. The family were absent for some months, during which the house underwent extensive repairs, the roof having been raised, the walls stuccoed, and ceilings whitened. It was naturally surmised that so long a suspension of its accustomed habits would have led to the disappearance of the little Lizard, but on the return of its old friends, at their first dinner it made its entrance as usual the instant the cloth had been removed.” ANOTHER rather curious species is the TuRNIP-TAILED Gecko (Vhecodéctylus rapi- caudus), so called from the odd shape of its tail, which, when reproduced, is very much swollen at the base, and, with its little conical extremity, has an almost absurd resemblance to a young turnip. It is worthy of mention, that all the Geckos possess the faculty of reproducing their tails when those members have been lost by some accident, and that the second tail is mostly very unlike the original. Before the creature has suffered (if it does suffer) this mutilation, the tail is covered with scales of the same structure and form as those of the back; but when the tail is reproduced, it is generally supplied with little squared scales arranged in cross series. In examining a Gecko therefore, it is necessary to ascertain whether the tail be in its normal condition or only a second and altered edition of that member. The color of the Turnip-tailed Gecko is brown, mottled boldly with a darker tint, and speckled with tiny dots of dark brown. The scales of the back are six-sided, and on each side of the base of the tail there is a prominent conical tubercle. This species inhabits Tropical America. A vERY remarkable reptile is the Frrinezp TREE GECKO, or SMOOTH-HEADED GECKO. It is a native of Java, and especially worthy of notice on account of the broad membranous expansions which fringe the sides of the head, back, limbs and tail. On the body this membrane is covered with scales, and waved on its edges, but on the tail the waves become suddenly deepened, so as to form bold scollops. The toes are webbed to the tips, and, with the exception of the thumb-joint, are furnished with claws at the swollen extremity. The scales of the back are smooth and flat, and even the membranous fringes are covered with scales. Formerly this creature was thought to be aquatic in its habits, but it is now known to live on trees, and to employ the membranous expansions in aiding it in its passage from branch to branch, much after the well-known fashion of the flying squirrels. The generic title, Ptychoz6én, is composed of two Greek words, the former signifying a fold of a garment, and the latter a living being. The general color of the Fringed Tree Gecko is brown above, with a slight yellowish tinge along the spine, and crossed with small dark brown lines, very narrow and deeply waved. A line of similiar appearance and of a bold zig-zag form encircles , the top of the head, looking as if a dark brown string had been tied at the ends, formed into a rude circle, and then pinched at intervals so as to cause deep indentations. Below it is of a whitish gray color. THE curious and rather interesting little Lizard called the CAPE TARENTOLA, is an inhab- itant, as it name signifies, of the Cape of Good Hope, and is found spread over « considerable portion of Southern Africa. Vou. I1I.—10, 74 THE LEAF-TAILED GECKO. This reptile is of slower habits than the generality of the Geckos, and moves along with deliberate and apparently purposeless steps. It is almost invariably seen upon or near decayed wood, and is frequently found under the bark of dead trees, clinging tightly to the trunk, and shielded by the bark from the unwelcome glare of daylight. In all probability, - it finds abundance of food in the same locality, for the space between the bark and wood of a decaying or dead tree, is generally filled with insects of various kinds and in their different states of existence, beside being the chosen home of millipedes, spiders, and similar creatures. ; Although a slow mover, the Cape Tarentola can, after the manner of its kin, ascend smooth and perpendicular objects with perfect ease and noiseless motions, and can even traverse and cling to a ceiling or a cross-beam without difficulty, and there remain motionless for hours. Like the generality of the Gecko family, it detests the daylight, and the bright beams of the sun are a torture to this dweller in darkness, which, if overtaken by daylight while out of its refuge, crawls away to the nearest cranny and there buries itself until the evening hours bring with them the desired shades, and restore the animal to its wonted activity. It is extremely shy, and even in the dusk it will avoid the dangerous approach of an intruder by silently slipping under the cover of the loose bark, or hiding itself among the decaying wood. It is quite a little creature, rarely measuring more than four inches in length, and often not reaching even those moderate dimensions. As is the case with many Lizards, it is liable to certain variations in coloring, but its general tints are as follows: The back and upper portions of the body are yellowish-brown, with a decided yellow wash, and banded with several dark brown bars, rather curved. Scattered over the body are certain protuberant scales of a lighter hue. The tail is a pale brownish-purple with a reddish gloss, and speckled with warm chestnut-brown. The abdomen, and the under portions of the body and limbs are ochry yellow, and the eyes are, although devoid of expression and of a passionless brightness, like polished stone, very shining and of a bright orange-brown. The whole form of this Lizard is rather thick and clumsy. As this family contains at least forty genera, it is manifestly impossible to mention more than a few species, which can be accepted as types of the family, and serve as links to render the chain of nature complete. Passing, therefore, several series of genera, we will give a short time to one or two species of Gecko before proceeding to the next family. The WoopsLaVE, as the reptile is popularly termed by the natives of the country where it resides, or the BANDED SpH#RoDACTYLE (Spheroddctylus sputdtor), as it is more scien- tifically called by zoologists, is a small species of Gecko found in most of the American islands, and is spread over many portions of South America; and is held in great dread by the white and dark population. It is generally supposed to possess a store of venomous saliva, causing the part of the body on which it falls to swell grievously, and to eject this poisonous substance from some distance upon those who chance to vex its irascible temper. The specific term sputdtor signifies a spitter, and has been given to the reptile on account of this supposed propensity. The poisonous saliva is said to be black. The Woodslave has no claws on its toes, the pupil of the eye is round, and the eyelid circular. The back and tail are covered with small scales. The color is generally black and yellow, arranged in cross bands, and there is a white streak on each side of the head. There are several species belonging to this genus, all inhabiting similar localities. THE reader will remember that in the turnip-tailed Gecko, mentioned on page 73, the tail is curiously swollen at the base after its reproduction. In the Lear-ratLepD GEcKO, otherwise called Wuitr’s PHYLLURE (Phylliirus platirus), the tail is always rather long, flattened con- siderably, very broad, with a deep notch at its junction with the body, and a shallower double notch in the centre. Along the middle there also runs a shallow groove, and the entire aspect is so quaint, not to say ludicrous, that on seeing a specimen of this odd-looking Lizard, the first impression on the mind is that the tail has been cleverly manufactured and attachéd to the body by artificial means, This Gecko is a native of New Holland. THE COMMON IGUANA. Be 5 Both the scientific names of the Leaf-tailed Gecko refer to the singular formation of its tail, the one signifying Leaf-tail, and the other Broad-tail. The head of this reptile is very broad at the base, very sharp at the snout, and the skin adheres so closely to the bone as to exhibit the form of the skull through its substance. The toes are long, slender, and rather compressed. Along the sides runs a fold of skin, very slight, but sufficiently conspicuous. The tail is very thin and leaf-like ; along the edge runs a series of spiny scales, and its surface is covered with rather long conical tubercles arranged in cross rows. The color is brown, and a number of little spiny tubercles are scattered over the back. In taking leave of the Geckos, we must cast a hasty glance at their feet. In many of their movements the Geckos bear a curious likeness to the common fly, and when one of these rep- tiles is seen gliding along a perpendicular wall-with noiseless step, or clinging with perfect ease to an overhanging beam, quite regardless of the fact that it is hanging with its back down- wards, the resemblance is irresistible. And on inspecting the foot and its structure, the resemblance which this member bears in many species to the well-known foot of the fly, is remarkably close and worthy of attention. STROBILOSAURA. WE now arrive at an important tribe of Lizards, called by the name of Strobilosaura, a title derived from two Greek words, one signifying a fir-cone and the other a lizard, and given to these creatures because the scales that cover their tails are set in regular whorls, and bear some resemblance to the projecting scales of the fir-cone. In all these reptiles the tongue is thick, short, and very slightly nicked at the tip. The eyes have circular pupils, and are formed for day use. Tue first family of these Lizards consists of those creatures which are grouped together under the general title of Iavana. This word is employed extremely loosely, as the name of Iguana is applied to many species of Lizards, such as the monitors and the varans, which in reality have little in common with the true Iguanas. These reptiles can mostly be dis- tinguished from the rest of the tribe by the formation of their teeth, which are round at the roots, swollen and rather compressed at the tip, and notched on the edge. There are gener- ally some teeth on the palate. All the true Iguanas inhabit the New World. As the family of Iguanas is extremely large, and contains more than fifty genera, we can only examine a few of the most interesting species, the first of which is the Common Iauana. This conspicuous, and in spite of its rather repulsive shape, really handsome Lizard, is a native of Brazil, Cayenne, the Bahamas, and neighboring localities, and was at one time very common in Jamaica, from which, however, it seems to be in process of gradual extirpation. In common with those members of the family which have their body rather compressed, and covered with squared scales, the Iguana is a percher on trees, living almost wholly among the branches, to which it clings with its powerful feet, and on which it finds the greater part of its food. It is almost always to be found on the trees that are in the vicinity of water, and especially favors those that grow upon the banks of a river, where the branches overhang the stream. Though not one of the aquatic Lizards, the Iguana is quite at home in the water, and if alarmed, will often plunge into the stream, and either dive or swim rapidly away. While swimming, it lays its fore legs against the sides, so as to afford the smallest possible resistance to the water, stretches out its hinder legs, and by a rapid serpentine movement of its long and flexible tail, passes swiftly through the waves. It has considerable power of enduring immer- sion, as indeed is the case with nearly all reptiles, and has been known to remain under water for an entire hour, and at the end of that time to emerge in perfect vigor. From the aspect of this long-tailed, dewlapped, scaly, spiny Lizard, most persons would rather recoil than feel attracted, and the idea of eating the flesh of so repulsive a creature would not be likely to occur to them, Yet in truth, the flesh of the Iguana is justly reckoned 76 THE COMMON IGUANA. among one of the delicacies of the country where it resides, being tender, and of a peculiarly delicate flavor, not unlike the breast of a spring chicken. There are various modes of cooking the Iguana, roasting and boiling being the most common. Making it into a fricassee, however, is the mode which has met the largest general approval, and a dish of Iguana eutlets, when properly dressed, takes a very high place among the delicacies of a well-spread table. The eggs, too, of which the female Iguana lays from four to six dozen, are very well flavored and in high repute. It is rather curious that they contain very little albumen, the yellow filling almost the entire shell. As is the case with the eggs of the turtle, they never harden by boiling, and only assume a little thicker consistence. Some persons of peculiar constitutions cannot eat either the fiésh or the eggs of the Iguana, and it is said that this diet is very injurious to some diseases. The eggs are hid by the female Iguana in sandy soil near rivers, lakes, or the sea-coast, and after covering them with sand, she leaves them to be hatched by the heat of the sun. In consequence of the excellence of the flesh and eggs, the Iguana is greatly persecuted by mankind, and its numbers considerably thinned. Those who hunt the animal for sport, or merely to supply their own homes, generally employ a noose for the purpose, which they cast dexterously round the neck of the reptile as it sits on a branch, and then by a sudden and sharp jerk loosen its hold, and secure it. The creature is very bold, having but little idea of running away, and in general is so confident of its capability of frightening away its antago- nist by puffing up its long dewlap, and looking ferocious, that it is captured before it discovers its mistake. Even when caught, it has no notion of yielding without a struggle, but bites so fiercely with its sharp, leaf-like teeth, and lashes so vigorously with its long whip-like tail, that it is not secured without some trouble and risk. It:is also very tenacious of life, and does not readily die even from repeated blows with heavy sticks, so that the spear or the pistol are often employed to kill it. Those, however, who hunt the Iguana for sale, are obliged to have recourse to other expe- dients, such as nets, and dogs, the latter being trained to secure the Iguana without killing it. Many persons set out on regular expeditions of this sort, embarking in a little vessel and visiting numbers of different islands and inlets in chase of the Iguana. Those which they can succeed in taking alive, have their mouths carefully secured to prevent them from biting, and are then stowed away in the hold, where they will live for a considerable time without requir- ing any nourishment. Those which are killed, they either eat on the spot, or salt them down in barrels for winter consumption. Were the Iguanas quick of foot, they would seldom be captured, but, fortunately for the hunters, they cannot run fast, and according to the quaint language of Catesby, who visited the Bahamas about 1740, ‘‘ their holes are a greater security to them than their heels.”’ The food of the Iguana seems to consist almost entirely of fruits, fungi, and other vegeta- ble substances, and it is known that in captivity it feeds upon various leaves and flowers. Yet it has been said by some persons, who have seen the Iguana in its native state, that it eats eggs, insects, and various animal substances. Perhaps these creatures were not the true Iguanas, but belonged to the monitors, varans, or similar carnivorous Lizards. The Iguana is capable of domestication, and can be tamed without much difficulty by those who are kind to it and accustom it to their presence. It will even permit itself to be carried about in its owner’s arms, though it will not permit a stranger to approach. The general aspect of the Iguana is most remarkable, and can perhaps be better under- stood by reference to the illustration than by any lengthened description. Suffice it to say that the head is rather large, and covered above with large scales. The mouth is enor- mously wide, and studded around the edge with those singularly shaped teeth which have already been described. About the angles of the jaw there are generally some large, solitary, rounded scales. The chin is furnished with a kind of dewlap, large, baggy, and capable of being inflated at the will of the animal, scaly, and edged in front with a row of bold, -tooth- like projections. The sides of the neck are covered with tubercles. The tail is extremely long, and very thin and tapering. The usual color of the Iguana is dark olive-green, but is THE APLONOTE. 7% rather variable even in the same individual, being affected by change of weather, or locality, or temper. On the sides a few brown bands are generally seen, and the tail is marked with brown and green of various tones, the two colors being arranged in alternate rings. The average length of the Iguana is about four feet, but it often attains a much greater size, reaching a length of six feet or a little more. The NAKED-NECKED IGUANA was long confounded with the preceding species, bearing a great resemblance to that reptile in color, form, and habit, and being found in the same localities. It can, however, be readily distinguished from the common Iguana by the absence of tubercles upon the sides of the neck. Along each side of the lower jaw runs a series of " HATTERIA.—Hatteria punctata. (14 Natural size. See next page.) large strong scales. The general color of this species is bluish-green, darker on the back than on the abdomen. Its flesh is esteeemed equally with that of the preceding species. Brsipes these Iguanas, there are one or two which deserve a short notice. One of these animals is the MARBLED Ievana or CAMALEAO (Pélychrus marmordtus), also a native of Brazil and Central America. This species has the throat compressed into a small dewlap, and the scales of the back and sides equal. There is no crest upon the back and tail. Its color is brown, mottled with bold marblings and diverging lines of a darker hue, and some- times having a slight purple gloss. The ApLtonorE (Aloponétus ricardi) is another species of Iguana, having its head covered with small equal many-sided plates, and its throat dilated into a small pouch without the toothed projections in front. A shallow crest runs along the back and tail, and the back 78 THE MARINE OREOCEPHALE. is without scales, but covered with multitudinous granular tubercles of a very small size. The tail is compressed. The color of this species is blackish-brown, variegated with many spots of tawny brown. Another curious species is appropriately called the Hornep Ieuana (JMetopéceros cornitus), deriving its name from the horn-like projections upon its head. Upon the fore- head there is a large horn-like tubercle, and two pairs of large horny plates between the nostrils. There is a crest upon the back, but it is very low between the shoulders, and upon the loins it is not continuous. It inhabits St. Domingo. Tue next family, termed Rhynchocephalia, which is represented in the illustration on page 77, contains only one species, the Hatteria punctata. This reptile inhabits New Zealand where the natives regard it with fear, though without any reason, as the animal is quite inoffensive. They nevertheless like the flesh of the ‘‘Guana,”’ “Tuatera,’’ or ‘‘ Narara,”’ as they call this great Lizard. A specimen caught in Wellington, New Zealand, was brought to Europe and has lived there in captivity for many years. It has fed on meal-worms and other scaled insects. The general color of the Hatrrrta is a dark olive-green, the sides and limbs are variegated with many yellow sprinkles. There is a conspicuous crest of sharp scales which runs along the head and the back, while the tail shows rather flattened projections. The scales of the head and back are of a yellow color, those of the tail being brown. Tr has already been mentioned that the Iguana possesses the power of swimming to a large extent, and that it is capable of sustaining a long submersion without suffering any injury. - == > ® “~ BMEURER.X.A. Berlin. MARINE OREOCEPHALE.~ Oreocephalus cristatus. There is a curious species of Iguana, the MARINE OREOCEPHALE, which exists upon the seashore, and passes a considerable portion of its time in the water. This creature was first made known to science by Mr. Darwin, who found it on the coasts of the Galapagos islands, and describes its habits in the following words :— THE BASILISC. 79 “Tt is a hideous-looking creature, of a dirty-black color, stupid and sluggish in its move- ments. The usual length of a full-grown one is about a yard, but there are some even four feet long. I have seen a large one which weighed twenty pounds. These lizards are occa- sionally seen some hundred yards from the shore swimming about, and Captain Collnett in his voyage says that they go out to sea in shoals to catch fish. With respect to the object I believe he is mistaken, but the facts stated on such good authority cannot be doubted. When in the water, the animal swims with perfect ease and quickness by a serpentine movement of its body and flattened tail, the legs during this time being perfectly motionless and closely collapsed on its sides. A seaman on board sunk one with a heavy weight attached to it, thinking thus to kill it directly, but when, an hour afterwards, he drew up the line, the Lizard was quite active. Their limbs and strong claws are admirably adapted for crawling over the rugged and fissured masses of lava which everywhere form the coast. In such situations, a group of six or seven of these hideous reptiles may oftentimes be seen on the black rocks, a few feet above the surf, basking in the sun with outstretched legs.” In this reptile the throat is not formed into a pendent pouch, but the skin is much crumpled, so that the animal can dilate it at will. The whole body is covered with sharp, rough, tubercular scales, and a crest of longer scales runs along the back. The teeth are sharp and three-lobed, and although, when the wide mouth is opened, they present a very formidable array of weapons, the creature is quite harmless, and feeds on vegetable diet, seaweeds forming the chief part of its subsistence. The middle toes are united by a strong web, and the claws are large. There is some difference in the aspect of the young and adult, this distinction being most obvious in the head, where the scales are rather convex in the young, but in the adult are enlarged into unequal and rather high tubercular shields. Of the family ZJyuanide there are about sixty genera, and one hundred and fifty species, all of North and South America and the Antilles. According to Holbrook, four genera of this family are known in the United States. In the earlier ages of science, when a few facts were struggling their way through the superincumbent mass of fiction that had so long caused Natural History to be little more than a collection of moral fables, the BAsILisc was a creature upon whose wondrous properties the inventive pens of successive narrators were never tired of dilating: Crowned with a royal diadem, emblematical of its sovereign rule, the Basilise held supreme sway over the reptile race, and derives its name of Basilisc, or kinglike, ‘‘ because he seemeth to be the King of Serpents, not for his magnitude or greatnesse. For there are many serpents bigger than he, as there be many four-footed beasts bigger than the lyon, but because of his stately face and magnanimous minde.”’ The Basilise was thought to be an occasional lusus nature, having during his life no companion of his own kind, and to derive his existence from an egg laid by a cock when he was very old, and sat upon by a snake. Some scientific writers, however, better informed than the more popular zoologists, said that the egg was not incubated by a snake, but by a toad. } Before the Basilise all living creatures but one were forced to fly, and even man would fall dead from the glance of the kingly reptile’s eye. ‘‘ This poyson,”’ says Topsel, ‘‘infecteth the air, and the air so infected killeth all living things, and likewise all green things, fruits and plants of the earth: it burneth up the grasse whereupon it goeth or creepeth, and the fowls of the air fall down dead when they come near his den or lodging. Sometimes he biteth a man or beast, and by that wound the blood turneth into choler, and so the whole body becometh yellow or gold, presently killing all that touch it or come near it.’”’ Even a horseman who had taken into his hand a spear which had been thrust through a Basilisc, ‘“‘did not only draw the poyson of it into his own body and so dyed, but also killed his horse thereby.” The only creature that could stand before the Basilise and live, was said to be the cock, whose shrill clarion the bird-reptile held in such terror, that on hearing the sound it fled into the depths of the desert and there concealed itself. Travelers, therefore, who were forced to 80 THE CRESTED ANOLIS. pass through the sandy deserts of Libya, were advised always to carry with them a supply of strong, lively, loud-voiced cocks, by whose vigorous crowings they would be protected from the Basiliscs haunting those parts. There is an old proverb, ‘‘No smoke without fire,’ and this saying is verified in the present case. In some parts of Tropical America there is a perfectly harmless Lizard of no great dimensions, belonging to the family of the Iguanas, and having a bold crest on the back of its head. It is probable that one of these reptiles was imported into the Old World at some time now forgotten, and that its rather odd shape and the crest on its head were seized upon by the first describers, and reported with continually increasing exaggerations by suc- ceeding writers. Like the rest of the Iguanas, this animal is a good climber of trees, it can swim well, and its food consists apparently of insects and the various little creatures which frequent the water and the foliage of its banks. Although quite innocuous, it certainly is rather forbidding, and when it obtains its greatest length of three feet, presents a sufficiently formidable appearance to warrant in some degree the wild and fabulous tales which were deduced from its strange shape. Along the back, instead of the row of pointed spines which generally cross the back of the Iguanas, runs a broad crest-like membrane, another broad membrane occupying the upper surface of the tail. These curious appendages are supported by a series of slender bones, formed by elonga- tions of the vertebree of the back and tail, so that the animal looks exactly as if the fins of a fish had been grafted on the body of a reptile. There is a slight pouch on the throat, and the palate is toothed. Many species of the Lizard tribe are called by the name of Anolis, but are divided by systematic zoologists of the present day into several distinct genera. The CRESTED ANOLIS inhabits some of the hotter portions of America and the neighboring islands. The chief point of interest in this Lizard is the curiously expansile throat, which, in common with others of the same genus, it is able to expand at will. When terrified, it tries to escape, but if it finds itself deprived of all means of eluding its antagonist, it turns to bay, and by puffing out the throat until it assumes a very great size, endeavors thereby to intimidate the foe. While thus engaged, the creature has the faculty of continually altering its color; the hues of the body to a certain degree, but more especially those of the throat, changing with a rapidity that is said even to surpass the famed powers of the chameleon. It is an active little creature, traversing perpendicular objects with nearly as much ease as the Gecko, and to aid it in these movements the last joint but one of the toes is swollen, so as to form.a pad, and is covered below with cross ridges, so as to enable the creature to take a firm hold of the object to which it is clinging. The food of the Anolis consists chiefly of insects, which are captured by means of singular address on the part of the Lizard. The Anolis can run up and down trees, walls, or rocks, with such rapidity, and leap so boldly from one spot to another, that at a little distance its movements might easily be mis- taken for those of a bird. Though not aquatic in its habits, and apparently not taking willingly to’ the water, the Anolis is mostly to be found in the woods and thickets that are in the close neighborhood of a stream or lake. It is a timid, yet a restlessly inquisitive animal ; for although it hides itself with instinctive caution on hearing the approach of a footstep, it is of so curious a nature that it must needs poke its head out of its hiding-place, and so betray itself in spite of its timidity. So absorbed, indeed, is the Anolis in gratifying its curiosity, that it will allow itself to be captured in a noose, and often falls a victim to the rude and inartificial snares made by children. Its voice is a little sharp chirruping sound; and by imitating these notes, the children decoy it within reach of the fatal noose. The usual resting-place of the Crested Anolis is within the hollow of some decaying tree, where also the female deposits her eggs. The color of the Crested Anolis is dark, ashen blue, a blackish spot being apparent on THE GREEN CAROLINA ANOLIS. 81 each side. Along the nape of the neck and the back runs a series of long compressed scales, - forming a toothed crest, and on the basal half of the tail is a fin-like crest, strengthened by bony rays. The throat-pouch is extremely large, and when inflated gives to the reptile quite an ungainly appearance. The greatest known length of the Crested Anolis is about eighteen inches, but the other species are generally of much smaller dimensions. The name Xiphosurus is of Greek origin, and signifies Sword-tail. Or the restricted genus Anolis, we take two examples. In this genus the back and nape of the neck are either smooth, or have a low crest formed by two series of short scales. The scaly plate at end of the muzzle is erect. All these Lizards are very active, inhabiting trees, and jumping about from branch to branch with wonderful skill, and clinging even to the pendent leaves by means of their curiously formed feet. GREEN CAROLINA ANOLIS.—Anolis carolina. ° This GREEN CAROLINA ANOLIs is, as its name imports, a native of North America, where it is tolerably common. It is a pretty lively little creature, specially brisk and active in its movements. ’ This Lizard is, according to Holbrook, ‘‘a bold and daring animal, haunting outhouses and garden fences, and in new settlements it even enters the houses, walking over the tables and other articles of furniture in search of flies. It is very active, climbing trees with great rapidity, and leaping with ease from branch to branch and from tree to tree, securing itself even on the leaves by means of the oval disks of the fingers and toes, which enable it also to walk easily on glass, and on the sides and ceilings of rooms. It feeds on insects, and destroys great numbers, seizing them suddenly and devouring them, unrestrained even by the presence of man.”’ Towards the spring, the Green Anolis becomes quarrelsome, and is so exceedingly pug- nacious, that the adult males hardly ever meet without a fight, the vanquished usually coming off with the loss of his tail—a misfortune, however, that sometimes occurs to both the com- batants. This Lizard is seldom seen in all its beauty except when engaging in battle, for at the sight of its antagonist it remains stationary for a moment, nods its head up and down two or three times, as if to work itself into a proper state of fury, puffs out its dewlap, which then becomes of a light scarlet, and having gone through all these preliminaries, it leaps on its foe, and the struggle begins. As the summer draws on the irascibility of its temper diminishes, Vou. U1.—i1. 82 THE RED-THROATED ANOLIS. and during the whole summer and early autumn these pretty Lizards may be seen amicably associating together. They are fond of basking in the sun, and will then dilate their dewlaps, at the same time assuming the most brilliant emerald hues. The color of this reptile is extremely variable, altering even in the same individuai according to the season of the year, the temperature, the health, or even the present state of the creature’s temper. Generally the whole upper surface is beautiful golden green, and the abdomen white, with a tinge of green. The dewlap, or throat-pouch, is white, with a few little spots and five bars of red, which color, when the pouch is inflated, spreads over its whole surface. The total length of this reptile is, according to the figure in our illustration, nearly seven inches. THE GREEN LizArD (Anolis principalis), also called CHAMELEON, is an attractive creat- ure, quite in contrast to the latter-named. It is of very graceful shape and movements, and is a beautiful green in color. It inhabits along the Gulf and Atlantic shores southward ; length, six to eight inches. THE second species, the RED-THROATED ANOLIS, is a native of America and the neighbor- ing isles. : It isa brisk and lively little creature, darting about the ground, over rocks, among the branches, or upon the leaves, with equal address. It is, perhaps, a little too fond of fighting, and terribly apt to quarrel with others of its own kind. Those who have witnessed a combat between two of these Lizards say that it is remarkable for ferocity, courage, and endurance. They face each other with expanded throats and glaring eyes, their skin changing its lustrous coloring, and their whole being instinct with fury. As during each combat one or two females are generally spectators of the fight, it is prob- able they may be the cause of war, and that the victor may receive his reward from one of the female witnesses of his prowess. So furious do they become, that the conqueror is said to devour the vanquished, who, however, sometimes runs away as fast as he can, and escapes with the loss of his tail, which is left writhing in the victor’s mouth aid soon swallowed. Those who have thus lost their tails seem to be greatly affected by the mutilation, and are timid and languishing afterwards. The inflated throat part of the angry animal has a very curious effect, as it becomes of a bright cherry-red, due probably to the excited state of the creature. Mr. Bell, in his work on reptiles, mentions a curious anecdote of one of these Lizards which was worsted in combat with a common garden-spider. ‘‘The activity of the smaller insectivorous Lizards, when in pursuit of their food, is exceedingly curious and interesting. They watch with all the caution of a cat, and dart upon their prey with the quickness of lightning. “In the act of seizing their food, however, they must necessarily be exposed to some danger from the noxious qualities of the insects which they indiscriminately attack. The following fact would seem to indicate that, even in our own temperate climate, an insect not generally recognized as poisonous may inflict a fatal injury on its saurian enemy. ‘*Some years since, I had in my possession two living specimens of the beautiful little - green Anolis of the West Indies, a Lizard about the size of our smallest species. I was in the habit of feeding them with flies and other insects; and, having one day placed in the cage with them a very large garden-spider (Hpeira diadema), one of the Lizards darted at it, but seized it only by the leg. The spider instantly ran round and round the creature’s mouth, weaving a very thick web round. both jaws, and then gave it a severe bite on the lip, just as this species of spider usually does with any large insect which it has taken. The Lizard was greatly distressed ; and I removed the spider and rubbed off the web, the confinement of which appeared to give it great annoyance, but in a few days it died, though previously in as perfect health as its companion, which lived for a iong time afterwards.” With regard to the injury produced by the bite of the spider, I can say from personal experience that even to human beings, especially those who are tender-skinned, the bite of the THE HORNED LIZARD. 88 common garden-spider is extremely painful. I have suffered for some hours from the bite of one of these creatures, and I have seen the arm of a young lady flushed and swollen, because a garden-spider had bitten the back of her hand. The pain is something like that produced by the sting of a wasp, but more dull, and seeming to throb with the pulse. The color of the Red-throated Anolis is greenish blue, excepting on the throat when the creature is excited. There is no crest on the nape and back, but the tail is slightly toothed above. When full-grown, it is about the size of our sand Lizard. Our last example of this large and interesting family is the CRowNED TAPAYAXIN, one of the singular North American reptiles which are popularly known by the name of Horned Toads, their general form and mode of sitting being extremely toad-like. This animal is not at all uncommon in California, and is said when at liberty in its wild state to move with much rapidity over the ground, in search of its insect prey. Its habits in CROWNED TAPAYAXIN.—Phrynosoma orbiculare, confinement, however, do not carry out this statement, as it is then sluggish to a degree, remaining for many consecutive hours in precisely the same attitude, heedless of the falling rain or the burning rays of the sun, and scarcely changing its position even when pushed with the finger. It is quite harmless, in spite of its very formidable looks, and does not attempt to avenge itself upon its captor, however roughly it may be handled. After a while it can be made to know its owner, and will even take flies and other insects out of his hand. Little red ants seem to be its favorite food; but it lives on beetles and insects of various kinds. The head of this curious reptile is armed with long, pointed, conical spines, set around its edge and directed backward. Shorter and stouter spines, but of a triangular shape, are scat- tered over the back, and extend even over the odd, short, and pointed tail. Each edge of the tail is armed with a strong row of spines, giving it a regularly toothed appearance. The general color of the Crowned Tapayaxin is gray, variegated with several irregular bands of rich chest- nut-brown. The head is light brown, blotched with a darker hue, and the under parts are ochry-yellow, marked with sundry blotches of dark gray. Tur Hornep Lizarp (Phrynosoma douglassi). This strangely armed creature is found in Central America, and in western portions of the United States. Holbrook records three other species, which inhabit the region about the Columbia River, 84 THE TIGBR LIZARD. Tue family which comes next in order is that in which are included the AGAMAs, a group of Lizards which have been appropriately termed the Iguanas of the Old World. In the members of this family the teeth are set upon the edge of the jaws, and not upon their inner side, as in the true Iguanas of the New World. Between thirty and forty genera are con- tained in this family, and some of the species are interesting as well as peculiar beings. PERHAPS the most curious of all this family, if not, indeed, the most curious of all the reptiles, is the little Lizard which is well known under the title of the FLyine Dragon. This singular reptile is a native of Java, Borneo, the Philippines, and neighboring islands, and is tolerably common. Some writers believe that this creature was the original source from which the many fables respecting the formidable dragon of ancient and modern mythology were derived. Perhaps, however, the real clue to the various fables that were once so common respecting the formidable dragon. may be found in one of the huge saurians of the ancient days, which had survived its comrades, and preserved its existence upon the earth after man had been placed upon this planet. The most conspicuous characteristic of this reptile is the singularly developed membranous lobes on either side, which are strengthened by certain slender processes from the first six false ribs, and serve to support the animal during its bold leaps from branch to branch. Many of the previously mentioned Lizards are admirable leapers, but they are all outdone by the Dragon, which is able, by means of the membranous parachute with which it is furnished, to sweep through distances of thirty paces, the so- called flight being almost identical with that of the flying squirrels and flying fish. When the Dragon is at rest, or even when traversing the branches of trees, the parachute lies in folds along the sides ; but when it prepares to leap from one bough to another, it spreads its winged sides, launches boldly into the air, and sails easily, with a slight fluttering of the wings, towards the point on which it had fixed, looking almost like a stray leaf blown by the breeze. As if in order to make itself still more buoyant, it inflates the three membranous sacs that depend from its throat, suffering them to collapse again when it has settled upon the branch. It is a perfectly harmless creature, and can be handled with impunity. The food of the Flying Dragon consists of insects. The color of this reptile is variable, but is usually as follows: The upper surface is gray, with a tinge of olive, and daubed or mottled with brown. Several stripes of grayish-white are sometimes seen upon the wings, which are also ornamented with an angular network of dark, blackish-brown. Sometimes the black is rather plentiful upon the wings, forming four or five oblique bands near the edge. It is a small creature, measuring only a few inches in length. Tur FrrncEep DRAGON is mostly found in Sumatra, where it seems to be tolerably common. In habits, and in general appearance, this reptile bears a great resemblance to the preceding species, from which, however, it may be known by the conspicuous black spots on its wings, each spot being surrounded with a ring of white. The head is grayish-white, covered with an irregular network of dark brown, and on the throat are a number of circular specks covered with granular scales. Upon the under parts of the male, the scales are rather large and keeled, and upon the wing are a number of rather short, white dashes of a partly triangular shape. Along the sides runs a series of small, triangular, keeled scales. Besides these species there are several other flying Dragons, all inhabiting similar locali- ties. They are divided into genera on account of the different structure of the ear, and the position of the nostrils. The tail of all the Dragon Lizards is extremely long, and very slenderly formed. A very curious reptile of this family deserves a passing notice. This is the Tierr Lizarp, or GONYOCEPHALE (Gonyocéphalus chameleontina), a native of Java. This creature is remark- able for the high and deeply-toothed crest which runs along the nape of the neck, like the crest of an ancient helmet, and far overtops the head, although the upper part of the skull is much raised by an enlargement of the orbits. A large but compressed pouch hangs from the THE FRILLED LIZARD. 85 lower jaw and throat, and is prolonged so as to form an angular fold just before the shoulder. A toothed crest runs along the back, but is barely one quarter the height of that which passes over the nape, and the tail is long and compressed. The color of this Lizard is green, with variable streaks and scribblings of black, and the legs are deeply banded. The Tiger Lizard sometimes attains a length of three feet. Tue Lizards of this family are remarkable for the extraordinary modifications of form which they exhibit. In one species, such as the tiger Lizard, a row of long, spike-like scales is raised upon the neck, in the dragons the skin of the sides is dilated to an enormous extent, and even the ribs are drawn out like wire and turned out of their usual course to support the membranous expansion, and in the FritLep Lizarp the neck is furnished with a large, plaited FRILLED LIZARD.— Chlamydosaurus kingii. membrane on each side, forming a most remarkable appendage to the animal without any apparent object. The Frilled Lizard is a native of Australia, and, like most of the family, is generally fonnd on trees, which it can traverse with great address. It seems to be a bold and courageous animal, trusting to its formidable teeth and generally ferocious aspect as a means of defence. ‘‘ As we were pursuing our walk in the afternoon,” writes Captain Gray, ‘‘ we fell in with a specimen of the remarkable Frilled Lizard. It lives principally in trees, though it can run very swiftly along the ground. When not provoked or disturbed, it moves quietly about, with its frill lying back in plaits upon the body; but it is very irascible, and directly it is frightened, it elevates the frill or ruff, and makes for a tree, where, if overtaken, it throws itself upon its stern, raising its head and chest as high as it can upon the fore-legs; then, doubling its tail underneath the body, and displaying a very formidable set of teeth from the concavity of its large frill, it boldly faces an opponent, biting furiously whatever is presented to it, and even venturing so far in its rage as to fairly make a charge at its enemy. - 86 THE STELLIO, OR HARDIM. ‘“We repeatedly tried the courage of this Lizard, and it certainly fought bravely when- ever attacked. From the animal making so much use of its frills as a covering and means of defence for its body, this is probably one of the uses to which nature intended the append- age should be applied.” This remarkable Lizard was discovered by Mr. Allan Cunningham, who caught the first specimen as it was perching on the stem of a small decayed tree. The general color of the Frilled Lizard is yellow-brown mottled with black, and it is remark- able that the tongue and the inside of the mouth are also yellow. The frill, which forms so conspicuous an ornament to this creature, is covered with scales, and toothed on the edge. It does not come to its full size until the animal has attained maturity, and increases in regular proportion to the age of its owner. In the young the frill does not even reach the base of the fore limbs, while in the adult it extends well beyond them. The head is somewhat pyramidal in shape, and four-sided. There is no pouch on the throat. A small crest runs along the nape of the neck, but does not extend to the back. The tail is long and tapering, and like the back, is devoid of a crest. The eyes are rather prominent during the life of the reptile, and the tongue is thick, short and nicked at the end. It is rather a large species, measuring when full grown nearly a yard in total length. In the genus Grammatophora, the head is three-sided, and rather flattened, with a sharpish muzzle. There is no throat-pouch, but.the skin of the chest is folded into a kind of cross plait. The tail is long, conical, rather flattened at the base, and covered with over- lapping keeled scales. All the members of this genus inhabit Australia. THE MuricateD LizarD, or GRAMMATOPHORE, is a native of New Holland. It is almost arboreal in its habits, being seldom if ever seen except on trees, which it traverses with remarkable agility, being quick, sharp, and dashing in its movements. It feeds on insects, and is enabled to catch them as they settle on the leaves or branches. It also eats caterpillars, grubs, and other larvee, which it can find in profusion among the boughs. The coloring of this Lizard is rather variable. Generally the back is brownish-gray, traversed by sundry brownish bars, running longitudinally on the body and transversely upon the legs and tail. Upon the nape of the neck and the back run a crest composed of triangular compressed scales, having two or three similar rows of pointed scales at each side. Upon the sides of the nape are rows of triangular keeled scales, and the sides are covered with little compressed scales intermixed with large keeled shields. The toes are long, and the two central ones are much longer than the others. This is a small Lizard, only measuring when full grown about fourteen inches. THE STELLIO, sometimes called the HARpIM by the Arabs, is a well-known Lizard inhabit- ing Northern Africa, Syria, and Greece. It is a very active little creature, haunting the ruins of ancient dwellings, heaps of stones, rocks, and similar localities, among which it flits from spot to spot with ceaseless activity. It has a curious habit of bending or nodding its head downwards, a movement which is greatly resented by the stricter Mahometans, who are pleased to consider the Lizard as offering an insult to their religion by imitating them in their peculiar actions of prayer. The more religious among them, therefore, take every opportunity of killing the Stellio, blending amuse- ment, piety, and destructiveness with a happy appreciation of their several merits, earning a good position in Paradise on easy terms, and consoling themselves for the present dearth of infidel heads by slicing off those of the unbelieving Lizards. The Stellio lives almost entirely on the various insects that flit about the sand, and its quick, rapid movements are needed to secure its prey. A kind of cosmetic was anciently made from this reptile, and even at the present day the Turks employ it in the offices of the toilet. The color of the Stellio is olive-green above, clouded with black, and the under parts are yellow, sometimes tinged with green. There is no crest upon the nape of the neck, and the scales of the tail are rather large, and arranged in distinct whorls. There is no decided throat- THE EARED MEGALOCHILE. 87 pouch, but the skin of the throat is loose and plaited into a single cross fold towards its base. The body is rather flattened, and there is a longitudinal plait on each side. The tail is round and conical. Iy the restricted genus AGAmMA—a word, by the way, which is not derived from any classical source, but is simply the popular name among the natives of Jamaica—the scales of the back are flat and keeled, and the third and fourth toes are nearly equal in length. The throat is marked with one longitudinal fold, and one, or sometimes two transverse folds towards its base. Upon the sides of the neck and near the ears are curious groups of spiny scales. There is a slight crest along the back, the body is rather flattened, and the tail is long, tapering, and is covered with whorls of boldly projecting scales. In a very old work on natural history, it is stated that the Lizards which have their tails thus armed with sharp, spiny scales, make use of them in a rather singular fashion. They feed, according to these old writers, on cattle and other animals, and judging that from their small size they cannot bring an ox ora cow home after they have killed it, they jump on its back, cling tightly there with their feet, and by judicious lashing of the sharp tail, guide the animal to their home, where they give the fatal bite. SPINOSE AGAMA.—Agama coloncrum. THE SprnosE AGAMA (Agama colonorum) is a well-known example of this genus, residing in Northern Africa, and plentiful in Egypt. The color of this reptile is brown; the scales on the sides of the neck are very long and sharp, and those of the back are broad, boldly keeled, and sharply pointed, so that the creature presents rather a formidable appearance. The tail is Jong and powerful. THERE is a very remarkable Lizard belonging to this family, called the EarED MuGato- CHILE, or sometimes, though wrongly, the EAarrED AGAMA. This curious creature is found in Russia. In this genus, containing, as far as is at present known, only one species, the head is flat and round, the eyes large, and the ears sunken and 88 THE MOLOCH. concealed under the skin. On the angle of the mouth at each side is placed a large mem- branous fold of skin, curved so as to beara close resemblance to a large external ear, and boldly toothed on its edge. The neck is rather contracted, as if pinched, and has a cross fold below. The back has no crest, the tail is much flattened throughout its length, and the toes are long and very strongly toothed on the edge. The color of this reptile is gray and brown, with a slight green wash upon the top of the head. THE EeypriAN MAsTIGURE, or SPINE-FOOTED STELLIO, is a native of Northern Africa, and was said, though wrongly, to be the reptile spoken of by the ancients as the land-crocodile. Our figure of this creature is of one-third natural size. This species attains a rather large size, a full-grown specimen sometimes measuring a yard in length. It is an inhabitant of desert spots, preferring old ruins, rocky ground, and similar = —— C.WenDT. sc. Cif: EGYPTIAN MASTIGURE.—Uromastix spinipes. localities, where it can obtain instant refuge in case of alarm. The color of this reptile is bright grass-green during life, but, as is generally the.case with all these animals, the brilliant colors fade soon after death, and change to dingy blackish-brown if the skin be stuffed, or to mottled grays, browns, and blacks, if preserved in spirits. The head of this creature is rounded, the back without a crest, the skin of the throat so folded as partly to cover the ears, and the ears themselves are oblong, and toothed in front. The tail is rather flattened, and furnished with transverse rows of large scales, boldly keeled, and sharply pointed. A ca conical spines are scattered upon the upper part of the thigh, the sides, and loins. THE last example of the Agamide which can be figured in these pages, is the most ferocious-looking of the whole family, and were its dimensions much enlarged, would be THE DENDROSAURA, OR TREE LIZARDS. 89 universally allowed to be the most terrible-looking creature on the face of the earth. Many reptiles are spiny in different parts of their bodies, but this creature, appropriately termed the Motoon, bristles like a hedgehog with sharp spikes, which project both above and below in such profusion, that this Lizard almost seems to have been formed for the purpose of testing the number of effective spikes that can be planted on a given space. The creature is all spikes, and thorns, and projections. Upon the top of the head two very large spikes are seen, projecting from each eyebrow, and on the back of the neck is a large rounded protuber- ance, covered with little spiny scales, and having one long projecting spine on each side. On the back, the arrangement is very curious. A number of long spines are scattered at intervals MOLOCH.—Moloch horridus. over the surface, each of which is surrounded by a circle of lesser spines. It is worthy of notice that these large spines are hollow, and fit upon protuberances of the skin much in the same way that a cow’s horn is sheathed on its core. The whole head and limbs are covered with spines similar in formation, but smaller in size. The tail is covered with long, sharp, spiny scales, arranged in whorls, and boldly radiating from their centre ; and even the toes are covered as far as the long, sharp claws, with boldly keeled scales. The general color of this reptile is palish yellow, spotted regularly with brown above, and below with dark red blotches edged with black. The Moloch is a native of Australia. The natural size of this creature is given in our engraving. TREE LIZARDS ; DENDROSAURA. Tue last tribe of the Lizards contains but one genus and very few species. From their habit of constantly living on trees, these creatures are called DENDROSAURA, or TREE LIZARDS. In these, the scales of the whole body are small and granular, and arranged in circular bands. The tongue is very curious, being cylindrical and greatly extensile, reminding the observer of a common earth-worm, and swollen at the tip. The eyes are as peculiar as the tongue, being Vou. IL—12, 90 THE CHAMELEON. very large, globular, and projecting, and the ball is closely covered with a circular lid, through which a little round hole is pierced, much like the wooden snow-spectacles of the Esquimaux. The body is rather compressed, the ears are concealed under the skin, and the toes are sep- arated into two opposable groups, so that the creature can hold very firmly upon the boughs. All the Dendrosaura are inhabitants of the Old World. The tail is very long and prehensile, and is almost invariably seen coiled round the bough on which the reptile is standing. The most familiar example of the Dendrosaura is the common CHAMELEON, a reptile which is found both in Africa and Asia. This singular reptile has long been famous for its power of changing color, a property, however, which has been greatly exaggerated, as will be presently seen. Nearly all the Lizards are constitutionally torpid, though some of them are gifted with great rapidity of movement during certain seasons of the year. The Chameleon, however, carries this sluggishness to an extreme, its only change being from total immobility to the slightest imaginable degree of activity. No one ever saw a Chameleon even walk, as we understand that word, while running is a feat that no Chameleon ever dreamed of. When it moves along the branch upon which it is clinging, the reptile first raises one foot very slowly indeed, and will sometimes remain foot in air for a considerable time, as if it had gone to sleep in the interim. It then puts the foot as slowly forward, and takes a good grasp of the branch. Having satisfied itself that it is firmly secured, it leisurely unwinds its tail, which has been tightly twisted round the branch, shifts it a little forward, coils it round again, and then rests for a while. With the same elaborate precaution, each foot is success- ively lifted and advanced, so that the forward movements seem but little faster than the hour- hand of a watch. : The extreme slowness and general habits of this animal are well depicted in an account of a tame Chameleon, kindly presented to me by Captain Drayson :— ‘*T once owned a Chameleon, which was a very quaint creature. He had been captured by some Kaffir boys, whom I found laughing immoderately at the animal, a practice which I found very common amongst these people whenever they saw one of these reptiles. Fora trifle the creature became my property, and I carried hinr to a little wattle and daub house in which I then resided. Being anxious to watch the private habits of my visitor, I drove a stick into the wall, and placed him upon it. The stick was about four feet in length, and half an inch in diameter, so that the locomotion of the Chameleon was rather limited. ‘‘The first peculiarity I remarked about him was the very slow, methodical way in which he moved. To turn to the right about would occupy him several minutes, whilst to move from one end of the stick to the other was a recreation of which he was sparing, a whole day being devoted to this performance. There was something rather antique in his general appearance, both as regards his form and movements ; the long, independent-moving, swivel eyes, giving him the characteristics of an Egyptian production, whilst the habit of puffing himself out occasionally, and of hissing, made him seem old-fashioned in the extreme. ‘*T was disappointed when I found how slight was the variation in his color. I had been led to believe that if placed on a scarlet, blue, or black ground-work, he would soon assume the same hue ; this I found was a delusion. His usual color was a light yellowish-green, and this he could alter to a dark blue, or brown-green, and he could make several dark brown spots become very prominent on his skin. ‘“The method I used to adopt to make him show off, was to rub his side with my finger. He objected to this treatment, and used to puff away pompously, and vary his tints, as it appeared to me, by means of contracting or expanding his muscles under the skin. He looked very lantern-like, as though he were merely skin and ribs, and he was never found guilty of eating anything. Sometimes I saw flies settle upon him, a liberty which he did not resent. He merely turned one of his swivel eyes towards the delinquent and squinted calmly at it. Occasionally I put a fly in his mouth, and forced him to keep it there ; he took the affront very coolly, and the fly was seen no more. So hollow did he appear, that I frequently listened to hear if the flies were buzzing about inside him, but all was THE CHAMELEON. 91 quiet. He stayed on the stick during two months. I then gave him a run out of doors, but having left him a few minutes, he took advantage of my absence and levanted, after which I saw him no more.” The food of the Chameleon consists of insects, mostly flies, but, like many other reptiles, the Chameleon is able to live for some months without taking food at all. This capacity for fasting, together with the singular manner in which the reptile takes its prey, gave rise to the absurd fable that the Chameleon lived only upon air. To judge by external appearance, there never was an animal less fitted than the Chameleon for capturing the winged and active flies. But when we come to examine its structure, we find thatit is even better fitted for this purpose than many of the more active insect-eating Lizards. The tongue is the instrument by which the fly is captured, being darted out with such singular velocity that it is hardly perceptible, and a fly seems to leap into the mouth of the reptile as if, attracted by magnetism. This member is very muscular, and is furnished at the tip with a kind of viscid secretion which causes the fiy to adhere to it. A lady who kept a Chameleon for some time, told me that her pet died, and when they came to examine it, they found that its tongue had in some strange way got down its throat, an accident which they took to be the cause of its death. Its mouth is well furnished with teeth, which are set firmly into its jaw, and enable it to bruise the insects after getting them into its mouth by means of the tongue. The eyes have a most singular appearance, and are worked quite independently of each other, one rolling backwards while the other is directed forwards or upwards. In connection with this subject some very curious and valuable remarks will be found on the next page. There is not the least spark of expression in the eye of the Chameleon, which looks about as intellectual as a green pea with a dot of ink upon it. Owing to the exceeding slowness of its movements, it has no way of escaping when once discovered, and as a French writer well says, ‘‘un Caméléon apercu est un Caméléon perdu.” Great numbers of these creatures fall victims to enemies of every kind, and were it not that their color assimilates so well with the foliage on which they dwell, and their movements are so slow as to give no aid to the searching eye of their foes, the race would soon be extinct. Th@ Chameleon has an odd habit of puffing out its body for some unexplained reason, and inflating itself until it swells to nearly twice its usual size. In this curious state it will remain for several hours, sometimes allowing itself to collapse a little, and then reinflating its skin until it becomes as tense as a drum and looks as hollow as a balloon. The Chameleon is readily tamed, if such a word can be applied to the imperturbable non- chalance with which it behaves under every change of circumstance. It can be handled without danger, and although its teeth are strong, will not attempt to bite the hand that holds it. It is, however, rather quarrelsome with its own kind, and the only excitement under which it has been seen to labor is when it takes to fighting with a neighbor. Not that even then it hurries itself particularly, or does much harm to its opponent, the combatants content- ing themselves with knocking their tails together in a grave and systematic manner. A few words on the change of color will not be out of place. The usual color of the Chameleon when in its wild state is green, from which it passes through the shades of violet, blue and yellow, of which the green consists. In moderate climates, however, it rarely retains the bright green hue, the color fading into yellowish-gray, or the kind of tint which is known as feuille-morte. One of the best and most philosophical disquisitions on this phenomenon is that of Dr. Weissenbaum, published in the ‘‘ Magazine of Natural History.’’ The writer had a living Chameleon for some time, and gives the result of his observations in the tallewing words :— ‘‘The remote cause of the difference of color in the two lateral folds of the body, may be distinctly referred to the manner in which the light acts upon the animal. The statement of Murray that the side turned towards the light is always of a darker color, is perfectly true ; this rule holds good with reference to the direct and diffused light of the sun and moon as to 92 THE LARGE-NAPED CHAMELEON. artificial light. Even when the animal was moving in the walks of my garden, and happened ce _ to come near enough to the border to be shaded by the box edging, that side so shaded would instantly become less darkly colored than the other. ‘Now the light in this way seldom illumines exactly one half of the animal in a more powerful manner than the other, and as the middle line is constantly the line of demarcation between the two different shades of color, we must evidently refer the different effects to two different centres, from which the nervous currents can only radiate, under such circumstances, towards the organs respectively situated on each side of the mesial line. Over these centres, without doubt, the organ of vision immediately presides; and, indeed, we ought not to wonder that the action of light has such powerful effects on the highly irritable organization of the Chameleon, considering that the eye is most highly developed. The lungs are but secondarily affected, but they are likewise more strongly excited on the darker side, which is constantly more convex than the other. ‘*Many other circumstances may be brought forward in favor of the opinion that the ner- vous currents in one half of the Chameleon are going on independently of those in the other ; and that the animal has two lateral centres of perception, sensation and motion, besides the common one in which must reside the faculty of concentration. *‘ Notwithstanding the strictly symmetrical construction of the Chameleon as to its two halves, the eyes move independently of each other, and convey different impressions to their different centres of perception; the consequence is, that when the animal is agitated, its movements appear like those of two animals glued together. Each half wishes to move its own way, and there is no concordance of action. The Chameleon, therefore, is not able to swim like other animals ; it is so frightened if put into water, that the faculty of concentra- tion is lost, and it tumbles about as if in a state of intoxication. ‘On the other hand, when the creature is undisturbed, the eye which receives the strong- est impression propagates it to the common centre, and prevails on the other eye to follow that impression, and direct itself to the same object. The Chameleon, moreover, may be asleep on one side and awake on the other. When cautiously approaching my specimen at night with a candle, so as not to awake the whole animal by the shaking of the room, the eye turned toward the flame would open and begin to move, and the corresponding side to change color, whereas the other side would remain for several seconds longer in its torpid and changeable state, with its eye shut.” It seems probable that the change of color may be directly owing to the greater or less rapidity of the circulation, which may turn the Chameleon from green to yellow, just as in ourselves an emotion of the mind can tinge the cheek with scarlet, or leave it pallid and death- like. Mr. Milne Edwards thinks that it is due to two layers of pigment cells in the skin, arranged so as to be movable upon each other, and so produce the different effects. The young of the Chameleon are produced from eggs, which are very spherical, white in color, and covered with a chalky and very porous shell. They are placed on the ground under leaves, and there left to hatch by the heat of the sun, and the warmth produced by the decomposition of the leaves. The two sexes can be distinguished from each other by the shape of the tail, which in the male is thick and swollen at the base. THERE are nearly twenty species of Chameleons known to zoologists at the present day, all presenting some peculiarity of form or structure. One of the most remarkable species is the- LARGE-NAPED CHAMELEON, or Fork-nosed Chameleon, as it is sometimes called. This creature inhabits Madagascar, that land which nourishes so many strange forms of animal life. It is also found in India, the Moluccas, and Australia. When full grown, the muzzle of the male is very deeply cleft, or forked, the two branches diverging from each other. The female has no horns, and in the male they are short and blunt while the creature is young, not obtaining their full length and sharpness until it has attained full age. These curious forked projections belong to the skull, and are not merely a pair of prolonged scales or tubercles. — SNARES. ; 93 SNAKES; OPHIDIA. Tue large and important order at which we now arrive, consists of reptiles which are popularly known as SNAKES, or more scientifically as OpHrpra, and to which all the true serpents are to be referred. Almost every order is bordered, so to speak, with creatures so equally balanced between the characteristics of the orders that precede and follow it, that they can be with difficulty referred to their right position. Such, indeed, is the case with the Ophidia, from which are excluded, by the most recent systematic zoologists, the amphisbzenians and many other footless reptiles, now classed among the lizards. The greater number of the Snakes are without any vestige of limbs, but in one or two species, such as the pythons, the hinder pair of limbs are represented by a pair of little horny spurs placed just at the base of the tail, and are supported by tiny bones that are the undeveloped commencements of hinder limbs. Indeed, several of the true lizards, the common blind-worm, for example, are not so well supplied with limbs as these true Snakes. The movements of the serpent tribe are, in consequence, performed without the aid of limbs, and are, as a general rule, achieved by means of the ribs and the large cross scales that cover the lower surface. Each of these scales overlaps its successor, leaving a bold horny ridge whenever it is partially erected by the action of the muscles. The reader will easily see that a reptile so constructed can move with some rapidity by successively thrusting each scale a little forward, hitching the projecting edge on any rough substance, and drawing itself for- ward until it can repeat the process with the next scale. These movements are consequently very quiet and gliding, and the creature is able to pursue its way under circumstances of con- siderable difficulty. Oftentimes the Snake uses these scales in self-defence, offering a passive resistance to its foe when it is incapable of acting on the offensive. Any one may easily try this experiment by taking a common field Snake, letting it glide among the stubble or into the interstices of r6cky ground, and then trying to pull it out by the tail. He will find that even if the reptile be only half concealed, it cannot be dragged backward without doing it considerable damage, for on feeling the grasp, it erects all the scales and opposes their edges so effectually to the pull that it mostly succeeds in gliding through from the hand that holds it. I have often lost Snakes by allowing them to insinuate themselves into crevices, and have been fain to let them escape rather than subject them to the pain, if not absolute damage, which they must have suffered in being dragged back by main force. The tongue of the Snake is long, black, and deeply forked at its extremity, and when at rest is drawn into a sheath in the lower jaw. In these days it is perhaps hardly necessary to state that the tongue is perfectly harmless, even in a poisonous serpent, and that the popular idea of the ‘‘sting’’ is entirely erroneous. The Snakes all seem to employ the tongue largely as a feeler, and may be seen to touch gently with the forked extremities the objects over which they are about to crawl or which they desire to examine. The external organs of hearing are absent. The vertebral column is most wonderfully formed, and is constructed with a special view to the peculiar movements of the serpent tribe. Each vertebra is rather elongated, and is fur- nished at one end with a ball and at the other with a corresponding socket, into which the ball of the succeeding vertebra exactly fits, thus enabling the creature to writhe and twine in all directions without danger of dislocating its spine. This ball-and-socket principle extends even to the ribs, which are jointed to certain rounded projections of the vertebre in a manner almost identical with the articulation of the vertebrae upon each other, and as they are moved by very powerful muscles, perform most important functions in the economy of the creature ' to which they belong. Sometimes the Snakes advance by a series of undulations, either vertical or horizontal, according to the species, and when they proceed through water, where the scales of the 94 VERTEBRA AND JAWS OF SNAKES. abdomen would have no hold of the yielding element, their movements are always of this undulatory description. The number of vertebrae, and consequently of ribs, varies much in different species, in some Snakes being about three hundred. The jaws of the serpents are very wonderful examples of animal mechanics, and may be cited among the innumerable instances where the existing construction of living beings has long preceded the inventions of man. We have already seen the invaluable mechanic inven- tion of the ball-and-socket joint exhibited in the vertebree of the Snakes, and it may be men- tioned that in the spot where the limbs of almost all animals, man included, are joined to the trunk, the ball-and-socket principle is employed, though in a less perfect manner than in the Snakes. It is by means of this beautiful form of joint that posture-masters and mountebanks are able to contort their bodies and limbs into so many wonderful shapes, the muscles and tendons yielding by constant use and enabling the bones to work in their sockets without hindrance. Indeed, a master of the art of posturing is really an useful member of society, at all events to the eye of the physiologist, as showing the perfection of the human form, and the wonderful capabilities of man, even when considered from the mere animal point of view. In the jaw of the serpents, we shall find more than one curious example of the manner in which human inventions have succeeded, if, indeed, they have not been borrowed from some animal structure. All the Snakes are well supplied with teeth ; but their number, form, and structure differ considerably in the various species. Those Snakes that are not possessed of venomous fangs have the bones of the palate as well as the jaws furnished with teeth, which are of moderate size, simple in form, and all point backward, so as to prevent any animal from escaping which has ever been grasped, and acting as valves which permit of motion in one direction only. The bones of the jaw are, as has already been mentioned, very loosely constructed, their different portions being separable, and giving way when the creature exerts its wonderful powers of swallowing. The great python Snakes are well known to swallow animals of great proportionate size, and any one may witness the singular process by taking a common field Snake, keeping it without food for a month or so, and then giving it a large frog. As it seizes its prey, the idea of getting so stout an animal down that slender neck and through those little jaws appears too absurd to be entertained for a moment, and even the leg which it has grasped appears to be several times too large to be passed through the throat. But by slow degrees the frog disappears, the mouth of the Snake gradually widening, until the bones sepa-— rate from each other to some distance, and are only held by the ligaments, and the whole jaw becoming dislocated, until the head and neck of the Snake look as if the skin had been stripped from the reptile, spread thin and flat, and drawn like a glove over the frog. No sooner, however, has the frog fairly descended into the stomach, than the head begins to assume its former appearance ; the elastic ligaments contract and draw the bones into their places, the scales, which had been far separated from each other, resume their ordinary posi- tion, and no one would imagine, from looking at the reptile, to what extent the jaws and neck have recently been distended. As many of the Snakes swallow their prey alive—the frog, for example, having been heard to squeak while in the stomach of its destroyer—the struggles of the internal victim would often cause its escape, were it not for the array of recurved teeth, which act so effectually, that even if the Snake wished to disgorge its prey it could not do so, Mr. Bell had in his collection a small Snake which had tried to swallow a mouse too large even for the expansile powers of a Snake’s throat, and which had literally burst through the skin and muscles of the neck. ; The lower jaw, moreover, is not jointed directly to the skull, but to a most singular development of the temporal bone, which throws out two elongated processes at right angles with each other, like the letter L laid horizontally 1, so that a curious double lever is obtained, precisely after the fashion of the well-known ‘‘throwing-stick” of the aboriginal Australians, which enables those savages to fling their spears with deadly effect to a distance of a hundred yards. THE FER-DE-LANCE. 95 The teeth of the venomous Serpents will be described in connection with one of the species. The Serpents, in common with other reptiles, have their bodies covered by a delicate epidermis, popularly called the skin, which lies over the scales, and is renewed at tolerably regular intervals. Towards the time of changing its skin, the Snake becomes dull and sluggish, the eyes look white and blind, owing to the thickening of the epidermis that covers them, and the bright colors become dim and ill-defined. Presently, however, the skin splits upon the back, mostly near the head, and the Snake contrives to wriggle itself out of the old integument, usually turning it inside out in the process. This shed skin is transparent, having the shape of each scale impressed upon it, being fine and delicate as goldbeater’ s-skin, and being applicable to many of the same uses, such as shielding a small wound from the external air. In two very fine specimens of cast skins, formerly belonging to a viper and boa- constrictor, now lying before me, the structure of each scale is so well shown, that the characteristics of the two reptiles can be distinguished as readily as if the creatures were present from whose bodies they were shed. Even the transparent scale that covers the eyes is drawn off entire, and the large elongated hexagonal scales that are arranged along the abdomen, and aid the animal in its progress, are exhibited so boldly that they will resist the movement of a finger drawn over them from tail to head. Tue first sub-order of Snakes consists of those Serpents which are classed under the name of VipertnA. All these reptiles are devoid of teeth in the upper jaw except two long, poison-bearing fangs, set one at each side, and near the muzzle. The lower jaw is well furnished with teeth, and both jaws are feeble. The scales of the abdomen are bold, broad, and arranged like overlapping bands. The head is Jarge in proportion to the neck, and very wide behind, so that the head of these Snakes has been well compared to an ace of spades. The hinder limbs are not seen. im the first family of the Viperine Snakes, called the CroraLtip#, the face is marked with a largg pit or depression on each side, between the eye and the nostril. The celebrated and dreaded FrR-DE-LANCE belongs to this family. This terrible reptile is a native of Brazil, and in some parts is very common, owing to its exceeding fecundity and its habit of constant concealment. It has an especial liking for the sugar plantations, and a field of canes is seldom cut without the discovery of seventy or eighty of these venomous creatures. Martinique and St. Lucia are terribly haunted by this Snake, which is held in great dread by the natives and settlers. In general, the Serpents, even those of a poisonous character, avoid the presence of man, but the Fer-de-Lance frequently takes the initiative, and leaping from its concealment, fastens upon the passenger whose presence has disturbed its irritable temper, and inflicts a wound that is almost invari- ably fatal within. a few hours. Even in those cases where the sufferer recovers for the time, the system is terribly injured, and the latent virulence of the poison can hardly be eliminated from the frame, even at the cost of painful boils and ulcerations which last for many years. The nervous system is also much affected, as giddiness and paralysis are among the usual consequences of the strong venom which this reptile extracts, by some inexplicable chemistry, from perfectly harmless food. Convulsions, severe pain at the heart, together with distressing nausea, are among the many symptoms produced by this poison. To escape this creature in its chosen haunts is a matter of very great difficulty, as it is either concealed under dead leaves, among the heavy foliage of parasitic plants, or coiled up in the nest of some poor bird whose eggs or young it has devoured, and from this spot of vantage makes its stroke, swift and straigh* as a fencer’s thrust, and without the least warning by hiss-or rattle to indicate its purpose. ' All animals dread the Fer-de-Lance ; the horse prances and snorts in terror on approach- ing its hiding-place, his whole frame trembles with fear, and he cannot be induced by spur or whip to pass within striking distance of this formidable reptile. Birds of all kinds have a horror. of its presence, and wiil puisue it from place to place, or hover near tne spot on which 96 THE FER-DE-LANCE. it is resting, fluttering their wings, stretching their necks, and uttering hoarse cries of mingled rage and terror. The honey guide is especially fearful of this Serpent, and has often guided a man, not as he supposed, to the vicinity of a hive of wild bees, but to the resting-place of this venomous Snake. The pig, when in good condition, is said to be the only animal that can resist the poison, the thick coating of fat which covers the body preventing the venom from mingling with the blood, It is said, indeed, that a fat hog cares nothing for Fer-de- Lance or rattlesnake, but receives their stroke with contemptuous indifference, charges at them fearlessly, tramples upon them until they are disabled, and then quietly eats them. Against the effects of this poison there seems to be no certain remedy ; but the copious use of spirits has lately appeared to neutralize in some measure the full virulence of a Snake FER-DE-LANCE.—Craspedocephailus lanceolatus. (One-sixth natural size). bite. The amount of strong spirits which can be drunk under such circumstances is almost incredible, its whole force seeming to be employed in arming the nerves against the enfeebling power of the poison. Some recent and valuable experiments have shown, that if a man, bitten by a venomous Serpent, can be kept in a state of semi-intoxication through the use of spirituous liquors, this rather strange process will give him almost his only hope of escape. Yet nothing is made in vain, and terrible as is this creature to man, it is of no small use to him even in the localities where it is most dreaded. But for the presence of the Fer-de- | Lance and one or two other Serpents closely allied to it, the sugar plantations would be devas- tated by the rats which crowd to such fertile spots, and on which this Snake chiefly feeds. As is the case with many Serpents, the color of the Fer-de-Lance is rather variable. Its usual tints are olive above with dark cross.bands, and whitish gray below, covered with very minute dark dots. The head is brown. This reptile attains a considerable size, being generally five or six feet long, and occasionally reaching a length of seven or eight feet. The tail ends in a horny spine which scrapes harshly against rough objects, but does not rattle. CLOSELY allied to the Fer-de-Lance is another poisonous Serpent of Southern America, remarkable for the very large size to which it attains, and the glowing radiance of its fearful THE WATER MOCCASIN. ° 97 beauty. This is the Curvovov, more familiarly known by the popular title of BUSHMASTER, (Lachesis mutus.) Mr. Waterton, who has incidentally mentioned this Snake in his ‘* Wanderings,”’ has kindly sent me the following information about this terrible creature: ‘‘ The Bushmaster will sometimes reach fourteen feet in length. The Dutch gave it the name of Bushmaster on account of its powers of destruction, and being the largest poisonous Snake discovered. It still continues to have the same name among the colonists of British Guiana. Its Indian name is CovaNnacovcut. It is a beautiful Serpent, displaying all the prismatic colors when alive, but they disappear after death. All these three species (the Bushmaster, Labarri, and BUSHMASTER.—Lachesis muta. (One-sixth natural size.) Coulacanara) inhabit the trees as well as the ground, but as far as I could perceive, they never mount the trees with a full stomach.”’ THE WATER Mocoasin (Ancistrodon piscivorus). This reptile is restricted to the region between the Carolinas and the Gulf, and the valleys of the Mississippi River. This is emphatically a Water Snake. This reptile is, perhaps, the most dreaded of any in this country. It has the reputation of attacking unprovoked any one that may be in reach—a circumstance that is true of very few animals throughout the world. The Southern negroes are much exposed to its venom in the wet rice lands, where it abounds. It is very stout, and in color and markings very forbidding ; the length being about nineteen inches. Another species is recorded as a native in Indianola, Texas, called A. pugnaxz, The Black Moccasin (A. atrofuscus) is found in the mountains of North Carolina. Vou. TT.—13. 98 * THE COPPER-HEAD SNAKE. THE name of WATER VIPER (Ancistrodon piscivorwm) is appropriately given to the creature now before us, in consequence of its water-loving habits. It is a native of many parts of America, and is never seen at any great distance front water, being found plentifully in the neighborhood of rivers, marshes, and in swampy lands. It is a good climber of trees, and may be seen entwined in great numbers on the branches that overhang the water. On the least alarm, the reptile glides from the branch, drops into the water, and wriggles its way into a place of safety. The object of climbing the trees seems to be that the creature delights to bask in the sun, and takes that method of gratifying its inclination where the whole of the soil is wet and marshy. But in those localities where it can find dry banks and rising grounds, the Water Viper contents itself with ascending them and lying upon the dry surface enjoying the genial warmth. It is a most poisonous reptile, and is even more dreaded by the negroes than the rattle- snake, as, like the fer-de-lance, it will make the first attack, erecting itself boldly, opening its mouth for a second or two, and then darting forward with a rapid spring. At all times it seems to be of an aggressive character, and has been known to chase and bite other Snakes put into the same cage, the poor creatures fleeing before it and endeavoring to escape by clinging to the sides of the cage. But when several other individuals of the same species were admitted, the very Snake that had before been so ferocious, became quite calm, and a box containing four or five specimens has been sent on a journey of many miles without any quarrels ensuing among the inmates. The food of the Water Viper consists of fishes, which it can procure by its great rapidity of movement and excellent swimming powers, of reptiles and even of birds. Mr. T. W. Wood has favored me with an account of the manner in which a Water Viper devoured the prey that was put before it :— ‘‘A short time ago I had the good fortune to be present when some captured reptiles of this species were fed. Some sparrows and titlarks were put into the apartment containing several specimens of the Water Viper. The sparrows seemed very much terrified, and soon ‘huddled together in a corner, afraid, as I suppose, of the spectators. ‘One of the titlarks, however, bolder than the rest, ran about as if at home. One of the Water Vipers perceiving it quiet for a moment, seemed to fix its eye upon the poor little creature. The reptile commenced moving towards the bird slowly but surely, their eyes being intently fixed upon each other. When the Serpent had approached within about half an inch, it opened its mouth and seized the bird by the side, its left wing being grasped in the Snake’s mouth. The ill-fated bird instantly gave two or three convulsive struggles, the head then dropped, the eyes closed, and all was over; a drop of blood oozed slowly out of the bird’s bill. The reptile did not release the bird after it was bitten, but began to swallow it almost immediately. ‘* Another titlark was then introduced by the keeper. This bird was, when I approached, lying on its side as if dead. Another Water Viper seized its head and commenced swallowing it, the bird struggling violently ; at each effort of deglutition the venomous fangs were seen to move forward. In this case the poison did not take such rapid effect, as the bird was evidently alive when it disappeared down the reptile’s throat.”’ The color of the Water Viper is greenish brown, taking a yellowish tone along the sides, and banded with blackish brown. It seldom exceeds two feet in length. This serpent is also known by the popular names of Corron-mMoutTH and WATER MocoasIN SNAKE. THE CoPPER-HEAD SNAKE of the same country is closely allied to it. An illustration of it is to. be found on next page.. This is the dreaded Cotton-mouth of the Southern negroes. It inhabits rather low ground, and extends along the Catskill range as far as the Gulf States. Its color is a hazel-brown, with a light coppery hue upon its head. Its length is about two feet. It is justly dreaded as a most vicious and venomous reptile. Though differ- ing from the preceding in some respects, particularly in having no rattles, it has poison fangs that are quite deadly in application to man or beast. The names Dumb Rattle, Red Adder, Red Viper, Deaf Adder, and Chunk-head, are applied to it in various sections of country. THE RATTLESNAKE. 99 Tue well-known and terrible RATTLESNAKE now comes before us. This dreaded reptile is a native of North America, and is remarkable for the singular termination to the tail, from which it derives its popular name. It has already been mentioned that the fer-de-lance has a long, horny scale at the tip of its tail, and in the Rattlesnake this appendage is developed into a rather complicated apparatus of sound. At the extremity of the tail are a number of curious loose horny structures, formed of the same substance as the scales, and varying greatly in number according to the size of the individual. It is now generally considered that the number of joints on the ‘‘rattle”’ is an indication of the reptile’s age, a fresh joint being gained each year immediately after it changes its skin and before #t goes into winter quarters. There is, however, another opinion prevalent among the less educated, which gives to the Rattlesnake the vindictive spirit of the North American Indian, and asserts that it adds a new joint to its rattle whenever it has slain a human being, thus bearing on its tail the fearful trophies of its prowess, just as the Indians wear the scalps of their slain foes. COPPER-HEAD SNAKE.—Ancistrodon contortrix. The joints of this remarkable apparatus are arranged in a very curious manner, each being of a somewhat pyramidal shape, but rounded at the edges, and being slipped within its prede- cessor as far as a protuberant ring which runs round the edge. In fact, a very good idea of the structure of the rattle may be formed by slipping a number of thimbles loosely into each other. The last joint is smaller than the rest, and rounded. As was lately mentioned, the number of these joints is variable, but the average number is from five or six to fourteen or fifteen. There are occasional specimens found that possess more than twenty joints in the rattle, but such examples are very rare. When in repose the Rattlesnake usually lies coiled in some suitable spot, with its head lying flat, and the tip of its tail elevated in the middle of the coil. Should it be irritated by a passenger, or feel annoyed or alarmed, it instantly communicates a quivering movement to the tail, which causes the joints of the rattle to shake against each other, with a pecnliar skirring ruffle, not easily described, but never to be forgotten when once heard. All animals, even those which have never seen a Rattlesnake, tremble at this sound, and try to get out of the way. Even a horse newly brought from Europe is just as frightened as the animal that has 100 THE RATTLESNAKE. been bred in the same country with this dread Serpent, and at the sound of the rattle will prance, plunge, and snort in deadly fear, and cannot be induced to pass within striking distance of the angry Snake. It has already been mentioned that swine are comparatively indifferent to the Rattle- snake, and will trample it to death and eat it afterwards. It is certain that they will eat a dead Rattlesnake, though almost any other animal will flee from the lifeless carcase nearly as swiftly as from the living reptile. Perhaps the thick coating of fat that clothes the body of the well-fed swine may neutralize the poison of the venomed teeth, and so enable the hog to receive the stroke with comparative impunity. The peccary is also said to kill and devour the Rattlesnake without injury, and deer are reported to jump upon it and kick its life out with their sharp hoofs. : Fortunately for the human inhabitants of the same land, the Rattlesnake is slow and torpid in its movements, and seldom attempts to bite unless it is provoked, even suffering itself to be handled without avenging itself. Mr. Waterton tells me in connection with these RATTLESNAKE.— Crotalus durissus. reptiles: ‘‘I never feared the bite of a Snake, relying entirely on my own movements. Thus, in presence of several professional gentlemen, I once transferred twenty seven Rattlesnakes from one apartment to another, with my hand alone. They hissed and rattled when I meddled with them, but they did not offer to bite me.’ The fer-de-lance Snake is, as has already been mentioned, most fierce and irritable in character, taking the initiative, and attacking without reason. But the Rattlesnake always gives notice of its deadly intentions, and never strikes without going through the usual preliminaries. When about to inflict the fatal. blow, the reptile seems to swell with anger, its throat dilating, and its whole body rising and sinking as if inflated by bellows. The tail is agitated with increasing vehemence, the rattle sounds its threatening war-note with sharper ruffle, the head becomes flattened as it is drawn back ready for the stroke, and the whole creature seems a very incarnation of deadly rage. Yet, even in such moments, if the intruder withdraw, the reptile will gradually lay aside its angry aspect, the coils settle down in their place, the flashing eyes lose their lustre, the rattle becomes stationary, and the Serpent sinks back into its previous state of lethargy. . It is rather curious that the Rattlesnake varies much in its powers of venom and its irritability of temper, according to the season of the year. During the months of spring it THE RATTLESNAKE. 101 will seldom attempt to bite, and if it does strike a foe, the poison is comparatively mild in its effects. But after August, and before it seeks its winter quarters, the Rattlesnake is not only more fierce than at any other time of the year, but the venom seems to be of more fearful intensity, inflicting wounds from which nothing escapes with life. The rapidity of the effects depends necessarily on the part which is bitten. Should the points of the teeth wound a moderately large vein or an artery, the venom courses swiftly through the blood, and the victim dies in a few minutes. But if, perchance, the tooth should pierce some fleshy and muscular part of the body, the poison does not have such rapid effect, and the injured person may be saved by the timely administration of powerful remedies. There seems, indeed, to be no one specific for the bite of this reptile, as the effects vary according to the individual who happens to be bitten, and the state of health in which the sufferer may be at the time. Immediate suction, however, and the unsparing use of the knife appear to be the most efficacious means of neutralizing the poison, and strong ammonia and oil have been employed with good results. Catesby, in writing about this reptile, remarks that he has known instances where death has occurred within two minutes after the infliction of the bite. The food of the Rattlesnake consists of rats, mice, reptiles, and small birds, the latter of which creatures ‘it is said to obtain by the exercise of a mysterious power termed fascination, the victim being held, as it were, by the gaze of its destroyer, and compelled to remain in the same spot until the Serpent can approach sufficiently near to seize it. It is even said that the Rattlesnake can coil itself at the foot of a tree, and by the mere power of its gaze, force a squirrel or bird to descend and fling itself into the open mouth waiting to receive it. These phenomena have been strongly asserted by persons who say that they have seen them, and are violently denied by other persons who have never witnessed the process, and therefore believe that the circumstances could not have happened. For my own part I cer- tainly incline to the theory of fascination, thinking that the power exists, and is occasionally employed, but under peculiar conditions. That any creature may be suddenly paralyzed by fear at the sight of a deadly foe is too well known to require argument, and it is therefore highly probable that a bird or squirrel, which could easily escape from the Serpent’s jaws by its superior agility, might be so struck with sudden dread on seeing its worst enemy, that it would be unable to move until the reptile had seized it. Birds, especially, are most sensitive in their nature, and can be fascinated in a manner by any one who chooses to try the experiment. Let any bird be taken, laid on its back, and the finger pointed at its eyes. The whole frame of the creature will begin to stiffen, the legs will be drawn up, and if the hand be gently removed, the bird will lie motionless on its back for any length of time. I always employ this method of managing my canaries when I give them their periodical dressing of insect-destroying powder. I shake the powder well into their feathers, pour a small heap of it on a sheet of paper, lay the bird in the powder, hold my finger over its eyes for a moment, and leave it lying there while I catch and prepare another bird for the same process. There is another way of fascinating the bird, equally simple. Put it on a slate or dark board, draw a white chalk line on the board, set the bird longitudinally upon the line, put its beak on the white mark, and you may go away for hours, and when you return the bird will be found fixed in the same position, there held by some subtle and myste- rious influence which is as yet unexplained. Thus far there is no difficulty in accepting the theory of fascination, but the idea of a moral compulsion on the part of the Snake, and a perforced obedience on the part of its victim, is so strange that it has met with very great incredulity. Still, although strange, it is not quite incredible. We all know how the immediate presence of danger causes a reckless desire to see and do the worst, regardless of the consequences, and heeding only the overpowering impulse that seems to move the body without the volition of the mind. There are many persons who cannot stand on any elevated spot without feeling so irresistible a desire of flinging themselves into the depths below, that they dare not even stand near an open window or walk near the edge of a cliff. It may be that the squirrel or bird, seeing its deadly enemy 102 THE RATTLESNAKE. - below, is so mentally overbalanced that it is forced to approach the foe against its own will, and is drawn nearer to those deadly fangs by the very same impulse that would urge a human being to jump over the edge of a precipice or from the top of a lofty building. Every squirrel or every bird may not succumb to the same influence, just as every human being does not yield to the insane desire of jumping from heights, and it is probable that a Rattlesnake may coil itself under a tree and look all day at the squirrels sporting upon the branches, or the birds flitting among the boughs, without inducing one of them to become an involuntary victim. Yet it is possible that out of the many hundreds that could see the Ser- pent, one would be weak-minded enough to yield to the subtle influence, and, instead of running away, find itself forced to approach nearer and nearer the fearful reptile. Some persons acknowledge the fact that the bird approaches the Snake, and is then snapped up, but explain it in a different manner. They say that the bird is engaged in mob- bing or threatening the Snake, just as it might follow and buffet a hawk, an owl, or a raven, and in its eagerness approaches so closely that the Snake is able to secure it by a sudden dart. Such is very likely to be the case in many instances, as the little birds will often hover about a poisonous Snake, and, by their fluttering wings and shrieking cries, call attention to the venomous reptile. But the many descriptions of the fascinating process are too precise to allow of such a supposition in the particular instances which are mentioned. Even common Snakes can exercise a similar power. I have seen one of these Snakes in chase of a frog, and the intended victim, although a large and powerful specimen of its race, fully able to escape by a succession of leaps such as it would employ if chased by a human being, was only crawling slowly and painfully like a toad, its actions reminding one of those horrid visions of the night, when the dreamer finds himself running or fighting for his life, and cannot move faster than a walk, or strike a blow that would break a cobweb. In such cases, the victim may be taken from the pursuer, but unless it is carried to a considerable dis- tance, it will soon be in the jaws of the Serpent a second time. It is worthy of notice that in all such instances, a sudden sound will seem to break the spell and snap the invisible chain that binds the victim to its destroyer. If birds are spell- bound by finger or chalk line, as has already been described, a quick movement or a heavy footstep will release them from their bonds, and a sudden shout will in a similar manner enable a bird to break away from the Serpent into whose jaws it was on the point of falling. One of my friends when in Canada saw a little bird lying on the ground, fluttering about as if dusting itself, but in a rather strange manner, and on his nearer approach, a Snake glided from the spot, and the bird gathered its wings together and flew away. The Snake was one of the harmless kind, and being taken to the house of the person who had interrupted it in its meal, served to keep the premises clear of rats and mice. The Serpent is not the only creature to which this singular power is attributed, for the natives of Northern Africa assert that the lion is also gifted with this influence, and can induce certain hapless men and women to leave their homes and follow him into the woods. This, however, is only a popular tradition among the natives, and has met with no corroboration. The Rattlesnake retires to its winter quarters as soon as the increasing coldness of the weather gives it warning to seek a home where it can find protection against the frosts. Some- times the Snake chooses a convenient hole or crevice for this purpose, but in general it prefers the neighborhood of marshy ground, and harbors under the heavy masses of a certain long- stemmed moss (sphagnum palustre) which grows plentifully in such situations. In such localities the Rattlesnake may be found during the winter, either coiled up in masses contain- ing six or seven individuals, or creeping slowly about beneath the protecting moss. Many of these fearful Snakes are killed during the cold months by persons who are acquainted with their habits, and surprise them in their winter quarters. The general color of the Rattlesnake is pale brown. A dark streak runs along the temples from the back of the eye, and expands at the corner of the mouth into a large spot. A series of irregular dark brown bands are drawn across the back, a number of round spots of the same hue are scattered along the sides, upon the nape of the neck and back of the head. THE DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE. 103 The Rattlesnakes are peculiar to America, embraced in the family Crotalida, the latter term meaning, in the Greek, rattlers, referring to the characteristic habit of some of the species. They have two fangs on the upper jaw, which are grooved, and suited to deliver the liquid poison which lies in a sac at the roots. Eighteen species of Rattlesnakes are now known in North America. THE NoRTHERN RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus horridus), called also the BANDED RATTLESNAKE, is the more common of the few species of this dreaded family of reptiles. It is illustrated together with the Crotalus adamanteus, another American Rattlesnake. The Banded Rattle- snake is found in rocky places on dry soil, reaching in its range as far north as the middle of New England and New York State, west as far as the Rocky Mountains, and south to the Gulf States. Along the shores of Lake Champlain it is particularly abundant. Dr. DeKay, the eminent zoologist of the State of New York, gives the following from a local newspaper of the day :— ““Two men in three days killed eleven hundred and four Rattlesnakes on Tongue Moun- tain, in the town of Bolton, New York.” ELS, SHIA HRMARGT = o~ Mh Ringe, s- THE DIAMOND AND THE NORTHERN RATTLESNAKE.— Crotalus adamanteus and Crotalus horridus. (One-tenth natural size.) The popular belief that a rattle is added yearly is not correct. Dr. Holbrook, the author on American Reptiles, says he has known one to add two rattles in a year, and Dr. Bachman observed four added in the same period. Mr. Peale, of the Museum in Philadelphia, kept a Rattlesnake fourteen years. It had, when first confined, eleven rattles. Several were lost annually, and new ones took their place. At its death there were but eleven rattles, though it had increased in length four inches. Holbrook saw one having twenty-one rattles. Accounts are occasionally given of a more numerous series. We have an example of one bearing twenty-four rattles. This is probably about the limit. The pretended powers of ‘‘ charming” are not credited by naturalists. 5 Tur D1AMOND RATTLESNAKE is strictly a Southern species, being confined to the sea- - board below the Carolinas. Its habits differ, in so far that this one inhabits damp, shady places; hence the local name, Water Rattle. In size it exceeds the Banded species, some - 104 - THE TIC-POLONGA, OR KATUKA. specimens attaining the length of eight feet. The common name is suggested by the elegant diamond or lattice-work markings of its body. Several smaller species are enumerated as ‘North American: The ©. atroz, of Texas; C. lucifer, Oregon; C. confluentus, Texas; and C. molossus, New Mexico. Toe SouTHERN GrRouND RATTLESNAKE (Caudisona miliaria), called also the SMALL RATTLESNAKE, is about thirteen inches in length, with a small button, or what appears to be an aborted rattle, on the tail. It ranges from the Carolinas to the Gulf States, and is particularly abundant on the prairies of the Western Territories and States. It is venom- ous, but its small size is thought to render its poison less potent. This serpent is thought to be even more dangerous than either of the preceding reptiles, because its dimensions are so small that a passenger is liable to disturb it before he sees the deadly creature in his path, and the sound of the rattle is so feeble that it is inaudible at the distance of two or three paces, and can only be heard when special attention is paid to it. It is a prolific species, and still maintains its numbers, in spite of the constant persecution to which it is subjected. The food of the Miliary Rattlesnake consists of mice, frogs, insects, and similar creatures, which it mostly obtains by darting suddenly upon them as they pass near the spot where the reptile is lying. This serpent is fond of coiling itself on the fallen trunks of trees, decaying stumps, or similar situations. Fortunately, it is very easily killed, a smart blow dealing instant death even from a very small stick. The color of this reptile is brownish olive, darker upon the cheeks, which are diversified by a narrow white streak from the back of the eye. A series of brown spots runs along the centre of the back, and the sides are ornamented with two rows of brown spots, each spot corresponding with a space in the other row. The abdo- men is sooty black, marbled with a darker and rather more polished hue. An irregular, dark brown band runs along each side of the nape and the crown of the head. THE: VIPERS. WE now come to the second great family of poisonous Serpents, namely the VIPERS, or Vireerip&. All the members of this family may be distinguished by the absence of the pit between the eyes and the nostrils. There are no teeth in the upper jaw except the two poison- fangs. A rather celebrated species of these Snakes is the Tro-Ppotonea, or KatuKa (Daboia elegans), a native of Asia, and perhaps of Brazil. This Serpent is much dreaded, its poison being of a very deadly character. A chicken that was bitten by a Tic-polonga died in thirty- six seconds, and a dog bitten by the same creature was dead in twenty- -six minutes after receiving the injury. It is tolerably common in India and Ceylon, but is not so familiarly known as the cobra and other species, because it is not employed for public exhibition as is the case with those Serpents. Sir Emerson Tennent, in his well-known “Natural History of Ceylon,” writes tins of the Tic-polonga: ‘‘These formidable Serpents so infested the official residence of the Dis- trict Judge of Trincomalie, as to compel his family to abandon it. In another instance, a friend of mine, going hastily to take a supply of wafers from an open tin case which stood in his office, drew back his hand on finding the box occupied by a Tic-polonga coiled within it.” The word Tic-polonga signifies Spotted-polonga, the latter word being a kind of generic title given by the natives to many Serpents, no less than eight species being classed under this common title. It is said that the Tic-polonga and the cobra bear a mortal hatred towards each other, and to say that two people hate each other like the Tic-polonga and cobra is equivalent to our proverb respecting the cat and dog. The Tic-polonga is said always to be the aggressor, to find the cobra in its hiding-place, and to provoke it to fight. There are many native legends in Ceylon respecting the ferocity of this Snake. THE PUFF ADDER. . 105 Its general color is brown ; there are two dark brown spots on each side of the back of the head, and a yellow streak runs between them. Upon the body are three rows of oblong brown spots, edged with white. TIC-POLONGA, OR KATUKA.—Daboia elegans. Tue terrible Purr ADDER is closely allied to the preceding species. This reptile is a native of Southern Africa, and is one of the commonest, as well as one of the most deadly, of poisonous Snakes. It is slow and apparently torpid in all its movements, except when it is going to strike, and the colonists say that it is able to leap backwards so as to bite a person who is standing by its tail. Captain Drayson, who has seen much of this reptile and its habits, has kindly forwarded to me the following short account of this creature :— “This formidable looking reptile is more dreaded than any other of the numerous poison- ous Snakes in Africa, a fact which mainly results from its indolent nature. Whilst other and more active Snakes will move rapidly away upon the approach of man, the Puff Adder will frequently lie still, either too lazy to move, or dozing beneath the warm sun of the south. This reptile attains a length of four feet, or four feet six inches, and, some specimens may be found even longer ; its circumference is as much as that of a man’s arm. Its whole appear- ance is decidedly indicative of venom. Its broad ace-of-clubs-shaped head, its thick body, and suddenly tapered tail, and its chequered back, are all evidences of its poisonous nature. It derives its popular name from its practice of puffing out or swelling the body when irritated. Vox, IT.—14. 106 THE PUFF ADDER. - ‘‘In a country so infested with poisonous Snakes as are some portions of South Africa, it is surprising that there are not more instances of lives having been lost by this means. It is, however, as rare to hear of a person having been bitten and dying from the bite of a poisonous Snake in South Africa as it is to hear of a death in civilized countries from the bite of a mad dog. The fact, however, is that all Snakes will, if possible, make their escape when man approaches them, and it is merely when they are trodden upon, or are oppressed by their own superabundant poison, that they are disposed to bite an animal unsuited for their food. ‘‘ An infuriated Puff Adder presents a very unprepossessing appearance. I once saw a female of this species in a most excited state. She had been disturbed in her retreat under an old stump by some Kaflirs, who were widening the highroad through the Berea bush at Natal. She had several young cnes with her, and showed fight immediately she was discov- ered. The Kaflirs were determined to kill the whole family, but were fearful of approaching PUFF ADDER.-Vipera arietans. her. Happening to pass at the time of the discovery, I organized a ring, and, procuring some large stones, directed the Kaffirs to open fire. After a few minutes the excited lady was killed, and she and her young were carefully buried in a retired locality, lest some bare-footed Kaflir might tread upon her head, and thus meet his death.”’ There is certainly in nature no more fearful an object than a full-grown Puff Adder, The creature grovels on the sand, winding its body so as to bury itself almost wholly in the tawny soil, just leaving its flat, cruel-looking head lying on the ground and free from sand. The steady, malignant, stony glare of those eyes is absolutely freezing as the creature lies motion- less, confident in its deadly powers, and when roused by the approach of a passenger, merely exhibiting its annoyance by raising its head an inch or two, and uttering a sharp angry hiss. Even horses have been bitten by this reptile, and died within a few hours after the injury was inflicted. The peculiar attitude which is exhibited in the illustration is taken from life, one of the Puff Adders in a collection having been purposely irritated. It is rather curious that the juice of tobacco is an instant poison to these bettas even more suddenly deadly to them than their poison to the human beings who can absorb the THE HORNED ADDER. 107 tobacco juice with impunity. The Hottentots will often kill the Puff Adder by spitting in its face the juice of chewed. tobacco, or making it bite the end of a stick which has been rubbed in the tobacco oil found in all pipes that have been long used without being cleaned. The Bushmen are in the habit of procuring from the teeth of this serpent the poison with which they arm their tiny but most fearful arrows. In the capture of the Puff Adder they display very great courage and address. Taking advantage of the reptile’s sluggish habits, they plant their bare feet upon its neck before it has quite made up its reptilian mind to action, and, holding it firmly down, cut off its head and extract the poison at their leisure. In order to make it adhesive to the arrow point, it is mixed with the glutinous juice of the amaryllis. There seems to be no certain remedies for the bite of the Puff Adder. Ammonia appears to be the least inefficacious substance for that purpose, and the natives occasionally attempt to heal the injury by splitting a living fowl across the breast, and applying the still palpitating halves to the wound. There is a kind of seed called the ‘‘ gentleman bean,” which is said to have a beneficial effect. If one of these beans be placed on the recently inflicted wound, it adheres with great firmness, and is said to absorb the poison from the system, and to fall off as soon as this object is achieved. The Bushmen are in the habit of swallowing the poison*whenever they kill a Puff Adder and do not need its venomous store for their arrows, hoping thereby to render themselves proof against its effects. When exam- ined under the microscope, the poison resolves itself into minute crystalline spicule, not unlike those of Epsom salts, which must be kept perfectly dry or they will soon vanish from the glass on which they are placed. The color of the Puff Adder is brown, chequered with dark brown and white, and with a reddish band between the eyes. The under parts are paler than the upper. SEVERAL other deadly serpents of the same country are closely allied to the puff adder. The first is the Das AppER, or River Jack (Clotho nasicornis) of the colonists, remarkable for the long curved horn or spine upon the nose, formed by the peculiar development of the scales over the nostril. This curious structure is only found in the male. In color it is much darker than the puff adder, being black, marbled with a paler hue, and decorated with sundry lozenge-shaped spots along the back. THE Bere ADDER (Clotho dtropos) is another of these fearful reptiles. As its name denotes, it is found more among the hills and stony ranges than on the plains, but is not unfrequently found upon the flats, and will sometimes intrude into very awkward positions, such as the floor of a hut, or even the bed upon which some wearied man is about to cast himself. It is not quite so poisonous as the puff adder, though its looks are quite as unpre- possessing, and it never bites unless purposely irritated or trodden upon. It is an ugly, thick-bodied, slow-crawling creature, with a suddenly tapering tail and a most evil looking head. It is not a large reptile, its average length being about eighteen inches. Its color is olive-gray, marbled on the sides, and decorated along the back with four rows of dark squared spots. “Yer one more species of this genus deserves a passing notice. This is the HoRNED ADDER (Clotho cornita), sometimes, but erroneously, called the Cerastes, a term that is rightly applied to another Serpent shortly to be described. It sometimes goes by the popular name of Hornsman. It derives its name of Horned Adder from the groups of little thread-like horns that are seen on the head, one group appearing above each eye. In some works of Natural History, it is called the PLumEp Virer, in allusion to these curious groups. It is not very graceful in form, being decidedly short, squat, and puffy in shape, but is very prettily marked, its body being richly marbled with chestnut, covered with a multitude of minute dots, and variegated with four rows of dark spots along the hack, two rows running on each side of the vertebral line. 108 THE CERASTES, OR HORNED VIPER. Tue true CERASTES, or HorNED ViPkR, is a native of Northern Africa, and divides with the cobra of the same country the questionable honor of being the ‘‘worm of Nile,’’ to whose venomous tooth Cleopatra’s death was due. The bite of this most ungainly looking Serpent is extremely dangerous, though, tact not quite so deadly as that of the cobra, and the creature is therefore not quite so much dreaded as might be imagined. The Cerastes has a most curious appearance, owing to a rather larg> horn-like scale which projects over each eye, and which, according to the natives, is possessed of wonderful virtues. They fancy that one of the so-called horns contains the supply of poison for the teeth, and that the other, if pounded and the powder rubbed over the eyelids, will enable the fortunate experimenter to see all the wealth of the earth—a privilege which, according to the peculiar cast of the Oriental mind, is of nearly as much value as the actual possession. The reader may remember a tale in the ‘ Arabian Nights,’ in which a similar story is narrated. The Cerastes has, according to Bruce, an awkward habit of crawling until it is alongside of the creature whom it is about to attack, and then making a sidelong leap at its victim. He CERASTES, OR HORNED VIPER.—Vipera cerastes. relates an instance where he saw a Cerastes perform a certainly curious feat: ‘‘I saw one of them at Cairo crawl up the side of a box in which there were many, and there lie still as if hiding himself, till one of the people who brought them to us came near him, and though in a very disadvantageous position, sticking, as it were, perpendicularly to the side of the box, he leaped near the distance of three feet, and fastened between the man’s forefinger and thumb, so as to bring the blood.” The man who was thus bitten happened to be one of the men who profess Serpent charm- ing, and avow themselves to be proof against the bite of any poisonous Snake. In this instance no ill effects followed the hurt, although Bruce proved that the poison-fangs had not been extracted, by making the reptile bite a pelican, which died in about thirteen minutes. Some persons have suggested that in this, as well as in other similar instance, the man was a clever juggler, who substituted a really venomous specimen for a Snake whose poison-fangs had been THE COMMON ASP, OR CHERSZA. 109 extracted. But in any case it would be necessary to handle the really poisonous reptile for the purpose of effecting the exchange, and, in my opinion, the necessary rough handling of the creature would be a matter of no small danger. Bruce enters into this subject at some length, and records the result of a long series of experiments in a form which, though very interesting, is now so familiar as to need no quotation. That in many instances the poison-teeth of venomous Serpents have been extracted, in order to allow the performer to play his tricks with them without harm, is very well known, but the fact of acknowledged and detected imposture does not invalidate the reality which is clumsily imitated by pretenders, any more than a forgery disproves the existence of a genuine document. More will be said on this subject when we come to the different species of cobra. The Cerastes usually lives in the driest and hottest parts of Northern Africa, and lies half-buried in the sand until its prey shall come within reach. Like many Serpents, it can HORATTA PAM.—Zchis carinata. endure a very prolonged frost without appearing to suffer any inconvenience ; those kept by Bruce lived for two years in a glass jar without partaking of food, and seemed perfectly brisk and lively, casting their skins as usual, and not even becoming torpid during the winter. The color of the Cerastes is pale brownish white, covered irregularly with brown spots. Its length is about two feet. Passtne to another genus of venomous Snakes, we come to a rather pretty little Serpent, an inhabitant of India, and called by the natives Hornarra Pam (Hchis carindta). It is said to be very dangerous in spite of its small dimensions, and to require a double dose of Serpent medicine in order to counteract the effects of its poison. Its color is grayish brown, darkening into rather deep brown on the head, and variegated with angular white streaks on the body, and large oblong spots on the head, edged with a deeper hue. Its length is about fifteen or sixteen inches. THE common AspP, or CuERS£A ( Vipera aspis) is nearly allied to the preceding species. This Snake is common in many parts of Europe, and is plentiful in Sweden and the 110 THE COMMON VIPER, OR ADDER, neighboring countries, besides being distributed over nearly the whole continent. It is much dreaded, and with reason, for its bite is very severe, and in some cases will cause death. As is the case with other venomous reptiles, the Asp is most dangerous during the hottest months of the year, and it has well been remarked that there is probably some connection between the electrical state of the atmosphere and the venom of Serpents, as the poison is always most deadly and the creatures most fierce when the electrical conditions of the atmosphere are disturbed, and the thunder-clouds are flying quickly through the air. When a person is bitten in one of his limbs, he quickly digs a hole and buries the injured part below the surface of the earth, as the fresh mould is thought to be very efficacious in alleviating the ill effects of the poison. Should the injury be in a toe or a finger, the rougher but more effectual remedy of instant amputation is generally employed. The color of this reptile is olive above, with four rows of black spots. The two middle rows are often placed so closely together, that they coalesce and form a continous chain of black spots along the spine, very like the well-known markings of the common viper. SAND-NATTER.- Vipera ammodytes. ANOTHER venomous Snake, the AmmopyTE, or Sanp-Nattrer (Vipera ammodytes), belongs to the same genus as the asp. This reptile inhabits southern Europe, and is generally found in rocky localities. The bite of this creature is very dangerous, and the remedies employed are generally of little efficacy. Enlarging the wound with a thorn, and squeezing a garlic upon the part bitten, is the general mode of alleviating the pain, but is of little use to the injured person. Its color is olive above, with a broad oblique dark streak on each temple, two similar streaks on each side of the head, and a wavy dark line along the crown of the spine. THE common VIPER, or ADDER, is very well known in many parts of Europe, but in some localities is very plentiful, while in others it is never seen from one year’s end to another. Many persons mistake the common grass Snake for the Viper, and dread it accordingly. They may, however, always distinguish the poisonous reptile from the innocuous, by the POISON OF THE VIPER. 111 chain of dark spots that runs along the spine, and forms an unfailing guide to its identifica- tion. It is the only poisonous reptile inhabiting some European countries, the verona ye colored specimens being nothing more than varieties of the same species. Like most reptiles, whether poisonous or not, the Viper is a very timid creature, always preferring to glide away from a foe rather than to attack, and only biting when driven to do so under great provocation. The following interesting account of a Viper’s bite and its consequences, has been kindly’ forwarded to me by Mr. W. C. Coleman :— ‘Several years ago, in my school-boy days, I had an experience with a Viper, which may possibly interest such of your readers as have not enjoyed a similar intimacy with the creature, especially as it places the Viper character in a somewhat more amiable light than it is usually represented. **One cold, damp day in the beginning of May, I was out in the country on a foraging expedition ; birds’ nests and objects of natural history in general being the objects of search. Entering, in the course of exploration, a likely coppice, I descried a blackbird’s nest perched among some tangled stems of underwood three or four feet from the ground. A glance at the interior, however, soon showed that some other marauder had forestalled me, as the sole occupants of the nest were some crushed and empty egg-shells, and scanty remains of the fluid contents spilt about. ‘A weasel,’ thought I, but wrongfully, as it happened, for on turning away in dudgeon, a rustling movement among the herbage on the ground a couple of yards off, attracted my eyes and ears; and there I saw the undoubted spoiler of the nest, a large Viper, moving away briskly with his tail in the direction of the nest. ‘** A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and my slight natural history reading, assisted by bad engravings, had helped me to fancy that I knew the Viper from the common Snake well enough ; and so, deciding that this was only a common harmless Snake, I made a plunge at the creature and apprehended him with my unprotected hand. Receiving no bite, I was now confirmed in my idea of the beast’s perfect innocence (except in the bird’s-nest matter), and decided on adopting him asa pet. So presently set off home, a distance of more than two miles, taking my serpentine friend in my hand. Not always in my hand, however, for to beguile the homeward journey I proceeded to try sundry experiments on the supple backbone and easy temper of the animal, occasionally tying him round my neck, and so wearing him for a considerable distance; then twining him round my wrist into a fancy bracelet, and weaving him into various knots and devices according to taste, all this with perfect impunity on my part, and the utmost apparent good humor on his. ‘On the road, a kind farmer of my acquaintance, whose natural history lore was more practical than my own, endeavored to convince me that I was ‘harboring a Viper in my bosom,’ but I was not going to hear my good-tempered playmate called bad names; put my finger into the Adder’s very mouth to prove he had no idea of biting, and so passed on, in much conceit with myself as an accomplished herpetologist. ‘* We thus reached home in perfect safety and amity. My brothers and sisters greeted the stranger with some little instinctive horror at first, but got over that feeling when they heard of his innocent nature and amusing capabilities, in proof of which I repeated the necktie experiment, etc. About this stage, however, I must mention that he exhibited a somewhat unpleasant phenomenon common to the Snake tribe in general, who can relieve themselves of . the torpor consequent on a heavy meal, by disgorging the same when irritated and requiring restoration of their usual activity. The rejectamenta in this case consisted of portions of unhatched young birds, thus confirming the nest robbery. ‘Being thus lightened, and perhaps stimulated by the warmth of a fire in the room, he was now lively enough, unhappily for me, for on essaying to continue my experiments, by tying him into a double knot, his endurance was at an end; one dart at my finger and a sharp puncture told me that the thing was done. Then, too late, I recollected that the ‘Adder is distinguished by a zigzag chain of dark markings down the back,’ and sure enough the vile creature before me had those very marks, In a rage, I battered his life out with a stick, lest 112 PARENTAL CARE OF THE VIPER. he should do more damage, and then settled down to watch the progress of the poison within my system ‘Tt was not slow to take effect; first the wound looked and felt like a nettle sting, then like a wasp sting, and in the course of a few minutes the whole joint was swollen, with much pain. At this juncture my father, a medical man, arrived from a country journey, and set the approved antidotes to work, ammonia, oil and lunar caustic, to the wound, having previously made incisions about the punctured spot, and with paternal affection attempted to draw out the poison by suction ; but nothing availed, and all sorts of horrid symptoms set in, fainting, sickness, delirium, and fever; the hand and whole arm to the shoulder greatly swollen and discolored, with most intense pain. This state of things lasted for several days. I forget the exact time, but I was not fully restored for more than a fortnight after the bite. ‘¢ Since that day I have taken care to put my acquaintance with Serpents on such a footing as to be able at a glance to tell the species of any of the common Snakes ; a piece of useful knowledge most easily gained, and well worth the acquirement.”’ It was a most providential circumstance that the reptile did not bite him immediately after its capture, and that the wound was inflicted on the finger and not on the neck, as in the one case he could hardly have reached his home, and in the other, the great swelling might have caused suffocation, as is known to be the case with persons bitten in the neck by other poisonous Serpents. A FeEw words will not be out of place respecting the alleged capability of the Viper of receiving its progeny into its mouth when in danger. A long-standing controversy on this subject has elicited a vast amount of correspondence, the whole of which seems to resolve itself into two divisions, namely, communications from a great number of persons who assert that they have seen the young Vipers crawl into their parent's open mouth, and letters from two or three persons who say that they did not do so, because such a proceeding is impossible, and contrary to the laws of nature. One of the most learned of the objectors remarks, that no amount of testimony can prevail against reason, and that the persons who assert that they have seen the young Vipers crawl into their mother’s mouth, have fallen into the dangerous fallacy of believing what they saw. Now this argument, novel though it may be to the scientific world in general, is perfectly familiar to theologians as being the sheet-anchor of a certain school of controversialists, who deny the credibility of the miraculous events narrated in the Scriptures. It has been repeat- edly exploded in polemical controversy, and long abandoned by impartial thinkers, inasmuch as it assumes a knowledge of all the laws of nature, and contracts the power of the Divine Creator of the Universe within the narrow limits of the individual idiosyncracy and mental capacities of the disputant. It has ever been conceded that, in all ages, the testimony of credible witnesses has been the surest mode of confuting false reasoning and thereby eliciting truth; so that when any unprejudiced reasoner finds that a favorite theory is contradicted by the testimony of even one trustworthy observer, much more when the united accounts of many competent judges all tend to the same point, he feels that it is time for him to reflect whether, however perfect may be the form of his syllogism, there may not be something wrong with his premises. Reasoning is more liable to falsity than the senses to deception. It is easy enough to talk of a flagrant viola- tion of the laws of nature, but before we venture to do so it is as well to be qutite certain that we are sure of the full extent of those laws. Who is there, even among the most learned, that can define the full working of even a single known law and its ever-varying action under differ- ent circumstances? And who can venture to say that some hitherto unrecognized law may not be in existence, which, if known and acknowledged, would account for the circumstances which at present seem so unaccountable ? In the second place, if we are not to depend upon the testimony of our acknowledged senses, on what are we to depend for the whole of natural philosophy, astronomy, or, indeed, any other established science? It is simply on the testimony of our senses that all existing POISON-FANGS OF THE VIPER. 113 sciences are founded, and even analogous reasoning is not admitted as valid proof of an asserted fact. There is hardly any new discovery which does not destroy some old and respect- able theory, and give entirely a new idea of the law of nature on which it depends. The operation of the senses is in itself one of the known laws of nature, by which we dis- cover facts and through which we are enabled to exercise our reasoning faculties. A human being without the senses of sight, hearing, and touch, would be the dullest animal on the face of the earth, and as long as the privation lasted, would hold a lower place than a sponge or a medusa. If we once acknowledge that the evidence of the senses is not to believed, we must reject the whole of the physical sciences. Astronomical observations, chemical experiments, geological surveys, anatomical researches, and the whole of natural history, must be at once thrown aside if such a theory is to be consistently carried out; and for the same reason, the courts of law must be abolished, depending as they do on the personal observations of human beings, mostly illiterate, and often ignorant to a degree. Repeated observations are the only method of ascertaining the laws of nature, and if they show that certain events, how- ever strange they may appear, have really occurred, they surely prove, not that the senses of the witnesses were deceived, but that another law of nature has been discovered. Were the Viper the only creature of whom such an act is related, the phenomenon would be less worthy of belief; but there is hardly a poisonous Snake of any country by whom the same act is not said to be performed, the narrators not being professed naturalists with a theory, but travellers, hunters, and settlers, casually noting the result of their personal experience. I cannot but think that the accumulated testimony of many trustworthy persons, acting independently of each other, accustomed to observation, and mostly unaware of the importance that would be afterwards attached to their words, is entitled to some respect, and affords legitimate grounds to the truth-seeker, not for contemptuous denial, but for further investigation. Several observant inhabitants assert that both sexes assume this protective habit, the male as well as the female receiving the young into the mouth in cases of sudden danger. In those localities, the head of the Viper is always chopped off as soon as the reptile is killed, and the Viper-catchers say that in such cases the young Vipers frequently are seen crawling out of the severed neck. I certainly never saw the Viper act in this manner, but I have had very few opportunities of watching this reptile in a wild state and noting its habits; whereas those who spend their lives in the forests, and especially those men who add to their income by catching or killing these reptiles, speak of the reception of the young into the mouth of the parent, as a fact too well known to be disputed. It has been objected that the young would be consumed by the gastric juice of the parent —one of the most sensible objections that has been made. But this assertion has been invali- dated by the researches of able anatomists and experimentalists, such as Mr. F. T. Buckland, etc., who have discovered by careful dissection, two facts; the one, that the young may be concealed within the expansile body of the parent without entering the true stomach at all, the cesophagus or gullet forming a highly expansile antechamber between the throat and the actual stomach ; and the other, that if they should happen to do so, the gastric juice would not hurt them. Incredible, therefore, as the possibility of such an act may seem, it can but be ‘acknowledged that the weight of practical testimony is wholly in its favor. Moreover, the various suggestions offered to account for the deception practised by the Viper upon the eyes of observers, just as if it had been a professed conjurer performing before an audience, are really puerile in the extreme, and if they happen to affect the written testimony of one person, they are contradicted by the written testimony of another. It is to be hoped that if the Viper really does act in the manner stated, a specimen may be obtained with the young still within her body, and attested in such a manner that no objector may invalidate the proof by saying that the old one had been captured and the young pushed down her throat by force. The head of the Viper affords a very good example of the venomous apparatus of the poisonous Serpents, and is well worthy of dissection, which is better accomplished under water than in air. _The poison-fangs lie on the sides of the upper jaw, folded back and almost Vox, II.—15. ‘ 114 POISON-FANGS OF THE VIPER. undistinguishable until lifted with a needle. They are singularly fine and delicate, hardly larger than a lady’s needle, and are covered almost to their tips with a muscilar envelope through which the points just peer. The poison-secreting glands and the reservoir in which the venom is stored are found at the back and sides of the head, and give to the venomous Serpents that peculiar width of head which is so unfailing a characteristic. The color of the poison is a very pale yellow, and its consistence is very like that of salad oil, which, indeed, it much resembles both in look and taste. There is but little in each individual ; and it is pos- sible that the superior power of the larger venomous Snakes of other lands, especially those under the tropics, may be due as much to its quantity as its absolute intensity. In a full- grown rattlesnake, for example, there are six or eight drops of this poison, whereas the Viper has hardly a twentieth part of that amount. On examining carefully the poison-fangs of a Viper, the structure by which the venom is injected into the wound will be easily understood. On removing the lower jaw, the two fangs are seen in the upper jaw, folded down in a kind of groove between the teeth of the palate and the skin of the head, so as to allow any food to slide over them without being pierced by their ' points. The ends of the teeth reach about half-way from the nose to the angle of the jaw, just behind the corner of the eye. Only the tips of the fangs are seen, and they glisten bright, smooth and translucent, as if they were curved needles made from isinglass, and almost as fine as a bee’s sting. On raising them with a needle or the point of the forceps, a large mass of muscular tissue comes into view, enveloping the tooth for the greater part of its length, and being, in fact, the means by which the fang is elevated or depressed. When the creature draws back its head and opens its mouth to strike, the depressing muscles are relaxed, the opposite series are contracted, and the two deadly fangs spring up with their points ready for action. It is needful, while dis- secting the head, to be exceedingly careful, as the fangs are so sharp that they penetrate the skin with a very slight touch, and their poisonous distilment does not lose its potency, even after the lapse of time. The next process is to remove one of the teeth, place it under a tolerably good magnifier and examine its structure, when it will be seen to be hollow, and, as it were, perforated by a channel. This channel is, however, seen, on closer examination, to be formed by a groove along the tooth, which is closed, except at the one end whence the poison exudes and the other at which it enters the tooth. If the tooth be carefully removed, and the fleshy sub- stance pushed away from its root, the entrance can be seen quite plainly by the aid of a pocket lens. The external aperture is in the form of a very narrow slit upon the concave side of the fang, so very narrow, indeed, that it seems too small for the passage of any liquid. There are generally several of the fangs in each jaw, lying one below the other in regular succession. From the specimen which has just been described I removed four teeth on each side, varying in length from half to one-eighth the dimensions of the poison-fangs. The Viper seems to be well aware of the power of its fangs, and to discriminate between animate and inanimate antagonists. I have tried in vain to make a Viper bite a stick with which I was irritating it; but no sooner did a kitten approach, than the reptile drew back its head and made its lightning-like dart at the little creature with such rapidity, that it would have gained its point, had not its back been so much injured as to deprive it of its natural powers. The ordinary food of the Viper is much the same as that of the common Snake, and con- sists of mice, birds, frogs, and similar creatures. It is, however, less partial to frogs than the common Snake, and seems to prefer the smaller mammalia to any other prey. The young of the Viper enter the world in a living state, having been hatched just before they are born. The fat of the Viper was once in high estimation as a drug, and the older apothecaries were accustomed to purchase these reptiles in considerable numbers. Even now this substance is in some repute in many agricultural districts, being employed as a remedy for cuts, sprains, or bruises, and especially as a means of alleviating the painful symptoms of a Viper’s bite. The color of the Viper is rather variable ; but the series of very dark marks down the back is an unfailing sign of the species, and is permanent in all the varieties. Generally, the THE SHOOTER SUN. 115 ground color is grayish-olive, brown, or brownish-yellow ; along the back runs a chain of zig- zag blackish markings, and a series of little triangular spots is found upon each side. The largest specimen I have yet seen in a wild state was one of the yellow varieties. Sometimes the ground is brick-red,.and now and then a nearly black specimen is found. Mr. Bell mentions an example where the ground color was grayish-white, and the markings jetty- black. THE reptile that is called by the significant title of Drarn AppER, or DEATH ViPER, is a native of Australia, where its poisonous fangs render it an object of much fear. A very excellent, though short description of this Snake is given by Mr. Bennett in his ‘‘ Wanderings in New South Wales.”’ ““The most deadly Snake in appearance, and I believe also in effect, is one of hideous aspect, called by the colonists the Death Adder, and by the Yas natives ‘Tammin, from hav- ing a small, curved process at the extremity of the tail; or, more correctly, the tail terminat- ing suddenly in a small, curved extremity, bearing some resemblance to a sting. It is consid- ered, by popular rumor, to inflict a deadly sting with it. ‘** This hideous reptile is thick in proportion to its length; the eye is vivid yellow, with a black longitudinal pupil. The color of the body is difficult to be described, being a complica- tion of dull colors, with narrow, blackish bands shaded off into the colors which compose the back ; abdomen slightly tinged with red; head broad, thick and flattened. The specimen I examined measured two feet two inches in length, and five inches in circumference. A dog that was bitten by one died in less than an hour. The specimen I examined was found coiled up near the banks of the Murrumbidgee river; and being of a torpid disposition, did not move when approached, but quietly reposed in the pathway, with its head turned beneath its belly.” The generic title of Acanthophis, or Thorny-Snake, is given to this species on account of the structure of the tail, which is furnished at its extremity with a recurved horny spine. RIVER OR SEA SERPENTS. WE now arrive at a very remarkable family of Snakes, which pass their lives in water, either fresh or salt, and are river or sea Serpents as the case may be. In order to enable them to pass through the waters without injury to the organs of respiration, the nostrils are furnished with a valve so as to prevent the ingress of water while the creature is below the surface. A good example of these marine Serpents is the BLack-BAcKED PrLamis (Pélamis bicolor) the Nalla Whallagee Pam of the Indian fishermen. This Snake is found only at sea, and is said seldom if ever to approach the shore, except for the purpose of depositing its eggs, which are laid on the beach sufficiently near high-water mark for the young Snakes to seek their congenial element as soon as they are hatched. The Black-backed Pelamis is frequently found sleeping on the surface of the sea, and is then caught without much difficulty, as it is forced to throw itself on its back before it can dive. It has been suggested that this movement is intended to expel the air in the ample lungs. Sometimes it is unwillingly captured by the fishermen in their nets, and is an object of considerable dread to them on account of the formidable character of its teeth. In these Serpents the fangs are but little larger than the other teeth of the jaw, but can be distinguished by their slightly superior size and the groove that runs along their front edge. The average length is about one yard. THE SHootrer Sun (Hydrophis obscivra) is another of the sea Serpents. This reptile is also one of the Indian species, and inhabits the sea or the saline waters of the river-mouths, not being able to exist in fresh water. . It is an admirable swimmer, but is very awkward on dry land, and cannot survive for any length of time unless it has access to salt water. The outline of this Serpent is most remarkable. The head and neck are almost absurdly minute 116 THE CHERSYDRUS. in proportion to the wide thick body, bearing about the same proportion as the tip of the little finger does to the wrist. The tail is also very wide, extremely blunt, and compressed. The markings of this reptile are rather curious. The ground color is black. There is a large yellow spot on each side of the head, a series of pale, gray-brown spots runs on each side of the neck, and a row of large rounded white marks is arranged along the back so as to form a richly variegated pattern of boldly contrasted colors. Tue Currrut (Hydrophis sublevis) is another of these marine Snakes, and is found in India and Ceylon. It is rather a large species, sometimes exceeding five feet in length, and is handsomely colored. It is extremely venomous, a fowl that had been bitten by a Chittul dying within five minutes after receiving the injury. The ground color of this Snake is yellow, and the body is covered with an irregular row of black rings. Some black bands also cross the neck. In the AcROcHORDE, sometimes called the Oular Carron, the tail, instead of being flattened, is rounded, conical, and very short, diminishing in diameter in a very sudden manner. It isa native of Java, and is said to be wholly vegetarian in its diet, the stomach BLACK BACKED PELAMIS. —Pelamis bicolor. having been found to contain nothing but half-digested fruit. The flesh of the Acrochorde is said to be excellent. Upon the head are a number of little scales, each of which is divided into three ridges. The creature is in the habit of distending its body with air to a very great extent, and when it so acts the scales separate from each other and make the head and body look as if they were covered with tubercles. The general color is brown in the adult, and brown banded and streaked with a darker hue in the young. Tue CuEersypRus (Chersydrus granulétus) is a rather curious aquatic Serpent, found in Asia and most common in Java. It is sometimes called the Banded Acrochorde, but wrongly so, as its tail, instead of being round and conical, is flat, compressed, and sword-like in shape. THE CERBERUS. 117 It inhabits the bottoms of marine creeks and the mouths of rivers. The Javanese call it Oular Limpe. The body of this reptile is covered with small scales, each boldly keeled in the centre, and its color is black and white arranged in alternate rings. Tue Erxperon, or HerPeron, as the name is sometimes written, is a truly curious reptile, of no great size, but bearing a pair of appendages on the head that seem to serve no recognized purpose save to bewilder zoologists. The muzzle of this creature is covered with scales, and on each side of it rises a curious appendage. This remarkable organ is soft, but completely covered with scales and defended by them. Of the habits of the Erpeton nothing appears to be known, and even its country is dubious. Its color is pale brown streaked with white, ACROCHORDE.—Achrochordus javanicus. THE sombre and rather unsightly CERBERUS, better known by its native name of KAroo BoxapDAM, is an Asiatic reptile, being found in India, the Philippines, Ceylon, Borneo, and~ similar countries. It is an ugly looking Serpent, but is not much dreaded, and is thought to be practically non-venomous. It is a stout, thick-bodied Snake, with a very large head in proportion to the size of its neck, though small in comparison with the body. The mouth is not large, and the teeth are small, regular, and set rather closely together. The nostrils of this Serpent are very small, and placed close to each other almost on the very tip of the muzzle. The eyes are small, round, and projecting as if squeezed out of the head, and are surrounded by a curious circle of nearly triangular scales, much as a circular window in a brick wall is edged with wedge-shaped bricks, 118 THE PYTHON. The general color of this Serpent is grayish-brown above, covered with narrow bands of black set rather closely together. The abdomen is black mottled with yellow, the sides are white with spots of pale brown, and the lips and throat are of the same tint, but spotted with black. The tail is nearly black. The usual length of this Serpent is about three feet six inches. WE now arrive at a very important family of serpents, including the largest spedles found in the order. These Snakes are known by the popular title of Boas, and scientifically as Boidz, and are all remarkable, not only for their great size and curious mode of taking their prey, but for the partial development of the hinder limbs, which are externally visible as a pair of horny spurs, set one on each side at the base of the tail, and moderately well developed under the skin, consisting of several bones jointed together. In most of the species the tail is CARPET SNAKE.— Morelia variegata. rather short and strongly prehensile. The peculiar habits of these enormous Snakes will be mentioned in connection with the various species. The first of these creatures is the DIAMOND Snake of Australia (Morélia spilétes), a very handsome species and tolerably common. It is called the Diamond Snake on account of the pattern of the colors, which are generally blue, black, and yellow, arranged so as to produce a series of diamonds along the back. The CARPET SnaKkE (Morelia variegata), of the same country, is closely allied to it. Both these reptiles are variable in their coloring. THE members of the restricted genus PyTHON are remarkable for their habit of depositing the eggs together and coiling their bodies round them, so as to form a large conical heap. The common grass Snake is said to perform the same feat. The true Pythons are inhabitants of THE ROCK SNAKE OF INDIA. 119 Asia, and are generally found in India. The common Roox Snaxx of India (Python moliirus) is a good example of this genus. The natives believe that the little spurs are useful in fighting, and therefore cut them off whenever they capture the reptile. It is the Pedda-Poda of the Hindoos. It is not one of the largest of its kind, usually attaining a length of ten or eleven feet, and not being held in much dread. A fowl that was inclosed in a cage with one of these Serpents, soon obtained the mastery over her terrible companion, and was seen quietly pecking at its head. One of these reptiles that was kept at the gardens of the Zoological Society, once made a curious mistake while being fed, and had well-nigh sacrificed the life of its keeper. The man had approached the reptile with a fowl in his hand and presented it as usual to the Snake. The ROCK SNAKE OF INDIA.—Python molurus. Serpent darted at the bird, but as it was just then shedding its skin and nearly blind, it missed its aim, and instead of seizing the bird, grasped the keeper’s left thumb, and instinct- ively flung its coils around his arms and neck, as is customary when the animal seized is of considerable size. The keeper tried to force the Snake’s head from its hold, but could not reach it, as he was bound in the folds of the Snake. He then cast himself on the ground in order to battle to the greatest advantage, but would probably have succumbed to the fearful pressure, had not two keepers providentially entered the room, and by breaking away the Serpent’s teeth released the man from his terrible assailant. Except the fright and a few wounds from the Serpent’s teeth, no evil results ensued. The representation in our picture is one-tenth of the actual size of the specimen from which it was drawn. 120 THE NATAL ROCK SNAKE, OR PORT NATAL PYTHON. ANOTHER species of Indian Rock Snake, called by the natives ULar Sawa (Aypsirhina aér), is tolerably common, and in its habits resembles the preceding species. It often attains to a very considerable size, and is said when full-grown to be about thirty feet in length. This terrible Snake has been known to kill mankind, crushing the body in its numerous folds until nearly every bone was broken. In one such instance, the man had been caught by the right wrist, as was seen by the marks of the Serpent’s teeth. NATAL ROCK SNAKE.—Hortatia natalensis. (One-eighth natural size.) TuE handsome Natat Rook Snax, or Port Narat PytuHon, as it is sometimes called, now comes under our notice. It is a fine, handsome species, sometimes attaining a great length, and being most beautifully colored. During life and when in full health and in the enjoyment of liberty, this, in common with many other Snakes, has a beautiful rich bloom upon its scales, not unlike the purple bloom of a plum or grape. Should, however, the Snake be in ill health, this bloom fades away, and in consequence, we seldom if ever see it on the scales of the Serpents which are kept in glass cases. The dimensions of this reptile are often very great. Dr. A. Smith has seen a specimen measuring twenty-five feet in length, exclusive of a portion of the tail which was missing. Flat skins of this creature are, however, very deceptive, and cannot be relied upon, as they stretch almost as readily as India rubber, and during the process of drying are often extended several feet beyond the length which they occupied while surrounding the body of their quondam owner. The teeth of this Serpent are tolerably large, but not venomous, and although of no insignificant size, are really of small dimensions when compared with the size and weight SPEED OF THE ROCK SNAKE. 121 of their owner. Few persons have any idea of the exceeding heaviness of a large Snake, and unless the reptile has been fairly lifted and carried about, its easy gliding movements have the effect of making it appear as if it were as light as it is graceful. Both jaws are thickly studded with these teeth, and their use is to seize the prey and hold it while the huge folds of the body are flung round the victim, and its life crushed out of its frame by the contracting coils. In order to secure its prey, the Rock Snake acts after the manner of all this family. It waits in some spot where it knows that its victim will pass, coils _ its tail round some object, such as a tree or a stone, so as to give it a firm hold, and then, rapidly darting at the prey, it draws back its head, carrying the poor victim into the fatal grasp of its folds. It usually seizes by the throat, and retains its hold until the crushed animal is quite dead. The following interesting account of the Rock Snake of Natal has been kindly forwarded to me by Captain Drayson :— **The Rock Snake is somewhat rare, even in the least populous districts, and, in conse- quence of its retired habits and silent method of moving, it is not frequently seen. Although on an average I traversed: the forests and plains near my various stations at least five times a week, I saw but seven Rock Snakes during a period of nearly three years. This Snake retreats into rocky crevices, or amongst the most tangled brushwood, after it has devoured its prey, which consists of toads, frogs, lizards, such as guanas, etc., birds of any size, and even small bucks. Its bite is quite harmless compared to that of the poisonous Snakes, and it destroys its victims by pressure. ‘So cautious is this Snake to remain quite quiet if it thinks itself unseen, that on one occasion I nearly rode over a rather large Boa, which lay on a small path along which I was riding. On each side of this path there was a dense jungle, and there was merely room for one animal to travel along it. I happened to ‘pull up’ my pony to examine the surrounding bush, when I noticed that his erected ears indicated that he had seen game, he being a most accomplished shooting pony. Upon looking on the path before me I observed a very large Snake, lying perfectly still, and looking at me in a very suspicious manner. The reptile being partly concealed by the long grass, I could not see whether or not it was a poisonous Snake, so I quietly ‘reined back’ about a yard, and shot the creature through the body. The coils and contortions were something terrific to see, as the monster fought hard for his life ; but even the bone and muscle of a Boa has but a poor chance against gunpowder and lead. A charge of buck shot in the head settled the business, and cleared the path of a very disagreeable vis-a-vis. This Snake measured about sixteen feet in length, and was in very fair condition, having a fine bloom on his skin. He had resided about a hundred yards from a long vlei (lagoon), in which frogs and lizards abounded. ‘*A much larger Rock Snake was shot by me some time after this, and measured upwards of seven yards. I once had an opportunity which rarely occurs to many men, viz., that of trying my speed with a young Boa-constrictor. Upon returning from shooting one afternoon I crossed the Umbilo River near Natal, and shortly after observed a coran flying up and down in a very singular manner. This bird being very good eating, I dismounted, and commenced stalking him, and approached within a few yards of him without being discovered. I then noticed a Snake creeping towards the coran, which merely flew on a few feet and then settled again. The Snake again approached the bird, which, however, seeing me, became dis- enchanted, and was making its escape when I shot it, and then turned my attention to the Snake, which remained quite still. I soon saw that the animal was a young Rock Snake about twelve feet long, and, being desirous to obtain a live specimen of this reptile, I ran to my pony, where on the saddle I had a long leather strap, with which I hoped to noose the young Boa. “Upon returning to the scene of the coran’s death, I found the Snake making off as fast as he could towards a clump of thick bush. Immediately starting after him, I headed him after a race of about sixty yards, when he turned and tried another direction. I failed in noosing him, and, finding that he would probably escape into the bush, I was compelled Vor, UL.—16, 122 : THE RINGED BOA. to knock him on the head with a dead branch which happened to be near me. I believed him to have been killed outright; but on conducting a naturalist to the scene on the following morning the Snake had vanished, a fact which, combined with subsequent experience of the Snake nature, induces me to believe that he was merely stunned by the blow, and became refreshed during the cool of the evening, after which he retreated to his stronghold.” The color of the Natal Rock Snake is olive, variegated with yellow cross-bands and spots, - edged with deep black. The head is marked with an arrow-headed spot, and a dark streak runs from the back of the eye. The under parts and the sides of the face are yellow. There are several other species inhabiting Africa, resembling the preceding creature in general habits and appearance. THE splendid RineEepD Boa of America, sometimes called the Anoma, has been celebrated for its destructive powers, and in ancient times was worshipped by the Mexicans and propi-- tiated with human sacrifices. Naturally, the people of the country would feel disposed to awe in the presence of the mighty Snake whose prowess was so well known by many fatal experiences ; and this disposition was fostered by the priests of the Serpent deity, who had DOG-HEADED BOA.—Xiphosoma caninum. succeeded in taming several of these giant Snakes, and teaching them to glide over and around them, as if extending their protection to men endowed with such supernatural powers. This Serpent destroys its prey, after the fashion of its family, merely by squeezing it to death between its folds. While thus engaged, the reptile does not coil itself spirally round the victim, but wraps fold over fold, to increase its power, just as we aid the grasping strength THE BOIGUACU, OR BOA CONSTRICTOR. 123 of one hand by placing the other over it. It is said that the Snake can be removed from its prey by seizing it by the tail, and thus unwinding it. Moreover, a heavy blow on the tail, or cutting off a few feet of the extremity, is the best way of disabling the monster for the time. This creature is rather variable in its coloring, the locality having probably some influence in this respect. Generally, it is rich chocolate-brown, with five dark streaks on the top and sides of the head, a series of large and rather narrow dark rings along the back, and two - rows of dark spots on the sides. Sometimes a number of large spots are seen on the back, and white streaks on the sides. In all the members of this genus, the hinder limbs or “spurs” of the male are larger and stronger than in the female. ANOTHER American species, the Dog-HEADED Boa, or Bosoxnr (Xiphoséma caninum), is notable for the formidable armament of teeth which line the mouth, and the beautiful green color of its skin. As is the case with all the Boide, this species is only found in the hottest parts of the country, and is most plentiful in Brazil: It may be known‘from the other species, partly by its green color, partly by the deep pits on the plates that edge the lips, and partly by the regular ring of scales that surrounds the eye. This Snake is sometimes called the ARARAMBOYA. SFA ; \ ) \ \ WE now come to the Borevacv, or true Boa Consrrictor, a title which is indifferently applied to all the family, and with some degree of appropriateness, inasmuch as they all kill their prey by pressure or constriction. This magnificent reptile is a native of Southern and Tropical America, and is one of those Serpents that were formerly held sacred and worshipped with divine honors. It attains a 124 THE ANACONDA. very large size, often exceeding twenty feet in length, and being said to reach thirty feet in some cases. It is worthy of mention, that, before swallowing their prey, the Boas do not cover it with saliva, as has been asserted. Indeed, the very narrow 2hd slender-forked tongue of the Serpent is about the worst possible implement for such a purpose. A very large amount of this substance is certainly secreted by the reptile while in the act of swallowing, and is of great use in lubricating the prey, so as to aid it in its passage down the throat and into the body ; but it is only poured upon the victim during the act of swallowing, and is not prepared and applied beforehand. The dilating powers of the Boa are wonderful. The skin stretches to a degree which seems absolutely impossible ; and the comparison between the diameter of the prey and that of the mouth through which it has to pass, and the throat down which it has to glide, is almost ludicrous in its apparent impracticability, and, unless proved by frequent experience, would seem more like the prelude to a juggler’s trick than an event of every-day occurrence. To such an extent is the body dilatable, that the shape of the animal swallowed can often be traced through the skin, and the very fur is visible through the translucent eyes, as the dead victim passes through the jaws and down the throat. There is a popular idea among the inhabitants of the country in which the Boa lives, that, if it attacks a man in a forest, he may possibly escape by slipping round a tree in such a manner that the Serpent may squeeze the trunk of the tree, mistaking it for the body of the man, and so burst itself asunder by the violence of its efforts. Whether any one has escaped by this rather transparent device is not mentioned. The color of the Boa Constrictor is rich brown, and along its back runs a broad chain of large blackish spots of a somewhat hexagonal shape, and of pale white spots scooped at each end. These dark and pale spots are arranged alternately, and form a really pretty pattern ; and, should the colors be faded, as is always the case when the skin has been renewed, the species may be recognized by the arrangement of the scales round the eyes, which are set in a circle, are thirty in number, and are separated from the scales of the lips by two rows of smaller scales. Aw equally celebrated Snake, the ANaconDaA, is figured in the accompanying full-page illustration. This gigantic serpent is a native of tropical America, where it is known under several names, La Culebra de Agua, or Water Serpent, and El Traga Venado, or Deer-Swallower, being the most familiar. The flesh of this Serpent, although firm and white, is seldom if ever eaten by the natives, although the flesh of Serpents is considered a delicacy by many nations. Within the body is a large amount of fat from which can be obtained a very considerable quantity of oil. This oil is thought to be a specific for many complaints, especially for rheumatism, strains, and bruises. Seven or eight gallons of fine oil can be extracted from one of these reptiles ; but the process of draining off the oil is generally performed in so careless a manner, that half of the amount is usually wasted. Sir R. Ker Porter has some curious remarks on the Anaconda: ‘‘This Serpent is not venomous nor known to injure men (at least not in this part of the New World); however, the natives stand in great fear of it, never bathing in waters where it is known to exist. Its common haunt, or rather domicile, is invariably near lakes, swamps and rivers ; likewise close to wet ravines produced by inundations of the periodical rains; hence, from its aquatic habits, its first appellation (7. e. Water Serpent). Fish, and those animals which repair there to drink, are the objects of its prey. The creature lurks watchfully under cover of the water, and while the unsuspecting animal is drinking, suddenly makes a dart at the nose, and with a grip of its back-reclining double range of teeth, never fails to secure the terrified beast beyond the power of escape.”’ Compression is the only method employed by the Anaconda for killing its prey, and the pestilent breath which has been attributed to this reptile is wholly fabulous. Indeed, it is doubtful whether any Snake whatever possesses a fetid breath, and Mr. Waterton, who has handled Snakes, both poisonous and inoffensive, as much as most living persons, utterly THE SCHAAP-STICKER. 125 denies the existence of any perceptible odor in the Snake’s breath. It is very possible that the pestilent and most horrible odor which can be emitted by many Snakes when they are irritated, may have been mistaken for the scent of the breath. This evil odor, however, is produced from a substance secreted in certain glands near the tail, and has no connection with the breath. : The color of the Anaconda is rich brown; two rows of large round black spots run along the back, and each side is decorated with a series of light golden yellow rings edged with deep black. ONE or two members of this family are worthy of a passing notice. The well-known YELLOW SnAkE of Jamaica (Chilabothrus inorndtus) is allied rather closely to the boa and the anaconda. It is a rather handsome reptile, being of an olive-green upon the head and front part of the body, covered with a multitude of little black lines, drawn obliquely across the body. The hinder part of the body is black, spotted with yellowish olive. ANOTHER member of this family, the Coran Snake (Zortriz scytale) is a well-known inhabitant of Tropical America, and is feared or petted by the natives, according to the locality in which it happens to reside. In some parts of the country, the native women, knowing it to be perfectly harmless, and being pleased with the bold contrast of black and pale gold which decorate its surface, are in the habit of taming it and of placing it round their necks in lieu of a necklace. In other parts of the country, however, the natives believe it to be terribly poisonous, and flee from its presence with terror. It lives chiefly on insects, worms, and caterpillars, and is very timid. This creature does not taper so gradually from the middle of the body to the tail as is usual in most Serpents, but is nearly of the same cylindrical form throughout its length. The ground color of this Serpent is pale yellow, decorated with jetty-black rings, about sixty in number, that are drawn irregularly over its surface. The Coral Snake never grows to any great size, and seldom reaches two feet and a half in length. COLUBRIN&. WE now come to another section of the Serpents, termed Cotusrin#, the members of which are known by the broad, band-like plates of the abdomen, the shielded head, the conical tail, and the teeth of both jaws. Some of them are harmless and unfurnished with fangs, whereas some are extremely venomous and are furnished with poison-fangs in the upper jaw. These, however, do not fold down like those of the viper and rattlesnake, but remain perfectly grect. The formation of the fangs again differs in the various species. In some the fang is grooved for the introduction of poison into the wound, whereas in others it is perforated nearly throughout its length. As an example of the first family of these Serpents, we may take the common Brown SNAKE of America (Conocéphalus striatus). This reptile is quite harmless, and is plentiful in many portions of America, having rather a wide range of locality. Although common, it is not conspicuous, for its small dimensions, its sombre hue, and its retiring habits serve to conceal it from the general gaze. It is usually found hiding under the bark of trees, in stone heaps, or among the crevices of rocky ground, choosing those localities because it feeds principally on insect prey, and can find abundance of food in such places. Its color is grayish brown above and white below. It is a small species, rarely reaching eleven inches in length. Tue large family of the Coronellide contains many curious Serpents, among which may be mentioned the well-known ScHaap-sTICKER of Southern Africa. This Snake has a rather wide range of country, being spread over nearly the whole of Southern Africa, and very common at the Cape of Good Hope. It is a handsome little 126 THE BLACK SNAKE, OR ZWARTE SLANG. reptile, prettily marked, and brisk and lively in its movements, @s is required for the purpose of catching the agile prey on which it feeds. The Schaap-sticker lives mostly on insects and small lizards, and darts upon them with great swiftness of movement. It is generally found crawling among heaps of dead leaves, or trailing its variegated form over grassy banks, where it finds the prey on which it subsists. The color of this Serpent is extremely variable, and decidedly different in the old and young. In the young specimen, the spots.that ornament the back are darker than in the adult, and there is generally a little wash of green over the surface. The general color of this Snake is brown, with a grayish or golden tint according to the individual. Along the back run several rows, usually three or four in number, of dusky spots, generally of a somewhat oval or rhombic form, and edged with deep black. In one specimen the spots have coalesced so as to form three continuous bands running along the body. The length of the Schaap-~ sticker is about two feet. ANOTHER species belonging to this family is the Coronella Austriaca. Tt is rather remarkable, that where the Snake is tolerably common, the sand lizard (Lacerta stirpiwm) is SCHAAP-STICKER.—Psammophylax rhombeatus. (One-half natural size.) also generally found. In general appearance, this Snake is not unlike the viper, and is about the same size, attaining a length of two feet when adult. It may, however, easily be known from the viper, by the absence of the chain of dark lozenge-shaped marks upon the back, for which is substituted a double series of small dark spots, one row at each side of the spine. There is a dark patch upon the shoulder and head, and under the eyes runs a blackish streak. The body is generally brown, but the depth and tone of the ground color and the markings are extremely variable, but are almost always darker towards the head. Below, the color is light brown, often marbled with black. The neck is large, being scarcely smaller than the body. THE Brack SNAKE, or ZwarTE SLANG (Coronella cana), of Southern Africa, belongs to the same genus. ; This reptile is common throughout Southern Africa, but is not very often seen, on account of its timid habit of hiding itself in some crevice, except when in search of food, or when coiled up in repose enjoying the hot beams of the sun. When young, it frequents little hillocks covered with stones, but when it reaches adult age, it takes to the plains, preferring those that are of a sandy nature, interspersed with little shrubs. It is a shy reptile, and mostly runs away when alarmed, Sometimes, however, it will turn upon the pursuer, and if THE RINGED SNAKE. 127 grasped, will coil itself round the arm and squeeze so tightly, that the hand becomes numbed and unable to retain its hold. Many Snakes are variable in their coloring, but the Black Snake is, perhaps, the most remarkable among them for this peculiarity. Usually, as its name imports, it is black, but sometimes it is bright chestnut. Many specimens are gray, mottled with black, while others are chestnut, marbled with deep rich brown. When full grown, it attains a length of seven feet. THE common GRAss SNAKE, or RINGED SNAKE, is a good example of the Natricide. It is extremely plentiful throughout Europe, being found in almost every wood, copse, or hedgerow, where it may be seen during the warm months of the year, sunning itself on the banks, or gently gliding along in search of prey, always, however, betraying itself to the initiated ear by a peculiar rustling among the herbage. Sometimes it may be witnessed while in the act of creeping up a perpendicular trunk or stem, a feat which it accomplishes, not by a spiral movement, as is generally represented by artists, but by pressing itself firmly against the object, so as to render its body flatter and wider, and crawling up by the movement of the large banded scales of the belly, the body being straight and see as a stick, and ascending in a manner that seems almost inexplicable. The Ringed Snake is perfectly harmless, having no venomous fangs, and all its teeth being of so small a size that even if the creature were to snap at the hand, the skin would not be injured. Harmless though the Serpent be, it will occasionally assume so defiant an air, and put on so threatening an aspect, that it would terrify those who were not well acquainted with its habits. i have kept numbers of these Snakes, and have often known them, when irritated, draw back their heads and strike at the hand in true viperine fashion. Indeed, the venomous look of the attitude is so strong, that I never could resist the instinctive movement of withdrawing the hand when the Snake made its stroke, although I knew full well that no injury could ensue. The food of the Ringed Snake consists mostly of insects and reptiles, frogs being the favorite prey. Ihave known Snakes to.eat the common newt, and in such cases the victim was invariably swallowed head first, whereas the frog is eaten in just the opposite direction. Usually, the frog, when pursued by the Serpent, seems to lose all its energy, and instead of jumping away, as it would do if chased by a human being, crawls slowly like a toad, dragging itself painfully along as if paralyzed. The Snake, on coming up with its prey, stretches out its neck and quietly grasps one hind foot of the frog, which thenceforward delivers itself up to its destroyer an unresisting victim. The whole process of swallowing a frog is very curious, as the creature is greatly wider than the mouth of the Snake, and in many cases, when the frog is very large and the Snake rather small, the neck of the Serpent is hardly as wide as a single hind leg of the frog, while the body is so utterly disproportioned, that its reception seems wholly impossible. Moreover, the Snake generally swallows one leg first, the other leg kicking freely in the air. However, the Serpent contrives to catch either the knee or the foot in its mouth during these convulsive struggles, and by slow degrees swallows both legs. The limbs seem to act as a kind of a ‘wedge, making the body follow easily, and in half an hour or so the frog has disappeared from sight, but its exact position in the body of the Snake is accurately defined by the swollen abdomen. Should the frog be small, it is snapped up by the side and swallowed without more ado. In captivity, this Snake will eat bread and milk, and insects of various kinds, such as the cockroach, meal-worm, or any beetle that may be found running about under stones and leaves. It always, however, prefers frogs to any other food, and seems to thrive best on such a diet. The skin or slough of the Ringed Snake is often found in the hedgerows or on waste grounds, entangled among the grass stems and furze through which the creature had crawled with the intention of rubbing off the slough against such objects. In some countries the rejected slough is thought to be a specific against the headache, and is tied tightly round the forehead when employed for alleviating pain. 128 HABITS OF THE RINGED SNAKE. The Ringed Snake is fond of water, and is a good swimmer, sometimes diving with great ease and remaining below the surface for a considerable length of time, and sometimes swim- ming boldly for a distance that seems very great for a terrestrial schbtssoie to undertake. This sepia will even take to the sea. I have often seen tame Snakes taken to an old.deserted stone-quarry for a bath in the clear water which had collected there. Generally the Snake would swim quietly from one side to another, and might then be recaptured, but on sundry occasions it preferred diving to the very bottom, and there lay among the stones, heedless of all the pelting to which it was subjected, and impassive as if perfectly acquainted with the harmless nature of stones projected into water. Nothing would induce the Snake to move but a push with a stick, and as the water was rather deep and the quarry wide, a stick of sufficient length was not readily found. The motions of the Snake while in the water are peculiarly graceful, and the rapid progress is achieved by a beautifully serpentine movement of the body and tail. This Snake is susceptible of kindness, and if properly treated, soon learns to know its owner, and to suffer him to handle it without displaying any mark of irritation. Though harmless and incapable of doing any hurt by its bite, the Snake is not without other RINGED SNAKE, OR GRASS SNAKE.—Tropidonotus natria. ‘means of defence, its surest weapon being a most abominable and penetrating odor, which it is capable of discharging when irritated, and which, like that of the skunk, adheres so closely to the skin or the clothes, that it can hardly be removed even by repeated washings. Moreover, it is of so penetrating a nature that it cannot be hidden under artificial essences, © being obtrusively perceptible through the most powerful perfumes, and rather increasing than diminishing in offensiveness by the mixture. The reptile will, however, soon learn to distin- guish those who behave kindly to it, and will suffer itself to be handled without ejecting this horrible odor. The young of the Ringed Snake are hatched from eggs, which are laid in strings in some warm spot and left to be hatched by the heat of the weather or other natural means. Dung- hills are favorite localities for these eggs, as the heat evolved from the decaying vegetable matter is most useful in aiding their development, and it often happens that a female Snake obtains access into a hothouse and there deposits her eggs. Some persons say that the mother is sometimes known to remain near the eggs, and to coil herself round them as has already been related of the boa. The eggs are soft, as if made of parchment, and whitish. > we bi? yee THE BLOWING VIPER. 129 They are found in chains containing fifteen or twenty, and are cemented together by a kind of glutinous substance. During the winter the Snake retires to some sheltered spot, where it remains until the warm days of spring call it again to action. The localities which it chooses for its winter quarters are always in some well sheltered spot, generally under the gnarled roots of ancient trees, under heaps of dry brushwood, or deep crevices. In these places the Snakes will con- gregate in great numbers, more than a hundred having been taken from one hollow. A few years ago I saw a hole from which a great number of Ringed Snakes had been taken ; it was situated in a bank, at some depth. The color of the Ringed Snake is grayish-green above and blue-black below, often mottled with deep black. Behind the head is a collar of golden yellow, often broken in the middle so as to look like two patckes of yellow. Behind the yellow collar is another of black, sometimes broken in the middle also. Along the back run two rows of smal] dark spots, and a row of large, oblong spots is arranged down each side. Both the color and the shape of the spots are very variable. The length of this reptile is generally about a yard, but it sometimes attains a length of four feet. The female is always larger than the male. The generic title Zropidonotus is formed from two Greek words signifying keel-backed, and is given to these Serpents because the scales of the back are keeled. THE HoG-NosE SNAKE is so called from the odd formation of the muzzle, which is rather blunt, and slightly turned up at the tip, something like the snout of a hog. It generally fre- quents moist and marshy localities, as the edges of rivers and ponds, where it finds a plentiful subsistence among the toads, frogs, lizards, and insects which swarm in such spots. It -is an inhabitant of Northern America. Although as harmless as our ringed Snake, and of similar dimensions, so that it need not be feared on account of its bodily strength, the Hog-nose Snake is rather feared by those who are not acquainted with its structure and habits. If it be irritated in any way, it assumes a most threatening attitude, coils itself like a rattlesnake, flattening its head after the fashion of venomous Serpents, utters a furious hiss, and strikes at the foe with the rapidity of lightning. Yet all this flourish of defiance is without the least foundation, and although it might serve to intimidate the ignorant, only raises the mirth of the better instructed. For the Serpent does not even open its mouth when it strikes, but darts its closed jaws at the foe, without even inflicting the trifling wounds which might be caused by its small but needle-like teeth. Even if pushed about with a stick, and handled in the roughest manner, it never bites, but contents itself with its impotent personation of the venomous Snakes. Sometimes it tries other arts, and instead of stimulating envenomed rage, pretends to be dead and lies motionless, hoping to escape as soon as the enemy has gone away. So perfectly does it assume the semblance of death, suffering itself to be tossed about without displaying the least sign of life, the muscles relaxed and the body hanging loosely and heavily in the hand, that experienced naturalists have been repeatedly deceived, and only discovered the deception by seeing the reptile make its escape after they had left it lying apparently dead upon the ground. The color of the Hog-nose Snake is rather variable, but is generally of a darker or lighter brown above, with a row of large blotches of a different shade of brown running along the sides. Sometimes these blotches are so large, that they unite across the back and form broad bands. There is a dark band between the eyes. The average length of this reptile is about three feet. THE species called BLow1ne VirEr (Heterodon platyrhynchus), and Buckwheat-nose, is a most vicious appearing reptile, yet wholly harmless. Its habit of inflating its head and throat renders it unusually forbidding. It is common in the Middle and New England States west of the Connecticut River. H. simus is common in the Western States. Five other species are known in North America, Vou. I1.—17. see ® 130 THE CORN-SNAKE. THE sombre BLACK VIPER belongs to the same genus as the preceding species, and is very similar to that reptile in many of its habits. It is also an inhabitant of Northern America. Like the hog-nose Snake, it is much dreaded from its fierce aspect, but without the least reason. It is a very ugly and ungraceful-looking Snake, with a neck of great width, and a head very narrow in front and very wide behind, and is by no means a pleasing object to the eye. It does not frequent the marshy localities so constantly as the hog-nose, but prefers the more elevated and drier situations, having a great fondness for the pine-barren districts where the soil is dry and the fallen leaves afford it a shelter and a hunting-ground. It feeds mostly on little mammalia, certain reptiles and insects. Like the hog-nose Snake, it hisses and strikes with fangless jaws when irritated, and on account of its thick body, flat, wide head, and little glittering eyes, has so venomous an aspect, that it terrifies almost any antagonist for the moment, and then glides away before he has recovered from the instinctive shock to the nerves. : The color of the Black Viper is wholly black above, without any spots, though on the living Snake there are indications here and there of a deeper tint. The under parts are blackish-slate, and the throat takes a whiter hue. It is but a little Serpent, in spite of all its airs, being seldom more than twenty inches in length. THE Pryg Snake (Pityophis melanoleucus), called also Bull Snake, is found in the pine- barrens of New Jersey, and southwards in such localities to Georgia. Six other species of this genus are recorded as North American. ALLEGHANY BiLack SNAKE (Coluber obsoletus). This was first discovered on a summit of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Virginia. Specimens have since been found in the Highlands of the Hudson River. It resembles the common Black Snake, but has carinated scales, which readily distinguish it. It is credited with an exceedingly mild disposition, quite in contrast with the latter reptile. Holbrook’s specimen measured five feet three inches. DeKay calls it the Racer, and Pilot Black Snake. Yet it surely cannot be the Racer that is so often referred to by observers, who report a long and large Black Snake, which runs along the tops of bushes, and well justifies the popular designation. THE Fox Snake (C. vulpinus) inhabits from Massachusetts westward to Kansas and northward. THE family of the Colubrine is represented in most parts of the world, North America possessing a large number of examples. The Corn-SNAKE of America may be reckoned among the most handsome of its tribe. This pretty reptile is extremely common in many parts of America, although it is not very fre- quently seen, owing to its dislike of daylight. As long as the sun is above the horizon, the Corn-Snake conceals itself in some hiding-place, and issues from its home as soon as the shades of evening begin to approach. It is fearless after its fashion, and has an instinctive liking for the habitations of mankind, haunting farms and houses, where it does considerable service by devouring rats and mice. Occasionally it takes toll in the form of a chicken, but its services most certainly outbalance its little perquisites. It will even enter houses, and can be tamed and made quite familiar. Sometimes it takes a fancy to frequent the roadside, and may be seen quietly coiled and at rest, or trailing its beautiful scales out of the reach of wheels or hoofs. The colors of this Serpent are brilliant, and arranged in a bold and striking manner. The general color is rich chestnut-red, and along each side runs a series of large patches of a brighter, but deeper red, each patch being edged with jetty-black. There is also a row on each side of much smaller spots of an oval shape, just outside the larger row, and arranged alter- nately with them. These spots are golden-yellow, and are also edged with black. There are some similar spots on the head, and a streak is generally found over each temple. The under BE THE SCARLET KING SNAKE. 131 parts are silvery white, boldly checkered with black. The length of the Corn-Snake varies from five to six feet. The SporreD Racer is another name for the Corn-Snake of the South, its northern limit being the Carolinas. ANOTHER example of this genus is the TauNDER SNAKE, so called from the threatening black and white of its body, which seems to have a lowering aspect, and to menace poison as’ the thunder-cloud augurs lightning. Sometimes it is known by the name of Kine Snakg, or CHAIN SNAKE, the latter title being given because the black and white markings of the body are arranged alternately in a chain-like fashion. The Thunder Snake is mostly found in moist and shady places, where it feeds upon small quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds if it can catch them. The portentous aspect of this Snake is fully carried out by its character, which is fierce, quarrelsome, and aggressive to a degree THUNDER SNAKE— Ophibolus getulus. seldom found even in poisonous Serpents, and in a fangless Snake not at all to be expected. If put in a box with other Serpents, it always quarrels and fights with them; and in one instance, when a Thunder Snake had been introduced into a cage where a miliary rattlesnake was resid- ing, it attacked the venomous reptile in spite of its poisonous weapons, overpowered, killed, and ate it. Some persons think that a deadly feud always rages between the Thunder Snake and rattlesnake, but the truth of this supposition is somewhat dubious. In the instance just mentioned, the creature would probably have treated a Serpent of any species in precisely the same manner. The Thunder Snake is colored after a very peculiar fashion. All along the body run alternate bands of jetty-black and pure white, the black being very broad and the white very narrow, and not reaching completely across the body. The head is also mottled and scribbled with black upon white after a curious and most complicated fashion. The full length of this Serpent is about four feet. Tue Scartet K1ne SNAKE (Ophibolus doliatus) inhabits Florida, and extends northward only as far as North Carolina. Its length is three feet six inches. Five other varieties of this genus are recorded as North American, found in the Southwestern States. a 132 ; THE MILK SNAKE, OR HOUSE SNAKE. The CuHicken Snake (Coluber quadrivittatus) derives its name from its habit of entering farms and houses and stealing chickens from the roost. As, however, it feeds largely on rats and mice, its services in this respect may in all probability counter- balance the loss caused by its thefts. Like the corn-Snake, it is soon tamed, and will become very familiar. In color it is a very delicate looking reptile, being of a soft bright golden-brown, and having four narrow stripes upon a rich dark brown running the whole length of the body. In length it is usually about four feet six inches, though a few specimens attain the length of six and even seven feet. This is also a Northern American reptile. CHICKEN SNAKE.— Coluber quadrivitiatus. Say’s SNAKE is a most attractive creature, having a bluish-black body, with round milk- white spots, thickly bespattered over the entire upper surface. It measures from three to four feet in length. : Its habitat is throughout the Gulf States, Tur Miik Snake, or Hovusr Snake (Ophibolus triangulus), is common in many parts: of North America, and has derived its popular names from its habit of entering houses and its fondness for milk, which some persons fancy it obtains from the cows. Its general food consists of mice and insects, and, like the preceding species, it is probably of some use to the farm where it takes up its residence, and worthy of the encouragement which it sometimes receives. In the general arrangement of the markings, it is not unlike the corn-Snake, with which it has often been confounded, especially after the fresh beauty of its colors has been dimmed by death, or extracted and changed by spirits. There are similar rows of patches along the sides, but in this species the spots are much broader, often coalescing over the back and forming bands, and the general hue of the body is a beautiful blue tinge. ‘The under parts are silver-white, boldly tesselated with oblong and sharply defined marks of black. The length of the Milk Snake is generally about four feet. It inhabits as far north as Maine. In Massachusetts it is called Checkered Adder; in New York it is Sachem Snake and Sand King, and Spotted Adder. In Arkansas and Georgia two species are found, respectively. ay. omit ted THE BLACK SNAKE. 135 KENNIcorr’s CHAIN SNAKE (Ophibolus calligaster) is a species found from Illinois to Kansas. Tue Inpigo SNAKE (Spilotes cowperi), called also Gopher Snake, is a dark indigo-blue in color, much resembling the Black Snake in the bluish-black color. It is stouter in body, and from that fact and a fancied courageousness, the negroes regard it as an enemy and victor of the rattlesnake. Its habit of frequenting the holes of the Gopher suggests the local name. Species belonging to the genus Coluber are found in Aus- tralia, India, Japan, China, and Europe, the latter (Coluber @scu- lapii) being the Serpent which is represented by the ancients as twined round the staff of Aiscu- lapius and the caduceus of Mer- cury. Toe Brack SNAKE of America (Bascanium constrictor) is per- haps the best known of the nnu- merous Serpents, which, happen- ing to be black or dark brown, have been called by the same title. This Snake is common in North- ern America, where it is sometimes known under the name of Racer, on account of its great speed. It is a perfectly harmless, but highly irascible reptile, especially during the breeding-season, when it seems to become endowed with an un- reasoning ferocity, which, happily for the world, is seldom found in COLUBER.— Coluber csculapii. reptiles better provided with offen- sive weapons. It has a curious habit of rustling its tail among the herbage in such a man- ner as to resemble the whirr of the dreaded rattlesnake, and then darts at the object of its rage and inflicts a tolerably severe bite, thereby inducing great terror-on the part of the ’ sufferer, who, in the hurry of the moment, naturally believes that he has been bitten by the rattlesnake itself. . It is fond of climbing trees in search of young birds, eggs, and similar dainties, and even in that position, is of so tetchy a disposition, that when irritated, it will descend in order to attack its foe. Even if confined with other Snakes, it becomes quarrelsome, fights with them, and if possible will kill them. The haunts of the Black Snake are usually to be found along the edges of streams and ponds or lakes, and the reptile is mostly to be seen in shady spots, well sheltered by brush- wood. Sometimes, however, it goes farther a-field, and wanders over the free country, traverses rocky soil, or glides along the roadside. It is a most useful reptile, being very fond of rats, and able from its great agility to climb over walls or buildings in search of its prey, and to insinuate its black length into their holes. 134 THE COACH-WHIP SNAKE. It also feeds much on birds, especially when they are young, and is consequently an object of detestation to the feathered tribes. It often happens that the locality of the Black Snake is indicated by the proceedings of the little birds, which collect above their hated enemy, scold with harsh cries, flutter their wings noisily, and by dint of continual annoyance will often drive the reptile away from the locality. It has been thought that this Serpent was in the habit of killing its prey by pressure, after the fashion of the boas, but this statement has not been satisfactorily confirmed. The color of this Snake is blue-black above, and ashen slate below, becoming rather whiter upon the throat. In some specimens a number of spots are observed upon the back of a deeper and duller hue than the general tint. In length the Black Snake generally reaches from five to six feet. This familiar Serpent of our country-side is the beaw ideal of its race; expressing the most slender and graceful form, with an extreme length of body. The tail is prolonged gradually to a mere point, and becomes highly prehensile. The head is graceful, and the steel-bluish, uniform color, with the beautifully tessellated arrangement of scales, all tend to render the creature attractive in spite of its being a Snake, usually the embodiment of the unsightly. Add to this, the Black Snake is the most active of its order; and even the most powerful. ' This is widely distributed over the United States. A species found in California is dedicated to General Fremont. It has a stouter body and a larger head than the preced- ing. Nine other species will be found enumerated in the catalogue at the end of this volume. : BEAD SNAKE (Hilaps fulvius). Tnhabits Virginia and southward to Alabama. It is also called Harlequin, from its curiously marked body. ‘Though possessing poison-fangs, it is very gentle and mild in disposition. It is jet-black, with seventeen broad crimson rings, each bordered with yellow. Two other species are recorded, #. tenere, and LZ. tristis, of Texas. Rippon SNAKE (Hutenia sawrita). Called also Swift Garter Snake. The markings are slender and ribbon-like. Inhabits east of the Alleghanies and southward to Georgia. Fairies GARTER SNAKE (Z. faireyi). Inhabits the Mississippi valley, and northward to Michigun. Say’s GARTER SNAKE has the same dabitat. Hay’s GARTER SNAKE inhabits from Lake Michigan, westward to Oregon. Common GarteR SNAKE (#. sirtalis), is the familiar striped Snake of eastern New England, and is our most common species. Several varieties are known. ‘Ten other species are also enumerated as inhabiting the United States. Water AppDER (Tropidonotus sipedon). This is an exceedingly common aquatic Snake, indigenous to the Eastern United States. A variety, called the REpD-BELLIED WATER SNAKE, is common in Michigan. Twelve distinct species are known as North American. THE small, but interesting family of the Dryadide contains a number of Serpents remark- able for the slender elegance of their form, the delicate beauty of their coloring, and the singular swiftness of their movements. : The well-known CoacH-wuip Snake, of North America, is a useful example. of this family. This remarkable reptile has not earned its popular name without good reason, for the resemblance between one of these Serpents and a leather whip-thong is almost incredibly close. , The creature is very long in proportion to its width, the neck and head are very small, THE GREEN SNAKE. 135 the body gradually swells towards the middle and then as gradually diminishes to the tail, which ends ina small point. The large smooth scales are arranged in such a manner that they just resemble the plaited leather of the whip, and the polished brown-black of the surface is exactly like that of a well-worn thong. The movements of this Snake are wonderfully quick, and when ghaxing: its prey, it seems to fly over the ground. The mode of attack is very remarkable. Seizing the doomed creature in its mouth, it leaps forward, flings itself over the victim, envelops it with coil upon coil of its lithe body, so as to entangle the limbs and bind them to the body, and, in fact, makes itself into a living lasso. One of these Snakes was seen engaged in battle with a hawk, and would apparently have conquered in the seemingly unequal com- bat had not the foes been separated. It had grasped the hawk by one wing, had dragged it to the ground, and had suc- ceeded in disabling the terrible claws from striking, when the sudden approach of the narrator alarmed the Snake, which re- leased its hold, darted into the bushes, and permitted the rescued hawk to fly away in peace. The color of this Serpent is rather variable. Generally it is shining black above and lighter beneath, with splashes of purple- brown. Sometimes, however, it is cream or clay-colored, and oc- casionally has been seen almost white. But, whatever color may be the body, the portion near the head is always raven-black. The length of this Snake is about five or six feet. The Coach-Whip Snake (Bascanium flagelliforme) is a rare species, inhabiting the Gulf States. As its name suggests, the body is long, slender, and SS SoS ISS > graceful; and it is a rapid COACH-WHIP SNAKE.—Bascanium flagelliforme. runner. Other species are from Texas, from the great Salt Lake, and from California. A genus, Saloadora, has a species found in Mexico. ANOTHER very slender Snake, also a native of America, is closely allied to the preceding species. This is the Gremn Syaxe, well known for its grass-green color and its singular activity. The Green Snake is fond of climbing trees, traversing the boughs in search of food with marvellous celerity, and darting at its insect prey through considerable distances. So slender is this Serpent, that a specimen which measures three feet in length, will barely reach one- third of an inch in thickness at its widest part. Partly owing to this extreme delicacy of form, and partly on account of the leaf-green color of its body, the Green Snake is not easily seen among the foliage, and in many cases would be undiscovered but for its rapid and energetic movements. The food of this Snake consists mostly of insects. It is very readily 136 THE EMERALD WHIP SNAKE. tamed, and many persons are fond of carrying the beautiful creature about them, tying it round their throats as a necklace, or as a bracelet on the wrist. The eye corresponds in beauty to the rest of the person, being very large and of a beautiful topaz-yellow. The color of the Green Snake is delicate grass-green above, and silvery-white below. Its average length is about three feet. Its shape is much like the Black Snake, but it is smaller. Its habitat is in the Southern States. Another species is found in Texas and Arkansas. THE common GREEN SNAKE, called also Grass Snake, in the Northern States, inhabits from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Contia, a genus of Baird and Giraud, has three species, C. mitis, of California. THE RING-NECKED SNAKE (Diadophis punctatus), called also the Little Black and Red Snake, inhabits from Maine to Florida. Another species, D. amabilis, inhabits California ; D. docilis, Texas; D. pulchellus, California ; D. regalis, Mexico. Lodia is a genus of Baird and Giraud. JZ. tenwis is the species found in Puget Sound region. * Sonora is a genus of same authorities ; species semi-annalata, found in Mexico. THe ScarLtet SNAKE (Cemophora coccinea) inhabits the Gulf States. It is an exceed- ingly handsome reptile ; richly colored. Rhinochilus lecontei is a form discovered by Lecont in San Diego, California. THE Brown Snake (Haldea striatula) inhabits from Virginia to the Gulf States. Tur Horn Snake (Farancia abacura), called also Red-bellied Snake, inhabits the Gulf States. Two other allied genera, Abaster and Virginia, with one species each, are known in the Southern States. THE Worm SNAKE, called also GRounD SNAKE (Carphophiops amenus), inhabits from Pennsylvania to Gulf States. The genus Zantilla embraces two species, each of the Southern States... THE small Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) found rather common from’ New York State to the Gulf States. It is a small gray form, with minute spots of black along its upper parts. Another species is SrorER’s SNAKE (S. occipito maculata). A FAmiLy of North American Reptiles named Boida, is characterized by the individuals having rudimentary hinder limbs, or spur-like appendages, situated near the anas. The LEAD-COLORED WeEnona (Charina plumbea) inhabits Puget Sound. C. dotte is another species, found in the same region. ‘ BRAZIL possesses a most lovely example of these Serpents, the EMERALD Wurp SNAKE (Philodryas viridissimus). : Dr. Wucherer, of Bahia, writes as follows concerning this pretty species in a letter quoted by Sir J. E. Tennent, in his ‘‘ Natural History of Ceylon’’: ‘‘I am always delighted when I find that another tree-Snake has settled in my garden. You look for a bird’s nest: the young ones have gone, but you find their bed occupied by one of these beautiful creatures, which will coil up its body of two foot in length within a space not larger than the hollow of your hand. ‘‘They appear to be always watchful, for at the instant you discover one, the quick playing of the long, black, forked tongue, will show you that you, too, are observed. On > THE BOOMSLANGE. 137 perceiving the slightest sign of your intention to disturb it, the Snake will dart upwards through the branches and over the leaves, which scarcely seem to bend beneath the weight. A moment more, and you have lost sight of it. Whenever I return to Europe, you may be sure that in my hothouse these harmless lovely creatures shall not be missing.” The green color of this species is paler than above. THE GRAy SNAKE of Jamaica (Drémicus ater) is another instance of this family. It is often called the BLAcK Snakx, but as that title has already been employed, it is better to use the popular name which is first mentioned. This reptile is extremely plentiful in Jamaica, where it is mostly found haunting heaps of dead leaves, rocks and buildings. It is especially fond of the crevices found in old walls, and will lie for hours with its head and neck hanging out of some cranny partially awaiting the approach of any miserable lizard which may come within reach while searching after flies. It is rather a savage ophidian, darting fiercely at its adversary if irritated, and inflicting a wound which, though not dangerous, is very unpleasant, and causes the limb to swell and ache for some time. It is said, that if it is attacked by a dog, it strikes at the eyes, and can blind the poor creature. While preparing to strike, it dilates its neck, and flattens its head, so as to look as like a venomous Serpent as its limited means will permit. The color of the Gray Snake is exceedingly variable. Mostly, it is uniformly black, with a tinge of brown; but it often happens, that the former tint is subservient to the latter, and in many cases the color is gray, sometimes of a uniform tint, and sometimes variegated with large dark spots. The length of this Snake is rather more than three feet. THE little family of the Dasypeltidee possesses but one genus, but is remarkable for the formation of the teeth and their use. The teeth of the jaws are very minute and scanty, being at the most only six or seven in number; but some sharp and strong processes issue from the hinder vertebree of the neck, through holes in the a and form a series of tooth-like projections in the gullet. The most familiar example of this family is the Rouen Anopon, of Southern Africa. The name Anodon is of Greek origin, and signifies toothless. This reptile lives almost wholly upon eggs, which it eats after a curious fashion. When it finds a nest, it takes the eggs into its mouth, where they lie unharmed, on account of the absence of teeth, so that the shell is not broken, and the liquid contents are preserved. When, however, the reptile swallows the egg, it passes into the throat, and meets the saw-like row of .vertebral teeth which have just been mentioned. In its passage, the shell is cut open by these teeth, and the muscular con- traction of the gullet then crushes the eggs, and enables the contents to flow down the Snake’s throat. These bony processes are tipped with enamel like real teeth. The color of this remarkable Serpent is brown, with a row of black marks along the back, sometimes coalescing into a continuous chain, a series of smaller spots upon each side, and ‘some arrow-head marks upon the head of a jetty-black. Tre next family is composed of the Tree-Serpents, or Dendrophide, so called from the habit of residing among the branches of trees. Our first example of this family is the well-known BoomsLAner, of Southern Africa. In pronouncing this word, which is of Dutch or German origin, and signifies Tree-Snake, the reader must remember that it is a word of three syllables. The Boomslange is a native of Southern Africa, and is among the most variable of Serpents in coloring, being green, olive, or brown; of such different colors, that it has often been separated into several distinct species. Dr. A. Smith has given the following valuable description of the Boomslange and its habits :— “The natives of South Africa regard the Boomslange as poisonous; but in their opinion we cannot concur, as we have not been able to discover the existence of any gland manifestly Vol. 11.—18. _ 138 THE BOIGA. organized for the secretion of poison. The fangs are inclosed in a soft, pulpy sheath, the inner surface of which is commonly coated with a thin, glairy secretion. This secretion pos- sibly may have something acrid and irritating in its quality, which may, when it enters a wound, occasion pain and swelling, but nothing of greater importance. ‘“‘The Boomslange is generally found on trees, to which it resorts for the purpose of catching birds, upon which it delights to feed. The presence of a specimen in a tree is gener- ally soon discovered by the birds of the neighborhood, who collect around it, and fly to and fro, uttering the most piercing cries, until some one, more terror-struck than the rest, actually scans its lips, and, almost without resistance, becomes a meal for its enemy. During such a = N\\ BOOMSLANGE.—Bucephalus capensis. proceeding, the Snake is generally observed with its head raised about ten or tweive inches above the branch, round which its body and tail are entwined, with its mouth open and its neck inflated as if anxiously endeavoring to increase the terror which, it would almost appear it was aware, would sooner or later bring within its grasp some one of the feathered group. ‘* Whatever may be said in ridicule of fascination, it is nevertheless true, that birds, and even quadrupeds also, are, under certain circumstances, unable to retire from the presence of certain of their enemies ; and what is even more extraordinary, unable to resist the propen- sity to advance from a situation of actual safety into one of the most imminent danger. This I have often seen exemplified in the case of birds and Snakes ; and I have heard of instances equally curious, in which antelopes and other quadrupeds have been so bewildered by the sudden appearance of crocodiles, and by the grimaces and contortions they practised, as to be unable to fly or even move from the spot towards which they were approaching to seize them.” THE beautiful Borca, sometimes called the Ana#tTuLLA, also belongs to the family of Tree-Serpents. This pretty and graceful creature inhabits Borneo, and, on account of the extreme gentleness of its disposition and the ease with which it is tamed, the children are in the habit of considering it as a kind of living toy, and allow it to twine around their bodies, or carry it about in their little hands, without the least alarm. It is a most active Serpent, THE BROWN WOOD-SNAKE. 139 living in trees, and darting its lithe form from branch to branch with arrow-like celerity, leaping, as it were, from the coiled folds in which it prepares itself for the spring, and passing through the boughs as if shot from a bow, its glittering scales flashing an emerald-or sapphi- rine radiance, as it glances through the sunbeams. The head of the Boiga is long and slender, as beseems the delicate body ; the eye is very full and round, and the gape very wide. The upper part of its body is rich, shining blue, shot with sparkling green ; and three bright, golden stripes run along the body, one travers- ing the spinal line, and another passing along each side. Behind each eye isa bold jetty- black streak, and immediately below the black line runs a stripe of pure white. The specific name ought properly to be spelled leiocercus. It is of Greek origin, and signifies smooth-tail, in allusion to the smooth-surfaced scales of the back and tail. THE family of the Wood-Snakes, or Dryiophide, as they are learnedly called, contains some interesting and rather cu- rious reptiles. The GoLpDEN TREE-SNAKE, which is a native of Mexico, is a most lovely species, and of a most singular length, looking more like the thong of a ‘gig whip” than a living reptile. It lives in trees, and in many re- spects resembles the preceding species. It is not so gorgeously decorated as the boiga, but its colors are beautifully soft and delicate. The general tint of this Serpent is gray, tinged with yellow, and having a golden reflection in certain lights, and being decidedly iridescent in others. The body is profusely covered with minute dottings of black. THE accompanying illustra- tion represents the LANGAHA, one of the Serpents of Madagas- car, remarkable for the singular appendage to the head. The muzzle is extremely elongated, and is furnished with a fleshy projection, about one-third as long as the head, and covered with small scales. There is an- other species, the CooxK’s-coMB Laneana (Langaha crista-gal- Ui), also a native of Madagascar, which is known from the ordi- l nary species by the form of the LANGAHA.—Langaha nasuta. (Two-thirds natural size.) appendage, which is toothed something like the comb upon a cock’s head. The color of the Langaha is reddish-brown. A very beautiful example of the Wood-Snakes is found in Ceylon. This is the Brown Woop-SnakE (Passerita mycterizans). Like the langaha, the snout of this Serpent is 140 THE SERPENT-EATING HAMADRYAS. furnished with an appendage, which is pointed, and covered with scales, and is about one- fourth as long as the head. This appendage is conspicuous, but its use is not very plain. It lives almost wholly in trees, and is nocturnal in its habits, traversing the boughs at night for the purpose of catching the small birds as they sleep, taking their young out of the nest, and preying upon the lizards and geckos which also prowl about the trees by night in search of their insect food. There are two varieties of this beautiful Serpent, one being bright green above, with a yellow stripe down each side, and paler below; while the other is brown, glossed with purple, and without the yellow stripe. This variety is rare. The length of these Snakes rarely exceeds three feet. Tue Drpsas and its congeners may be known from the preceding Snakes, which they much resemble in general form, by the large size of the head compared with the extremely delicate and slender neck. The body, too, is much wider in the centre, causing the neck and tail to appear disproportionately small. This Snake is a native of many parts of Asia, and is found in the Philippines. The name Dipsas is derived from a Greek word, signifying thirst, and is given to this Snake because the ancients believed that it was eternally drinking water and eternally thirsty ; and that, to allay in some degree the raging drought, it lay coiled in the scanty springs that rendered the deserts passable. As they considered almost all Serpents to be venomous, and, according to the custom of human nature, feared most the creatures of which they knew least, they fancied that the waters were poisoned by the presence of this dreaded Snake. Lucan, in the Pharsalia, alludes to this idea :— “ And now with fiercer heat the desert glows, And mid-day gleamings aggravate their woes; When lo! a spring amid the sandy plain Shows its clear mouth to cheer the fainting train, But round the guarded brink, in thick array Dire aspics rolled their congregated way, And thirsting in the midst the horrid Dipsas lay. Blank horror seized their veins, and at the view, Back from the fount the troops recoiling flew.” The ancient writers also averred that the bite of the Dipsas inoculated the sufferer with its own insatiate thirst, so that the victim either died miserably from drought, or killed himself by continually drinking water. The colors of the Dipsas are not brilliant, but are soft and pleasing. The general tint is gray, banded with brown of different shades, sometimes deepening into black. The top of the head is variegated with brown, and a dark streak runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth. THE BANDED Bunearvs is a native of India, where, from its habits, it is sometimes called the Rock Serpent. The name Bungarus is a most barbarous Latinization of the native word Bungarum-Pamma, which, though not euphonious, has at all events the advantage of being indigenous, and might have been spared the further distortion of being wrested into a sham classical form. In this reptile the head is rather flat and short, and the muzzle is rounded. The upper jaws are furnished with grooved fangs. The color of the Banded Bungarus is very variable, but always consists of some light hue, relieved by bands or rings of jetty-black along its length. AN allied species, the S—ERPENT-EATING HAMADRYAS (Hamadryas elaps), is noted for the peculiarity from which it derives its name. It feeds almost wholly on reptiles, devouring the lizards that inhabit the same country, and also living largely on Snakes. Dr. Cantor says of this Serpent that it cannot bear starvation nearly so well as most reptiles, requiring to be fed at least once a month. ‘‘Two specimens in my possession were regularly fed by giving them a Serpent, no matter whether venomous or not, every fortnight. As soon as this food is brought near, the Serpent begins to hiss loudly, and expanding its hood, rises two or three THE COBRA DI CAPELLO. 141 feet, and retaining this attitude, as if to take a sure aim, watching the movements of the prey, darts upon it in the same manner as the naja tripudians (i. e. the cobra) does. When the victim is killed by poison, and by degrees swallowed, the act is followed by a lethargic state, lasting for about twelve hours. The Hamadryas is fond of water, will drink, and likes to pass the tongue rapidly through water as if to moisten that member. It is a fierce and dangerous reptile, not only resisting when attacked, but even pursuing the foe should he retreat, a proceeding contrary to the ~ general rule among Serpents. The poison of this creature is virulent and active, a fowl dying in fourteen minutes, and a dog in less than three hours, after receiving the fatal bite, although the experiments were made in the cold season, when the poison of venomous Snakes is always rather inactive. The poisonous secretion reddens litmus paper very slightly, and, as is the case with most Serpent poisons, loses its efficacy by being exposed to the air. . The native name of the Hamadryas is Sunkr Choar. BANDED BUNGARUS.—Bungarus fasciatus, /) The color of this Snake is generally of an olive hue, auburn and pale below, but there is a variety marked with cross-bands of white. It is a large species, varying from four to six feet in length, while some specimens are said to reach ten feet. WE now come to some of the most deadly of the Serpent tribe, the first of which is the well-known CoBra DI CAPELLO, or HoopEp Cosra of India. This celebrated Serpent has long been famous, not only for the deadly power of its venom, but for the singular performances in which it takes part. The Cobra inhabits many parts of Asia, and in almost every place where it is found, certain daring men take upon themselves the profession of Serpent-charmers, and handle these fearful reptiles with impunity, cause them to move in time to certain musical sounds, and assert that they bear a life charmed against the bite of these reptilian playmates. One of these men will take a Cobra in his bare hands, toss it about with perfect nonchalance, allow it to twine about his naked breast, tie it round his neck, and treat it with as little ceremony as if it were an earth-worm. He will then 142 SNAKE CHARMING. take the same Serpent—or apparently the same—make it bite a fowl, which soon dies from the poison, and will then renew his periormances. Some persons say that the whole affair is but an exhibition of that jugglery in which the Indians are such wondrous adepts; that the Serpents with which the man plays are harmless, having been deprived of their fangs, and that a really venomous specimen is adroitly substi- tuted for the purpose of killing the fowl. It is moreover said, and truly, that a Snake, thought to have been rendered innocuous by the deprivation of its fangs, has bitten one of its masters and killed him, thus proving the imposture. Still, neither of these explanations will entirely disprove the mastery of man over a * venomous Serpent. In the first instance, it is surely as perilous an action to substitute a venomous Serpent as to play with it. Where was it hidden, why did it not bite the man | ee Ta Z ae NY vy SERPENT-EATING HAMADRYAS.—Hamadryas daps. (See page 140.) instead of the fowl, and how did the juggler prevent it from using its teeth, while he was conveying it away? ~And, in the second instance, the detection of an impostor is by no means a proof that all who pretend to the same powers are likewise impostors. The following narrative of Mr. H. E. Reyne, quoted by Sir J. E. Tennent in his ‘‘ Natural History of Ceylon,’’ seems to be a sufficient proof that the man did possess sufficient power to induce a truly poisonous Serpent to leave its hole and to perform certain antics at his com- mand: ‘‘ A Snake-charmer came to my bungalow, requesting me to allow him to show me his Snake dancing. As I had frequently seen them, I told. him I would give him a rupee if he would accompany me to the jungle and catch a Cobra that I knew frequented the place. ‘He was willing, and as I was anxious to test the truth of the charm, I counted his tame Snakes, and put a watch over them until I returned with him. Before going I examined the ANTIDOTES AND REMEDIES. 143 man, and satisfied myself he had no Snake about his person. When we arrived at the spot, he played upon a small pipe, and after persevering for some time, out came a large Cobra from an ant-hill which I knew it occupied. On seeing the man, it tried to escape, but he caught it by the tail and kept swinging it round until we reached the bungalow. He then made it dance, but before long it bit him above the knee. He immediately bandaged the leg above the bite, and applied a Snake-stone to the wound to extract the poison. He was in great pain for a few minutes, but after that it gradually went away, the stone falling off just before he was relieved. “When he recovered, he held up a cloth, at which the Snake flew, and caught its fangs in it. While in that position, the man passed his hand up its back, and, having seized it by, the throat, he extracted the fangs in my presence and gave them to me. He then squeezed out the poison on to a leaf. It was a clear oily substance, and when rubbed on the hand, produced a fine lather. I carefully watched the whole operation, which was also witnessed by my clerk and two or three other persons.”’ With regard to the so-called charming of Serpents, diets is no need of imagining these men to be possessed of any superhuman powers ; for these, and most of the venomous Serpents, are peculiarly indolent, and averse to using the terrible weapons which they wield ; in proof of which assertion, the reader may recollect that Mr. Waterton, though not pretending to be a Snake-charmer, carried a number of rattlesnakes in his bare hand without being bitten for his meddling. Not that I would positively assert that the Snake-charmers do not possess some means of rendering themselves comparatively proof against the Serpent's bite ; for it is reasonable to conclude that, just as a secretion of a cow will, when it has been suffered to pervade the system, render it proof against the poison of the small-pox, there may be some substance which, by a kind of inoculation, can guard the recipient against the poison of the Cobra. In the last century, the one was quite as irremediable as the other. Another fact is yet to be mentioned. In almost every instance where a poison, vegetable or animal, is likely to gain access to human beings, Nature supplies a remedy at no great dis- tance, just as, to take a familiar instance, the dock is always to be found near the nettle. There certainly are many poisons for which no sure remedy has been discovered, and, until lately, the venom of the Cobra ranked among that number. Recently, however, some impor- tant discoveries have been made, which seem to prove that the bite of the Cobra may be cured in two methods, viz., the external application of certain substances to the wound, and the internal administration of others. As the general character of the Cobra is almost precisely the same as that of many other venomous Serpents, and has long been familiar to the public, I shaJl devote the greater portion of the space, not to the creature a but to the remedies for its bite. The first of these remedies is a plant belonging to the group of SAN aorta) and known to botanists by the name of Aristolochia indica. This plant has long been considered as a valuable remedy for the bite of the Cobra, but the accounts of its use and mode of operation have mostly been vague and scarcely trust- worthy. I have, however, been fortunate enough to obtain much valuable information on this subject from R. Lowther, formerly Commissioner in India, who was accustomed to employ this plant very largely in cases of Cobra-bites, and has kindly forwarded the following communication on the subject :— “ According to your request I have the pleasure of inclosing a statement of one out of at least twenty cases of Snake-bites, in which the exhibition of the Aristolochia indica was attended with complete success, on patients who were brought to my house on a litter, in a perfect state of coma from the bites of venomous Snakes. “The Aristolochia indica is noticed by medical writers as a powerful stimulant, much extolled as a remedy for Snake-bites, in support of which I need only refer you to my detailed statement, as also to the circumstances under which the plant was transferred to my garden at Allahabad. The gentleman from whom I received it (Mr. Breton, Deputy Collector of Customs) gave me the following account of it: 144 VALUE OF THE ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA, ‘** A Cobra, to the great alarm of his servants, had taken up its abode in a mound of earth, formed by white ants, in the vicinity of his house. A party of Snake-catchers having one day made their appearance in the village, Mr. Breton was afforded the opportunity of getting rid of the reptile by having it dug out of its lodgment. After having reached a considerable depth, the man at work used his finger for the purpose of ascertaining the direction of the hole. This seemed to have been its termination, or nearly so, as the Snake caught hold of his finger. His companion immediarely ran of to the bank of a stream near at hand, and brought back some leaves, which, having bruised with a stone, he administered to his friend’s relief. Mr. Breton requested the man to take him to the plant, which he forthwith removed to his own garden. The Snake-catcher informed him the plant was a specific, and that they usually carried the dried root about with them in case of need. ‘‘Mr. Breton, having been subsequently appointed to Allahabad, brought the plant away, and was successful in the treatment of numerous cases. On being removed to a distant station, he transferred the plant to me. The plant is a creeper, and sheds its leaves at that season when Snakes, for the most part, are lying inert in their holes. I should have mentioned, that the Cobra above referred to was killed in the hole. ‘There are several species of Aristolochia, all of them I believe stimulant; but the Indica is that which I refer to—it is intensely bitter and strongly aromatic. ‘“‘In one bad case which came under my treatment, in which large doses had been exhibited, I gave an additional leaf to the patient to take home, but to be used only in case of relapse. Her husband informed me that, although quite recovered, she took the extra dose at one o’clock in the morning, and became so giddy that in attempting to move she reeled about like a drunken creature. ‘* A young Hindoo woman was brought to my door in a ‘charpoy,’ or litter, in a state so apparently lifeless from a Snake-bite, that I had no hesitation in refusing to prescribe. An officer; who was on a visit at my house at the time, considered the woman beyond the power of human relief, and advised me to send her away, as my failure would bring discredit on a remedy which was attracting public notice. In this instance the patient was as cold as marble; there was no pulsation; countenance death-like. ‘ REMARKS UPON THE ARISTOLOCHIA. 145 oun recovered, I allowed her to depart. She called on the following morning to show herself. “The Snake unfortunately escaped, but the woman described it as a ‘Kala Samp,’ which is the term ordinarily used for the Kobra Kapelle. **T have written the above entirely from memory, the case having occurred eight or nine years ago. ‘**A middle-aged woman was brought to my door in the early part of the rainy season, who had been bitten by a Snake at daybreak, while stooping down for the purpose of sweeping the floor. She called out to the people of the house that a rat had bitten her, and nothing more was thought of it, as her attention was directed to her infant, who became fractious for the breast. She accordingly went to bed to give the child sustenance, and not long afterwards complained of giddiness. It was suggested to her that a Snake might have bitten her, but she referred to a hole in the mud-wall from which the rat must have darted out. ‘** Nothing further transpired until the household were alarmed on finding her in a state of insensibility, foaming at the mouth, and the infant at her breast. They were then convinced that a Snake must have done the mischief, and immediately carried her off to the charmer! After detaining the woman for a full hour, the fellow coolly told her friends to take her off to the Commissioner, who would prescribe for her. The poor woman had been dead for some time before the incantations were finished. On arriving at my house, I found the deceased in a state of incipient decomposition, and, having heard the statement of her friends, directed them to take the body away for the performance of funeral rites, and to lose no time in bringing her infant, who was said to be suffering from the effects of the poison. ‘**The poor thing reached my house in a state of insensibility, though not dead. Its head was hanging on its shoulder, and when raised beyond the perpendicular would fall on the opposite shoulder. The body was not cold, and that was the only indication that death had not supervened. I selected one of the smallest of the leaves of the Aristolochia, and pounded one-third of it, and, with a small table-spoonful of water, poured the solution into the stomach. After the lapse of four or five minutes the child heaved a deep sigh, opened its eyes wildly, gave a loud scream, and afterwards became quite composed. The child was brought to me on the following morning quite well.” As this plant is so valuable, and seems likely to become an acknowledged remedy, a few lines may be spared for a short description of the species, and the mode of its action. The Aristolochia Indica is one species of a rather large genus, inhabiting many parts of the world, but being most plentiful in the hotter regions. It is a creeping plant, and the specimens grown by Mr. Lowther were trained upon a trellis-work, which they clothed with their narrow, abruptly pointed leaves. Another species of this group of plants, the Aristo- lochia serpentina, is not uncommmon in parts of North America, where it is known under the title of the Virginian Snake-root. An infusion of this plant is used as a specific against ague and liver affections. The fresh leaf of the Aristolochia Indica is, when tasted, very bitter and aromatic, bear- ing some resemblance to quinine in the clear searching quality of the bitter. It is remarkable that when persons are suffering from the poison of the Cobra, they describe it as being sweet. There is certainly a kind of sweetness in the leaf, for on chewing a dried leaf of this plant, kindly sent me by Sir W. Hooker, from the collection in the botanical gardens at Kew, I find it to be rather, but not very bitter, with a pungent aroma, something like that of the common ivy, and a faint, though decided sweetness as an after-flavor. It is not a universal specific, for when experiments were tried by getting some dogs bitten by the Cobra, and treating them with this leaf, they died to all appearance sooner than if they had been entirely neglected. Mr. Lowther has made rather a curious series of experiments on the Cobra’s poison and the mode of its action, and has found that while human beings become cold as marble under the influence of the venom, dogs are affected Vou. Iil.—19. 146 SNAKE-STONES. in precisely an opposite manner, being. thrown into a high fever, from which they die. The body of a dog killed by a Cobra’s bite, will remain quite hot for some ten hours. The Aris- tolochia, therefore, which is a powerful stimulant, rather aids than counteracts the operation of the poison. In the case of a human being, however, the effect of this remedy seems to be infallible, and Mr. Lowther informs me that he always kept a mortar and pestle by the plant, so that no time should be lost in bruising the leaf, and mixing it thoroughly with water, before pouring it down the throat of the sufferer. The admixture of water was necessary, because, in most instances, the patient was insensible, and the jaws stiffened, so that the mouth needed to be opened forcibly, and the preparation poured down the throat. THE second mode of cure employed by the natives of India, Ceylon, and even of some parts of Africa, is the now celebrated Snake-stone, so carefully described by Sir J. E. Tennent in his ‘‘ Natural History of Ceylon.’’ On being bitten by a Cobra, the sufferer applies one of these remarkable objects to each puncture, where they adhere strongly for a variable space of time, five or six minutes appearing to be the usual average. They seem to absorb the blood as it flows from the wound, and at last fall off without being touched, when the danger is con- sidered to be over. This mode of application is general throughout all parts of the world where the Snake-stone is known. Through the kindness of Sir J. E. Tennent, I have been enabled to make a careful inspec- tion of these objects, and to peruse the original letters relating to their use. They are flattish, shaped something like the half of an almond with squared ends, rather light, bearing a very high polish, and of an intense black—in fact, looking much as if they were rudely cut from common jet. The value of these singular objects is placed beyond doubt by the carefully accredited narratives lately published. In one case, a native was seen to dart inte the wood, and return, bearing a Cobra, about six feet in length, grasping it by the neck with the right hand and by the tail with the left. The Serpent was powerful, and struggled so hard, that its captor was forced to call for assistance. As, however, he held the reptile awkwardly, it contrived to get its head round, and to the horror of the spectators, fastened on his hand, retaining its hold for several seconds. The white bystanders at once gave up the man for lost, but his com- panion speedily produced from his waistband two Snake-stones, one of whieh he applied to each puncture. They clung firmly, seemed to absorb the flowing blood, and in a minute or two relieved the extreme pain which the man was already suffering. Presently both Snake-stones dropped simultaneously, and the man declared that the danger had then passed away. Another native then took from his stores a little piece of white wood, passed it over the head of the Cobra, grasped it by the neck and put it into his basket, averring that when armed with this weapon, a man could handle any kind of Snake without being bitten. A similar instance is related by Mr. Lavalliere, formerly District Judge of Kandy, and forwarded to Sir J. E. Tennent by the writer, together with the materials employed. The woody substances will presently be described ; at present our business is with the Snake-stone, or Pamboo-Kaloo as the natives call it. The formation of these objects has long been a mystery, and they have been made into a very profitable article of commerce by those who possess the secret. The monks of Manilla are said to be the chief makers of Snake-stones, and to supply the merchants, by whom they are distributed throughout so many countries. One of these stones was sent for analysis to Mr. Faraday, who pronounced it to be made of charred bone, and in all probability to have been filled with blood, and again charred. ‘* Evidence of this is afforded, as well by the apertures of cells or tubes on its surface, as by the fact that it yields and breaks under pressure, and exhibits an organic structure within. When heated slightly, water rises from it and also a little ammonia, and if heated still more highly in the air, carbon burns away, and a bulky white ash is left, retaining the shape and size of the stone,’ This ash is composed of phosphate of lime, and Sir J, E, Tennent remarks, SPEOTACLE-MARKS OF THE COBRA. 147 with much judgment, that the blood discovered by Mr. Faraday was probably that of the native to whom the Snake-stone was applied. Another light has been thrown on the subject by Mr. R. W. H. Hardy, who states that the Snake-stone is in use in Mexico, and that it is formed by cutting a piece of stag’s-horn into the proper shape, wrapping it tightly in grass or hay, folding it in sheet copper so as to exclude the air, and calcining it in a charcoal fire. Being desirous of testing the truth of this recipe, I procured a piece of stag’s-horn, cut it into proper shape, and exposed it to the heat of a fierce charcoal fire for an hour and a half. On removing it from the copper, the hay had been fused into a black mass, easily broken, and forming a complete cast of the inclosed horn, which fell out like an almond from its shell. : On comparing the charred horn with the veritable Snake-stones, I find them to be identical except in the polish. The fracture of both is the same, and when exposed to a white heat in the air, my own specimen burned away, leaving a white ash precisely as related of the real specimen, and the ashes of both are exactly alike, saving that my own is of a purer white than that specimen calcined by Mr. Faraday, which has a slight tinge of pink, possibly from the absorbed blood. On throwing it into water it gave out a vast amount of air from its pores, making the water look for a few seconds as if it were newly opened champagne, a peculiarity which agrees with Thunberg’s description of the Snake-stone used at the Cape, and imported at a high price from Malabar. The rather high polish of the Cingalese Snake- stone I could not rightly impart to my own specimen, probably for want of patience. I found, however, that by rendering the surface very smooth with a file, and afterwards with emery paper, before exposing it to the fire, it could be burnished afterwards by rubbing it with polished steel. Even in the original objects, the polish is not universal, the plane side being much rougher than the convex. We will now pass to the little pieces of woody substance, by which the natives assert that they hold dominion over the Serpent tribe. It has already been mentioned that the native who produced the Snake-stones, employed a small piece of wood as a charm to render the Snake harmless while he handled it. Mr. Lavalliere, in the course of his narration, remarks that the man who was bitten proceeded to bandage his leg above the wound, and to stroke it downwards with a piece of some root. I have also inspected the identical substances used in the two cases just narrated, and have come to the conclusion that no virtue resides in the particular plant from which the charm is taken, but the whole of its value lies in the confidence with which the possessor is inspired. There are three specimens of charmed woods, all belonging to different plants. One is apparently a part of an aristolochia, another is so small and shrivelled that it cannot be identified, while the third, on being cut and tasted, proves to be nothing more or less than a piece of common ginger. This fact serves to establish the theory of Mr. Waterton, that there is no particular secret in Snake-charming, except the possession of confidence and unhesi- tating resolution. Onz notable peculiarity in the Cobra is the expansion of the neck, popularly called the hood. This phenomenon is attributable, not only to the skin and muscles, but to the skeleton. About twenty pairs of the ribs of the neck and fore part of the back are flat instead of curved, and increase gradually from the head to the eleventh or twelfth pair, from which they decrease until they are merged into the ordinary curved ribs of the body. When the Snake is excited, it brings these ribs forward so as to spread the skin, and then displays the oval hood to best advantage. In this species, the back of the hood is ornamented with two large eye-like spots, united by a curved black stripe, so formed that the whole mark bears a singular resemblance to a pair of spectacles. The native Indians have a curious legend respecting the origin of this mark, and their reverence for the reptile. One day when Buddha was lying asleep in the sun, a Cobra came and raised its body between him and the burning beams, spreading its hood so as to shade his face. The grateful deity promised to repay the favor, but forgot todo so. In those days the Brahminny kite used to prey largely on the Cobras, and worked such devastation among 148 THE BEAD SNAKE. them, that the individual who had done Buddha the forgotten service ventured to remind him of his promise, and to beg relief from the attacks of the kite. Buddha immediately granted the request by placing the spectacles on the Snake’s hood, thereby frightening the kite so much that it has never since ventured to attack a Cobra. It is rather curious that many persons fancy that the Cobra loses a joint of its tail every time that it sheds its poison, this belief being exactly opposite to the popular notion that the rattlesnake gains a new joint to its rattle for every being which it has killed. The color of this Serpent is singularly uncertain, and in the museums may be seen several specimens of each variety. In some cases the body is brownish-olive, and the spectacles are white, edged with black. Another variety is also brownish-olive, but covered with irregular * cross-bands of black. The spectacles are remarkably bold, white, edged with black. Other specimens are olive, marbled richly with brown below. The spectacles are like those of the last variety. Sometimes a few specimens are found of a uniform brownish-olive without any spectacles ; others are black with white spectacles, and others, again, black without spectacles. Even the number of rows in which the scales are disposed is as variable as the color. The specimens without spectacles seem to come from Borneo, Java, the Philippines, and other islands. The length of the Cobra di Capello is usually between three and four feet. THE AFRICAN Copra, or HAJE, is equally poisonous with its Asiatic relative. It is some- times called SpuvGH-SLANGE, or Spitting-Snake, on account of its power of projecting the poisonous secretion to a distance. It effects this object by a sudden and violent expiration of the breath, and, if aided by the wind, will strike an object at the distance of several feet. Gordon Cumming mentions an instance of his suffering from the poison of this Serpent: ‘‘ A horrid Snake, which Weinberg had tried to kill with his loading-rod, flew up at my eye and spat poison in it. I endured great pain all night; the next day the eye came all right again.” This short narrative was much ridiculed when the work first appeared, familiar as the existence of the Spitting-Snake has been to naturalists for many years. The Haje is one of the fiercest among poison-bearing Snakes, seldom running from an adversary, but generally turning to fight, and not unfrequently beginning the attack. Gener- ally, it moves slowly, but when angry, it darts at its foe, and strikes and spits with such rapid energy, that the antagonist stands in need of a quick hand and eye to conquer the furious reptile. It is a good climber, and is in the habit of ascending trees in search of prey. It is fond of water, and will enter that element voluntarily. While immersed, it swims well, but slowly, scarcely elevating its head above the surface. In coloring it is one of the most variable of Snakes. Sometimes it is light yellow-brown, either of a uniform tint, or covered with irregular blotches. This is the variety shown in the colored illustration. Other specimens are black when adult, having, when young, a series of broad yellow bands on the fore part of the body. Another variety is black, with a grayish- white spectacle-like mark on the neck, and the fore part of the abdomen yellow, with some broad cross-bands. It is rather curious that the hood of the black specimens is not so wide as in the yellow and brown varieties. The length of the Haje is about five or six feet. OnE of the brightest and loveliest of Serpents is the BEap Snaxe of North America. This beautiful little reptile inhabits the cultivated grounds, especially frequenting the sweet-potato plantations, and burrowing in the earth, close to the roots of the plants, so that it is often dug up by the negroes while getting in the harvest. It possesses poison-fangs, but is apparently never known to use them, permitting itself to be handled in the roughest manner, without attempting to bite the hand that holds it. The colors of this Snake are bright, pure, and arranged in a manner so as to contrast boldly with each other. The muzzle and part of the head are black, the remainder of the head is golden-yellow, and the front of the neck jetty-black. A narrow band of golden-yellow with undulating edges comes next the black, and is followed by a broad band of the lightest carmine. From this point the whole of the body and tail are covered with narrow rings of golden-yellow, alternating with broad bands of carmine and jetty-black. Towards the tail the Rees THE BATRACHIANS. 149 carmine bands become paler and more of a vermilion hue, and for the last four inches there are no red bands, the black and yellow alternating equally. The extreme tip of the tail is yellow. The Bead Snake never attains any great size, seldom exceeding two feet in length. Ir is very remarkable that the terrible LAaBarri Snake of South America (Zlaps lemniscdtus) should be closely allied to and belong to the same genus as the bead Snake of the Northern States. Mr. Waterton states that this Serpent is fond of lying coiled on a stump of a tree or some bare spot of ground, where it can hardly be distinguished from the object on which it is reposing. The same writer remarks in a letter to me, that ‘‘the Labarri Snake has fangs, and is mortally poisonous when adult. It exhibits the colors of the rainbow when alive, but these colors fade in death. I have killed Labarri Snakes eight feet long.’’ WE now arrive at a most curious family, known by the possession of very long poison- fangs, perforated, and permanently erect. They only include one genus, of which the best known species is the NARROW-HEADED DENDRASPIS (Dendraspis angisticeps). This Serpent is very long, slender, and unusually active and a good climber, exceeding the haje in this accomplishment. It is found in Southern Africa, and is tolerably common at Natal. Its color is olive-brown washed with green above, and a paler green below. It is rather a large though very slender Snake, sometimes reaching the length of six feet. TuE last example of the Serpent tribe is the ATRAcTASPIS of Southern Africa (Atractaspis irregularis). The fangs of this Snake are longer in proportion than those of any other known Serpent, reaching nearly to the angle of the mouth. They are so long, indeed, that Dr. Smith is of opinion that the creature cannot open its mouth sufficiently wide to erect the fangs fully, so that the poison-teeth are always directed backwards. They still, however, serve an impor- tant purpose ; for when the Atractaspis seizes its prey, the poison-fangs necessarily pierce the skin, so as to inject the venom into the body of the victim, and from their shape act as grapnels, by which all attempts at escape are foiled. Very little is known of the habits of this Snake, but it is thought to burrow in loose ground. * The color of the Atractaspis is blackish-green above, shaded with orange-brown, and ’ orange-buff below. It is a small Serpent, rarely measuring more than two feet in length. THE BATRACHIANS. FROGS AND TOADS. Tur BATRAOHIANS are separated from the true reptiles on account of their peculiar development, which gives them a strong likeness to the fishes, and affords a good ground for considering these animals to form a distinct order. On their extrusion from the egg, they bear no resemblance to their parents, but are in a kind of intermediate existence, closely anal- ogous to the caterpillar or larval state of insects, and called by the same name. Like the fish, they exist wholly in the water, and breathe through gills instead of lungs, obtaining the need- ful oxygen from the water which washes the delicate gill-membranes. At this early period they have no external limbs, moving by the rapid vibration of the flat and fan-like tail with which they are supplied. While in this state, they are popularly called tadpoles, those of the frog sometimes bearing the provincial name of pollywogs. The skin of the Batrachians is not scaly, and in most instances is smooth and soft. Further peculiarities will be mentioned in connection with the different species. These creatures fall naturally into two sub-orders—the leaping or tail-less Batrachians, and the crawling Batrachians. The leaping Batrachians, comprising the frogs and toads, are familiar in almost all lands. 150 . THE SURINAM TOAD. The tongue plays an important part in separating the frogs and toads into groups ; and in the first group the tongue is altogether absent, these creatures being, in consequence, called Aglossa, or tongueless Batrachians. THE first of these creatures, the XENoPus of Western and Southern Africa (Dactylethra levis), is remarkable for possessing nails on its feet, the first three toes being tipped with a sharply-pointed claw or nail. The family is very small, comprising only one genus, and, as far as is known, two species. The color of the Xenopus is ashy-brown, veined with blackish- brown. It is rather a large species. Tue celebrated SuRrNAM ToaD has long attracted attention, not for its beauty, as it is one of the most unprepossessing of beings, but for the extraordinary way in which the devel- opment of the young is conducted. When the eggs are laid, the male takes them in his broad paws, and contrives to place : them on the back of his mate, where they adhere by means of a certain glutinous secretion, iG War $a SURINAM TOAD.—Pipa americana. and by degrees become embedded in a series of curious cells formed for them in the skin. When the process is completed, the cells are closed by a kind of membrane, and the back of the female Toad bears a strong resemblance to a piece of dark honey-comb, when the cells are filled and closed. Here the eggs are hatched ; and in these strange receptacles the young pass through their first stages of life, not emerging until they have attained their limbs, and can move about on the ground. i The skin of this, as well as of other Batrachians, is separated from the muscles of the back, and allows room for the formation of the cells, being nearly half an inch thick. The full-sized cells are much deeper than long, and each would about hold a common horse-bean, thrust into it endways. The mouths of, the cells assume an irregularly hexagonal form, prob- ably because their original shape would be cylindrical, were they not squeezed against each other. STRUCTURE AND HABITS OF THE FROG. 151 When the young have attained their perfect state, they break their way through the cover of the cells, and present a most singular aspect as they struggle from the skin, their heads and paws projecting in all directions. After the whole brood have left their mother’s back, the cells begin to fill up again, closing from below as well as from above, and becoming irregularly puckered on the floors. The cells in the middle of the back are the first developed ; the whole process occupies rather more than eighty days. As its name implies, this singular creature inhabits Surinam, but is also found in various parts of Central America. In spite of its repulsive aspect, the negroes are said to eat its flesh. The color of the Surinam Toad is brownish-olive above, and whitish below. The skin is covered with a large number of tiny and very hard granules, among which are interspersed some horny tubercular projections. The snout is of a very curious shape, the nostrils being lengthened into a kind of leathery tube. The throat of the male is furnished with a very large bony apparatus, of a triangular, box-like shape ; and within are two movable pieces by which the voice is modulated. In the illustration the animal appears one-half of its natural size. WE now come to the Batrachians with tongues. In the greater number of these creat- ures, the tongue is fastened to the front of the mouth, and free behind, the tip pointing down the throat. The prey is taken by the rapid throwing forward of this tongue, and its equally rapid withdrawal into the mouth, carrying the doomed creature on its tip, with such celerity, that the eye can hardly follow the movement. The skeleton of the adult Frog is worthy of a short notice before we proceed to the further investigation of these remarkable creatures. The first remarkable point is the shape of the head, and the enormous size of the orbits of the eyes, which are so large, that, when the skull is placed flat upon an open book, several words can be read through the orifices. Very little room is left for the brain, and, in consequence, the intellectual powers of the Frog are but slender. The vertebre are furnished with projections at each side, but the ribs are totally wanting. On account of this deficiency, the process of respiration cannot be maintained as is usual among the better developed beings, but is similar to that which is employed by the tortoises. The needful movements are made not by the sides but by the throat, so that if a quiescent Frog be watched, it appears to be continually guiping something down its throat, as is indeed the case, the material being air, which is thus forced into the beautifully formed lungs. The hind-legs are extremely long, and the toes so much lengthened, that in the common Frog the middle toe occupies about three-fifths of the length of the entire body, and in some species is even more produced. Owing to the peculiar shape of the limbs, the Frog when reposing sits almost upright, and is at once ready for the extraordinarily long leaps which it can take when alarmed. The usual mode of progression is by a series of jumps, though of short range, but the creature will often crawl after the fashion of the toad—the presence of a snake seeming almost always to have the effect of causing the change of action. The skin of the Frog is very porous, and is capable of absorbing and exuding water with wonderful rapidity. If a Frog, for example, be kept for some time in a perfectly dry spot, it loses its fine, sleek condition, becomes thin and apparently emaciated, and assumes a very pitable appearance. But if it be then placed merely on wet blotting-paper, its thirsty skin drinks the needful moisture, and it soon becomes quite plump and fresh. A familiar proof of the extreme porosity of the skin is afforded by the dead Frogs which are often found on the highroad or dry paths in the middle of summer, and which are dried into a shrivelled, horny mass, which would be shapeless but for the bones of the skeleton around which the skin and muscles contract. The whole of these creatures are most tenacious of life, suffering the severest wounds without appearing to be much injured at the time, and bearing the extremes of cold and hunger with singular endurance. Heat, however, is always distasteful to the Frog, and when carried to any extreme becomes fatal. In the hot countries, where Frogs of various species exist, they all unite in the one habit of avoiding the hot beams of the sun by hiding in 152 THE AFRICAN BULL-FROG. burrows or crevices during the day, and only emerging from their refuge in the night-time, or during rainy weather. Many species even dive below the muddy soil of pools as soon as the water has nearly disappeared, and there remain moist, torpid, and content until the next rains refill their home with the needful waters. Most of the Frogs have a power of changing the color of the skin, which is often found to lose its brightest tints and become dark brown or nearly black in a very short space of time. Any sudden alarm will often produce this change, the presence of a snake being an almost unfailing means of effecting this object ; and it is known that the color of the Frogs is greatly affected by the locality in which they are at the time placed. The Tree-Frogs are more subject to this change of color than the ordinary species ; but even the common Frog is well known to alter from yellow to brownish-black in a very short space of time. This change is produced by some mental emotion acting wpon certain masses of pigment or coloring matter in the skin ; and for a further elucidation of the subject, I must refer the reader to my ‘‘ Common Objects for the Microscope,’’ where the pigment masses are drawn as seen through the microscope, and their peculiar action explained. One of the most singular members of this group of animals is the PARADOXICAL FrRoG (Pseudis paradoxa). This curious creature is a native of Surinam and South America, and is remarkable for the enormous size of the larva, or tadpole. As a general rule, and indeed, as might be expected, the generality of the batrachians are smaller in their larval than in their adult state; the tadpole of the common Frog being a good example. But the Paradoxical Frog exhibits a phenomenon which is perhaps found in none of the higher animals, though common enough among the non-vertebrated beings, and is less in its adult state than in its preliminary form of tadpole. The tail of this tadpole is exceedingly voluminous, and the body has other envelopes or appendages, which, when thrown off as it proceeds to its perfect state, reduce the bulk so greatly that the earlier observers thought that the creature reversed the usual order of nature, and from a Frog became a tadpole. Some persons went even further, and said that it was changed from a Frog into a fish. The appropriate title of Paradoxical was given to it in allusion to this opinion. : Strange, however, as this phenomenon may appear, and remarkable as it undoubtedly is, it finds abundant parallels in the insects, where the larva is often of greater bulk than the per- fect insect, or imago, as it is technically called. We may take for example the common silk- worm, where the caterpillar is extremely large when compared with the moth into which it afterwards changes; or that great, fat, bulky, subterranean grub which eats continually for three years, becomes so obese that it is forced to lie on its side, and afterwards turns into the neat, compact, and active little cockchaffer. The color of the Paradoxical Frog is greenish, spotted with brown, and streaked irregu- larly with brown along its legs and thighs. The snout is tapering and rather pointed in front. Our next example of the Ranide is the ArricAN Buit-FRoe. This fine species is spread over the whole of Southern Africa, but is found most plenti-- fully towards the eastern coast, where it always frequents springs, pools, or the vicinity of fresh water. It is most impatient of drought, and when a more than usually dry season has parched the ground and rendered the hot soil uncomfortable for the delicate skin of - the creature’s feet and abdomen, these Frogs are said to congregate in the pools in great numbers, and just before the water has quite dried up, to burrow deeply into the soft mud and there lie until the next rains bring the welcome moisture. Fifty of these large Frogs have been seen gathered together in one little pool, far from any other water. It is, moreover, evident that they must have some place of conceatment, for they are sure to appear in great numbers after a few heavy rains, and it is quite consistent with probability that they should possess a simple and obvious method of preserving their lives during the frequent droughts of the climate in which they reside. > THE SHAD-FROG. 153 Dr. Livingstone mentions this fine species in his well-known work on Southern Africa, as follows :— “Another article of which our children partook with eagerness was a very large Frog, called ‘ Matlamétlo.’ “These enormous Frogs, which, when cooked, look like chickens, are supposed by the natives to fall down from the thunder-clouds, because after a heavy shower the pools which are filled, and retain water a few days, become instantly alive with this loud croaking pug- nacious game. This phenomenon takes place in the driest parts of the desert, and in places where to an ordinary observer there is not a sign of life. ‘Having been once benighted in a district of the Kalahari, where there was no prospect of getting water for our cattle for a day or two, I was surprised to hear in the fine, still evening the croaking of Frogs. Walking out until I was certain that the musicians were between me and our fire, I found that they could be merry on nothing else but a prospect of rain. ‘From the bushmen I afterwards learned that the Matlamétlo makes a hole at the root of certain bushes, and there ensconces himself during the months of drought. As he seldom emerges, a large variety of spider takes advantage of the hole, and makes its web across the orifice. He is thus furnished with a window and screen gratis, and no one but a bushman would think of searching beneath a spider’s web for a Frog. They completely eluded any search on the occasion referred to; and as they rush forth into the hollows filled by the thun- der-showers when the rain is actually falling, and the Bechuanas are cowering under their skin garments, the sudden chorus struck up simultaneously from all sides seems to indicate a descent from the clouds. ‘The presence of these Matlamétlo in the desert in a time of drought was rather a disappointment, for I had been accustomed to suppose that the note was always emitted by them when they were chin-deep in water. Their music was always regarded in other spots as the most pleasant sound that met the ear after crossing portions of the sandy desert; and I could fully appreciate the sympathy for these animals shown by Aisop, himself an African.” _ It is a large and handsome species, but becomes duller in color as it increases in age. The young, however, are very lightly tinted. The general color is greenish-brown above, with a decided rusty wash, variegated with mottlings of reddish-brown, and streaked and spotted with yellow. The green takes a brighter and purer hue along the sides of the head and legs. The abdomen is yellow, mottled with orange, and the chin is striped and splashed with brown. The eyes are very curious and beautiful, being of a rich chestnut hue, covered with a profusion of little golden-white dots, which shine with a metallic lustre. When young, the yellow lines on the body are edged with jetty-black, and the legs are covered with bold black bars. The head is stout and rather flat, and the skin of the body is puckered into longitudinal folds. The lower jaw is remarkable for two large, bony, tooth- like projections in front. The ordinary length of a full-grown specimen is about six inches. WE now come to the very large genus of which the common Frog is so familiar an example, and which finds representatives in all except cold latitudes. The very handsome SuHAvD-F Roe derives its popular name from its habit of making its appearance on land at the same time that the shads visit the shore. The specific title Aalectna also alludes to this cir- cumstance, as the Indian word for a shad is halec. This Frog requires much moisture, and is seldom seen at any distance from the banks of rivers or pools of fresh water. Sometimes, however, when the dew lies very heavily on the grass, the Shad-Frog makes its way over the fields to spots far from the water-side, but takes care to return before the hot sunbeams have dried up the grateful moisture of the herbage. The food of this reptile consists chiefly of insects. It is a very active creature, and ever lively, making leaps of eight or ten feet in length. Vor, Ii.—20, é 154 THE BULL-FROG. It is thought by many persons to rank among the handsomest of the froggish tribe. The general color is light golden-green, variegated with four rows of olive spots, edged with rich gold. One regular row of these spots runs along each side of the spine, and the others are scattered rather vaguely along the sides. The throat is white with a silvery lustre, and the abdomen whitish-yellow. The aural vesicles are brown, with a circular centre of azure-blue, and look like two little targets on the side of the head. The eyes are very large, of a beauti- ful golden lustre, and with a bold black streak drawn horizontally through their centre. The legs are exceedingly long in proportion to the size of the body, being five inches in length, whereas the body measures scarcely three inches. This length of limb and lightness of body adds greatly to the leaping powers, for which this creature is so celebrated. The Shad-Frog is called also the Leopard Frog, as well as Shad-Frog in Pennsylvania. It inhabits North America generally. THE GREEN F'Roe (Rana clamitans), called also Spring Frog, inhabits the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is a handsome species—bright green, spotted with black. Tut Woop Froe (Rana temporaria) is a European species, common in all eastern portions of the United States. Two varieties are recognized. THE Sorirary SPADE-FooT (Scaphiopus) is a curious form, inhabiting sparsely the eastern United States. THE common TREE ToaD (Ayla versicolor) is very abundant and familiar in the eastern Middle States. Its length is about two inches. H. pickeringii, Pickering’s Frog, is less common. H. andersonti, Anderson’s Frog, is quite rare. Pickering’s is about one inch in length. Tor TREE Froe (Chorophilus triseriatus) inhabits the eastern portion of the United - States. THE Cricket Froe (Acris gryllus) has the same habitat. A variety, crepetans, is enumerated as a North American form—called the Western Cricket. ANOTHER very common and very pretty Frog is abundant in the eastern United States. This is the PIcKEREL FRoG, so called because it enjoys a sad pre-eminence among anglers as a bait for pike, too fortunate if it can be snapped up at once by the voracious fish, instead of dangling for a season in mid-water, with a hook delicately inserted under its skin so as to keep it lively as long as possible, and prevent it from losing by death its attractive appearance. It is mostly found in or near the salt marshes, and is remarkable for possessing a powerful and extremely disagreeable odor. In spite, however, of this seeming draw- back, its flesh is said to be very delicate, and to be quite as good as that of the edible Frog of Europe. The coloring of this species is very striking, on account of its irregularly squared aspect. The ground tint is pale brown above, covered with moderately large square spots of dark brown arranged like the stones of a tesselated pavement, and producing a somewhat regular pattern. A bright yellow line, not raised above the general surface, runs from behind each eye, and the under parts are yellowish-white. It is quite a little Frog, being under three inches in length. Upon the accompanying oleograph is presented the figure of the celebrated BuLu-FrRoe of America (Rana catesbiana), one of the largest and most conspicuous of its kind. This enormous batrachian is perhaps the best swimmer among the Frog race, having been known to live for several years in water without any support for its feet. It leads a solitary THE BULL-FROG. 155 life for the greater part of its existence, living in a hole near the water, and seldom leaving its domicile by day unless when suddenly alarmed. If frightened by an unknown sound or sight, the Bull-Frog leaps at once into the water, and instead of diving to the bottom immediately, skims along the surface for a few yards before it disappears. ‘During the breeding season, these huge Frogs assemble together in great multitudes, congregating to the amount of four or five hundred in some pool or marsh, sitting with their bodies half submerged, and making night hideous with their horrid bellowing cries. Few persons, except those who have had personal experience, and who have lost night after night of needful sleep by the ceaseless noise, can imagine the loudness of voice and variety of tone possessed by the different species of Frogs. And travellers who lie awake at night, unwilling hearers of the nocturnal concerts, are disposed to envy the happy ignorance of those whose calmer lot is cast in countries where the drummings, bellowings, chatterings, and pipings of the Frog race are practically unknown. Among these nightly musicians the Bull-Frog is the loudest and most pertinacious ; mostly remaining quiet by day, but sometimes exulting ina black cloud or a heavy shower, and raising its horrid din even in the hours of daylight. It is a most voracious creature, feeding mostly on snails and similar prey, which it catches on its nocturnal excursions from its domicile, but often devouring animals of a larger size, such as crayfish, two of which crustaceans have been found in the stomach of a single Bull- Frog, and even gobbling down an occasional chicken or duckling. Taking advantage of its voracity, the inhabitants of the country are in the habit of catching it by means of a rod and line. The hook is generally baited with an insect, and gently drawn along the ground near the Frog, which leaps upon it, seizes it, and is hooked without difficulty. It is rather curious that the Frog will not touch the insect as long as it is allowed to rest quietly on the ground, but as soon as the line is pulled, so as to make the insect move, it is at once pounced upon. The common Frogs and toads have the same custom. The flesh. of the Bull-Frog is very delicately flavored, and in some places the creature is kept in captivity and fed for table. This species is exceedingly active, making leaps of eight or ten feet in length and five feet in height. There is a well-known story of a race between a Bull-Frog and an Indian, the former to have three jumps in advance, and the distance about forty yards, to a pond from which the Frog had been taken. When the parties were ready to start, the glowing tip of a burning stick was applied to the Bull-Frog, which set off at such a rate, and made such astonishing leaps to get into the welcome water, that its human opponent was vanquished in the race. , In some places this creature is never disturbed, as it is supposed, perhaps with some justice, to aid in keeping the water pure. The popular name of Bull-Frog is derived from its cry, which is said to resemble the bellowing of the animal whose name it bears. Several species of Frog have been classed under the same popular name. The color of the Bull-Frog is brown, mottled with black above, and taking a greener hue upon the head. The abdomen is grayish-white, and the throat is white dotted with green. The length of the head and body of the large species is rather more than six inches, and a fine specimen will sometimes measure nineteen or twenty inches from the nose to the extremity of its feet. The skin of the back is smooth, and without any longitudinal fold. THERE is another tolerably common species inhabiting the same country, which is also popularly called the Bull-Frog. It may be readily distinguished from the bull-Frog, which it otherwise greatly resembles, by the presence of a glandular fold on each side of the back. It is a very noisy creature, with a sharper and more yelping cry than the preceding species. When disturbed, it shoots at once into the water, and there sets up its peculiar cry. It is more active than the common bull-Frog, and if once released, is almost certain to escape, from the great length and rapidity of its leaps, the creature never seeming to pause between two jumps, but springing off the earth with an instantaneous rebound not unlike the flying leaps of the jerboa or kangaroo, It is a moisture-loving species, and is never found far from water. 156 DEVELOPMENT OF THE TADPOLE. WE now come to the best known of all the batrachians, the Common Frog. The general form and appearance of this creature are too well known to need much description. It is found plentifully in all parts of Europe and America, wandering to consid- erable distances from water, and sometimes getting into pits, cellars, and similar localities, where it lives for years without ever seeing water. The food of the adult Frog is wholly of an animal character, and consists of slugs, possibly worms, and insects of nearly every kind, the wire-worm being a favorite article of diet. A little colony of Frogs is most useful in a garden, as they will do more to keep down the various insect vermin that injure the garden, than can be achieved by the constant labor of a human being. The chief interest of the Frog lies in the curious changes which it undergoes before it attains its perfect condition. Every one is familiar with the huge masses of transparent jelly- like substance, profusely and regularly dotted with black spots, which lie in the shallows of a river or the ordinary ditches that intersect the fields. Each of these little black spots is the egg of a Frog, and is surrounded with a globular gelatinous envelope about a quarter of an inch in diameter. According to gipsy lore, rheumatism may be cured by plunging into a bath filled with Frog spawn. On comparing these huge masses with the dimensions of the parent Frog, the observer is disposed to think that so bulky a substance must be the aggregated work of a host of Frogs. Such, however, is not the case, although the mass of spawn is forty or fifty times DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG AND OF THE TADPOLE OF THE GREEN FROG.—1. Eggs just laid. 2. The same, a short while later. 3. Tadpole in the Egg. 4 and 5. Tadpoles just out of Egg. 6 to 12. Further development of the Tadpole, up to its last transformation. larger than the creature which laid it. The process is as follows: The eggs are always laid under water, and when first deposited, are covered with a very slight but firm membranous envelope, so as to take up very little space. No sooner, however, are they left to develop, than the envelope begins to absorb water with astonishing rapidity, and in a short time the eggs are inclosed in the centre of their jelly-like globes, and thus kept well apart from each other. In process of time, certain various changes take place in the egg, and at the proper period the form of the young Frog begins to become apparent. In this state it is a black grub-like creature, with a large head and a flattened tail. By degrees it gains strength, and at last fairly breaks its way through the egg and is launched upon a world of dangers, under the various names of tadpole, pollywog, toe-biter, or horsenail. As it is intended for the present to lead an aquatic life, its breathing apparatus is formed on the same principle as the gills of a fish, but is visible externally, and when fully developed consists of a double tuft of finger-like appendages on each side of the head. The tadpole, with the fully developed branchiz, is shown at Fig. 6, on the accompanying illustration. No sooner, however, have these organs attained their size than they begin again to diminish, the shape of THE BANDED FROG. 157 the body and head being at the same time much altered. In a short time they entirely dis- appear, being drawn into the cavity of the chest, and guarded externally by a kind of gill cover. This is is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Other changes are taking place meanwhile. Just behind the head two little projections appear through the skin, which soon develop into legs, which, however, are not at all employed for progression, as the tadpole wriggles its way through the water with that quick undulation of the flat tail which is so familiar to us all. The creature then bears the appearance repre- sented in Fig. 10. Presently another pair of legs make their appearance in front, the tail is gradually absorbed into the body—not falling off, according to the popular belief—the branchie vanish, and the lungs are developed. Figs. 11 and 12 represent a young Frog in a state absorbing the tail. The internal changes are as marvellous as the external. When first hatched, the young tadpole is to all intents and purposes a fish, has fish-like bones, fish-like gills, and a heart composed of only two chambers, one auricle and one ventricle. But in proportion to its age, these organs receive corresponding modifications, a third chamber for the heart being formed by the expansion of one of the large arteries, the vessels of the branchize becoming gradually suppressed, and their place supplied by beautifully cellular lungs, formed by a development of certain membranous sacs that appear to be analogous to the air-bladders of the fishes. The Frog, contracted as are its intellectual powers, is yet susceptible to human influence, and can be tamed by kind treatment. Mr. Bell mentions a curious instance where one of these creatures became so completely domesticated, that it used to come nightly from a hole in the skirting-boards where it had established itself, partake of food offered to it by the members of the family, and even jump upon the hearth-rug in winter in order to enjoy the warmth of the fire. A favorite cat, which inhabited the same house, took a strange fancy to the Frog, and these seemingly incongruous companions were to be constantly seen sitting together on the hearth-rug, the Frog nestling under the soft warm fur of the cat. The Frog was, however, more than a year an inmate of the house before it became domesticated, and for many months would retreat to its stronghold when approached. Stories of so-called ‘‘showers of Frogs” are often seen in the papers, and as a genera! rule are little to be credited, the solution of the supposed phenomenon being merely that a shower of rain has induced the creatures to come simultaneously from their retreats. There are, however, instances where credible spectators have seen them fall, and in such cases the little creatures were probably sucked up by a waterspout, or even by a brisk whirlwind, together with the water in which they were disporting, carried away for some distance, and at last dropped on the ground, as is sometimes the case with sticks, stones, and leaves, picked up by a passing whirlwind. The general color of the common Frog is greenish-yellow, or brown, the same individual often passing through all these colors in a fewdays. A long patch of blackish-brown or warm brown is placed behind each of the eyes, and it is yellowish-white below. There are no teeth in the lower jaw, and only a single row of very tiny teeth in the upper jaw and on the palate. The ordinary length of the Frog is rather less than three inches, and the total length of the hinder leg is about four inches. : A very pretty species of this genus is found in Southern Africa. This is the BANDED Froe, remarkable for the beautiful stripes which adorn its body, and the inordinate length of the second toe of the hind-foot. This pretty creature is not very plentiful in any one locality, but is spread widely through- out the Cape district and the whole of Southern Africa. It is very active, being a good leaper, and brisk in all its movements. The second toe of the hind-foot is truly remarkable. The whole of the toes are but slightly webbed, and project boldly beyond the connecting mem- brane ; but the second toe is nearly as long as the whole body, which is longer than in the generality of Frogs. The object of this exceeding development is not very clear. The general color of this species ig wood-brown, upon which are drawn six dark streaks, * 158 THE ORNATE LAND-FROG. the two centre stripes running nearly the entire length of the body. The hinder part of the thigh is orange-brown, and the under parts are yellowish-white. The length of the head and body is nearly tw6 inches. THE celebrated EDIBLE FROG, or GREEN Frog of Europe (Rana esculenta), also belongs to this large genus. This handsome species is common in all the warmer parts of that Continent, but in the vicinity of large cities is seldom seen, except in the ponds where it is preserved, and whence issues a horrid nocturnal concert in the breeding-time. The proprietors of these frog- geries supply the market regularly, and draw out the Frogs with large wooden rakes as they are wanted. In Paris these creatures are sold at a rather high price for the table, and as only the hind-legs are eaten, a dish of Frogs is rather an expensive article of diet. It is needful to make a very early visit to the market, four or five a. mM. being about the best time, to see the manner in which the Frogs are brought to market. They are gener- ally sold by women, each of whom has by her side two tubs or barrels, one containing living Frogs, and the other having a leather band nailed to the side, in which is stuck a sharp, broad- bladed knife. When the purchaser has bargained for a certain number, the seller plunges her left hand into the one barrel, brings out a Frog by its legs, lays it across the edge of the second barrel, and with a single cut of the knife, severs the hind-legs just above the pelvis, leaving the whole of the body and fore-quarters to fall into the tub. The hind-legs are then carefully skinned, and dressed in various ways, that with white sauce seeming to be the best, at all events according to my own taste. They require considerable cooking, but when properly dressed have a most delicate and peculiar flavor, which has been compared, but not very happily, to the wing of a chicken. I would suggest that a mixture of the smelt and the breast of the spring chicken would convey a good idea of the Edible Frog when cooked. Poachers are very apt to invade the froggeries, and without entering the boundaries often contrive to kidnap a goodly number of the inmates by a very curious mode of angling, some- - thing like ‘‘ bobbing ”’ for eels. They get a very long fishing-rod, tie a line of sufficient length to the tip, and at the end of the line they fasten, in place of a hook and bait, a simple piece of scarlet cloth. Thus prepared, they push the rod over the fence, let the scarlet rag just touch the surface of the water, and shake the rod so as to make the rag quiver and jump about. The Frog, thinking that it has found a very savory morsel, leaps at the rag, closes its mouth firmly upon it, and is neatly tossed out of the water and over the hedge before it can make up its mind to loosen its hold. The color of this species is bright green spotted with black, and having three bold yellow stripes along the back. The under parts are yellowish. In size it is rather larger than the common species. THE remarkable HorRNED F Roe is one of the quaintest species among the Frog tribe. There are several species belonging to this genus, all inhabiting Southern America, and all notable for the singular development of the upper eyelids, which are prolonged into hard, horn-like points. In the present species the back is furnished with a bony shield, and the prominences over the eyes are bold and well defined. The body is short, stout, and squat, the skin covered with tubercles and folds, and the opening of the mouth enormous. It is a large and voracious species, one specimen when opened being found to have swallowed a full-grown land-Frog (Cystignathus fuscus), belonging to the same genus as our next example. The toes are long, powerful, and with hardly a vestige of web except just at the base. 3 THE little ORNATE LAND-F RoG affords a remarkable contrast to the last-mentioned species on account of its small dimensions, the activity of its movements, and the beauty of its coloring. It is found in Georgia and South Carolina, and is always seen on land and dry spots, its thirsty frame being amply supplied by the» dews and casual rains without needing immersion in water. Indeed, this Frog is so little conversant with the element usuaily so familiar to all its tribe, that if thrown into water, it makes no attempt to swim, but lies THE NURSE FROG. 159 helplessly sprawling on the surface. On land, however, it displays wonderful activity, being of an extremely lively nature, and making long and bold leaps in rapid succession, so that it is not to be captured without considerable difficulty. The color of this species is rather variable, but is generally of a soft dove tint, on which are placed several oblong marks of deep rich brown edged with golden-yellow. Below it is silvery-white granulated with gray. It is a very little species, measuring only one inch and a quarter when full-grown. ANOTHER species of this genus, the SenyeaL Lanp-FRoe (Cystignathus senegalensis), inhabits Southern Africa. It resides in burrows in the ground, and is tolerably quiet, except before rain or on a dull day, when it begins to pipe, and continues its curious cry for several hours together. The voice of this Frog is a sharp piping whistle several times repeated. Dr. A. Smith relates that he was greatly puzzled on hearing this strange whistling sound, and made many a fruitless search after the utterer. At last one of the Hottentots showed him the animal in its burrow, and after that time he was able to procure as many as were desired. The head and body of this species are short, puffy, and smooth, and the color is yellowish- gray, with three longitudinal bands. Below, it is yellowish-white without any mottlings. Its length is about two inches. Tue pretty Patntep FrocG is a European species, being found in Greece, Sicily and Sardinia. It has a rather wide range of locality, as it is not uncommon in Northern Africa, along the banks of the Nile, and is tolerably plentiful along the shores of the Mediter- ranean. It is fond of water, but seems careless whether it be salt or fresh, and is found indiffer- ently in rivers, streams, lakes, and the saline morasses. The common esculent Frog possesses similar habits, and the two species are often seen in company. The food of the Painted Frog consists of insects, spiders, slugs, and snails, both terrestrial and aquatic. There is a difference in the web of the toes in the sexes, those of the female being scarcely webbed at all, while in the male the membrane extends to half their length. The thumb is quite rudi- mentary, and its place is indicated by a small tubercular projection. The color and general aspect of the skin are extremely variable, the difference seeming to be quite capricious, and not depending on sex or locality. The ground color is usually yellowish-green or olive, decorated with spots and having several white longitudinal streaks. In some specimens the skin is smooth, while in others it is covered with tubercles, and the spots are seldom alike in two individuals, sometimes running together so as to form continuous bands. The white lines too are often partially, and sometimes wholly absent. In this species the male does not possess any vocal sacs. Tue reader will remember that in the description of the Surinam Toad, on page 150, mention was made of the curious manner in which the female carries her eggs upon her back until they have passed through their preliminary stages of existence. A noteworthy analogy, close in some respects, but failing singularly in others, is to be found in the NursE Froe of Europe (Alytes obstétricans). In this species it is the male that undergoes the anxieties of watching over the young offspring, his mate being comparatively free from that duty. When the eggs, about sixty in number, are laid, he takes possession of them, and fastens them to his legs by means of a glutinous substance, and carries them about with him wherever he goes. In process of time, the eggs swell, and become so transparent that the black eyes of the future young are seen through their envelopes. Their careful parent then proceeds to some spot where he can find still water, deposits them, and departs, rejoicing in his freedom. The young soon burst their way through the envelopes in which they had been surrounded, and swim off merrily. - Except at such times, the Nurse Frog is seldom seen in the vicinity of water, and even at 160 THE COMMON TOAD. that season, the creature does not care to swim about, or even to enter the water. The color of this species is olive-brown with small dark spots. THE very odd-looking species which is popularly and appropriately termed the SoLrrary Froe is a native of North America, and is remarkable for several peculiarities of form, the eye and the foot being chiefly notable. It is a land-loving species, never seen in or near water except during the breeding-season. During the greater part of the year it resides in holes which it scoops in the sandy soil, and at the bottom of which it sits watching for prey, much like a gigantic ant-lion. In order to assist it in digging, the animal is furnished with a flat, sharp-edged spur, with which it scoops out the loose soil. Sometimes, however, it wedges itself into the sand, tail foremost, and shovels its way downwards much after the fashion of the crab. The hole is about six inches in depth. Quick though it is in this labor, it is but a sluggish and inactive creature when compared with most of its kin, being a very poor leaper, and slow in most of its movements. It is gener- ally to be seen in the month of March, just after the spring rains, and is a very hardy species, caring little for cold, and traversing the snow without apparent inconvenience. The eye of the Solitary Frog is very beautiful, and at the same time most remarkable. It is large, full, and of a rich topaz hue, and across its centre run two bold black lines at right angles to each other, so as to form a cross very like that which is seen upon starch grains when viewed by polarized light. Altogether, the aspect of this species is very unique. It looks much more like a toad than a frog, and has a remarkably blunt snout. Its general color is olive, mottled with brown above, and covered with tubercles. Along each side of the spine runs a line of ‘‘king’s yellow,” and the under parts are yellowish-white. The average length of the Solitary Frog rather exceeds two inches. Tue last of the true Frogs which can be mentioned in this work is the BomBarprEeR (Bombindtor igneus), a native of many parts of Europe, and common in France. It is fond of water, and seldom found in very dry localities. When disturbed, it has the power of emitting a strong and very unpleasant odor of garlic, which serves it as a means of defence, like the penetrating scent of the common ringed snake. It is active, and can both swim and leap well. The eggs are laid in long strings, and the tadpole is of a very large size when compared with the earliest state of its perfect existence, and, like the paradoxical Frog already described, is larger in the tadpole state than after it has assumed its perfect form. The color of the Bombardier is grayish-brown above. and orange below, marbled or spotted with blue-black. WE now arrive at another section of Batrachians, including those creatures which are known under the title of Toaps, and of which the Common Toap of Europe is so familiar an example. The members of this section may be krown by the absence of teeth in the jaws and the well-developed ears. The general aspect and habits of this creature are too well known to require more than a cursory notice. Few creatures, perhaps, have been more reviled and maligned than the Toad, and none with less reason. In the olden days, the Toad was held to be the very compendium of poison, and to have so deadly an effect upon human beings, that two persons were related to have died from eating the leaf of a sage bush under which a Toad had burrowed. Still, even in those times, it was held to possess two virtues, the one being the celebrated jewel supposed to be found in its head, and the other the power of curing bleeding at the nose. This jewel could not be procured by dissection, but must be obtained by causing the owner to eject it. ‘‘ But the art,’’ says one of the quaint old writers, ‘‘is in taking of it out, for they say it must be taken out of the head alive before the Toad be dead, with a piece of cloth of the color of red Scarlet, wherewithal they are much delighted, so that while they stretch out them- selves as it were in sport upon that cloth, they cast out the stone of their head, but instantly they sup it up again, unless it be taken from them through some secret hole in the said cloth, THE COMMON TOAD. 161 whereby it falleth into a cistern or vessel of water into which the Toad dareth not enter, by reason of the coldnesse of the water... .. The probation of this Stone is by laying of it toa live Toad, and if she lift up her head against it, it is good, but if she run away from it, it is a counterfeit.” The same writer gives, in his own racy language, an account of the use to which even so venomous an animal as a Toad may be put by those who know how to employ the worst things for the best purposes. ‘‘ Frederic, the Duke of Saxony, was wont to practis in this manner. He had ever a Toad pierced through with a piece of wood, which Toad was dryed in the smoak or shadow, this he rowled in a linnen cloth; and when he came to a man bleeding at the nose, he caused him to hold it fast in his hand until it waxed hot, and then would the bloud be stayed. Whereof the Physitians could never give any reason, except horrour and fear constrained the bloud to run into his proper place, through fear of a Beast so contrary to humane nature. The powder also of a Toad is said to have the same vertue.”’ For these and other similar opinions too numerous for mention, there is some little founda- tion. The skin of the Toad’s back is covered thickly with little glands, and some larger glands are gathered into two sets, one at each side of the back of the head, and secrete a liquid sub- stance, with sufficient acridity to make the eyes smart should they be touched with this fluid, and to force a dog to loose his hold, if he should pick up a Toad in his mouth, and run away with open jaws and foaming mouth. The glands at the back of the head secrete a large quan- tity of liquid, and if pressed, will eject it in little streams to the distance of a few inches. In‘France, this poor creature is shamefully persecuted, the idea of its venomous and spite- ful nature being widely disseminated and deeply rooted. The popular notion is that the Toad is poisonous throughout its life, but that after the age of fifty years it acquires venomous fangs like those of the serpents. I once succeeded, but with great difficulty, in saving the life of a fine fat Toad that was leisurely strolling in the Forest of Meudon and had got into a rut too deep for escape. I had stooped down to remove the poor creature from danger, but was dragged away by the by-standers, who quite expected to see me mortally bitten, and who pro- ceeded to slaughter the Toad on the spot. ‘‘ Every one kills Toads in France,”’ said they. Hearing from them, however, that tobacco was instantaneously fatal to Toads, I made a compromise that they might kill it by putting tobacco on it, but in no other way. The experiment was accordingly tried, and I had the pleasure of seeing the creature walk away with the tobacco on its back, quite unconscious that it ought to have been dead. One of the spectators not only insisted upon the quinquegenarian fangs, but averred that he had a pair at home in a box. However, I never could induce him to show them to me. In point of fact, the Toad is a most useful animal, devouring all kinds of insect vermin, and making its rounds by night when the slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, and other creatures are abroad on their destructive mission. Many of the market-gardeners are so well aware of the extreme value of the Toad’s services, that they purchase Toads at a certain sum per dozen, and. turn them out in their grounds. Dull and apathetic as the Toad may seem, it has in it an affectionate and observant nature, being tamed with wonderful ease, and soon learning to know its benefactors and to come at their call. Mr. Bell had one of these creatures, which was accustomed to sit on one hand and take its food out of the other. Many persons have possessed tame Toads, which would leave their hiding-place at the sound of a whistle or a call, and.come hastily up to receive a fly, spider, or beetle. ‘Toads can be rendered useful even in a house, for they will wage unceasing war against cockroaches, crickets, moths, flies, and other insect pests. It is worthy of notice, that the Toad will never catch an insect or any other prey as long as it is stationary, but on the slightest movement, the wonderful tongue is flung forward, picks up the fly on the tip, and returns to the throat, placing the morsel just in the spot where it can be seized by the muscles of the neck, and passed into the stomach. So rapidly is the act performed, that Mr. Bell has seen the sides of a Toad twitching convulsively from the struggles of a beetle just.swallowed, and kicking vigorously in the stomach. Entomologists sometimes make a curious use of the Toad. Going into the fields soon after daybreak, they catch all the Toads they can find, kill them, and turn the contents of their Vou. IIl.—21. 162 TOADS FOUND IN ROCKS. stomachs into water. On examining the mass of insects that are found in the stomach, and which are floated apart in the water, there are almost always some specimens of valuable insects, generally beetles, which from their nocturnal habits, small dimensions, and scber col- oring, cannot readily be detected by human eves. The Toad will also eat worms, and in swallowing them it finds its fore-feet of great use. The worm is seized by the middle, and writhes itself frantically into such contortions that the Toad would not be able to swallow it but by the aid of the fore-feet, which it uses as if they were hands. Sitting quietly down with the worm in its mouth, the Toad pushes it further between the jaws, first with one paw and then with another, until it succeeds by alternate gulps and pushes to force the worm fairly down its throat. These paws are also useful in aiding it to rid itself of its cuticle, which is shed at intervals, as is the case with many reptiles and Batrachians. The process is so singular, and so admi- rably described by Mr. Bell, that it must be given in his own words :— ‘*T one day observed a large Toad, the skin of which was particularly dry and dull in its color, with a light streak down the mesial line of its back; and on examining further, I discov- ered a corresponding line along its belly. This proved to arise from an entire slit in the old cuticle, which exposed to view the new and brighter skin underneath. Finding, therefore, what was going to happen, I watched the whole detail of this curious process. ‘ THE ANT-LION, 395 on the back. When its time has come, the pupa leaves the water, and crawls up the stem of some aquatic plant until it has reached a suitable elevation ; it clings firmly with its claws, and remains apparently quiet. On approaching it, however, a violent internal agitation is perceptible, and presently the skin of the back splits along the middle, and the Dragon-fly protrudes its head and part of the thorax. By degrees, it withdraws itself from the empty skin, and sits for a few hours drying itself, and shaking out the innumerable folds into which the wide gauzy wings have been gathered. After a series of deep respirations of the unwonted air, and much waving of the wings, the glittering membranes gain strength and elasticity, and the enfranchized insect launches forth into the air, in search of prey and a mate. There are very many species of Dragon-flies, all very similar in their habits, being fiercely predaceous, strong of wing, and gifted with glittering colors. Unfortunately, the rich azure, deep green, soft carnation, or fiery scarlet of these insects fade with their life, and in a few hours after death the most brilliant Dragon-fly will have faded to a blackish-brown. The only mode of preserving the colors is to remove all the interior of the body, and to introduce paint of the proper colors. This, however, is but an empirical and unsatisfactory sort of proceed- ing; and no matter how skilfully it may be achieved, will never be worth the time bestowed upon it. In many species, the sexes are of different colors, as, for example, in the beautiful Dremor- SELLE DRAGON-FLIES, where the male is deep purple, with dark spots on the wings, and the female a rich green, with the wings uncolored. The wings are of an exceedingly fine quality, and the structure of the whole body can be best learned by reference to our full-page engrav- ing. Another form of Dragon-fly is the Libellula trimaculata. It is an example of the restricted genus Libellula. Tue singular group of insects termed ScorPIoNn-FLiEs also belong to this family. These insects derive their popular name from the curious appendage with which the abdomen of some of the species is armed. The male of the common Scorpion-fly has the sixth and seventh rings of the abdomen rather slender, and capable of movement in every direction ; while the last ring is modified into a stout, thick, rounded form, furnished with a pair of forceps not unlike those of the earwig. While at rest, the creature sits with the abdomen curled quietly over the back like a pug-dog’s tail; but, when irritated or alarmed, it brandishes the tail about in a very alarming manner, snapping at the same time with the forcipated extremity, and, if it seizes the finger, can inflict a very perceptible nip. Few persons, indeed, who are not accustomed to the insect’ can summon up sufficient moral courage to hold it while its scorpion-looking tail is being flourished in so menacing a manner. THE beautiful Lacn-wrne Fries, or Hemerobiidee, are also members of this order. Several species of the Lace-wings are also called by the appropriate name of Golden Eyes, on account of the extreme brilliancy of the large and projecting eyes, which glow as if with internal fires, and give forth flashes of gold and ruby light. Unfortunately, there is a sad drawback to their beauty, for, when handled, they exhale a most powerful and indescribably odious stench, unlike any imaginable combination of evil savors, but quite unique, and never to be forgotten after a single experience. The Lace-wings may be taken in the evening as they fly from tree to tree, and in the daytime may be found clinging to the under side of leaves. ‘Tue far-famed ANT-LION is one of the insects that are more celebrated in their preliminary than in the perfect stage of existence. As may be seen by reference to the illustration, their perfect form is very light and elegant, and closely resembling that of the dragon-flies, save that the wings are lighter, softer, and broader. In their larval condition, however, as will be noticed, they are by no means attractive- looking creatures, somewhat resembling flattened maggots with their rather long legs and their very large jaws, the legs being apparently useless as organs of progression, all movements being made by means of the abdomen, 396 THE STONE-FLIES. Slow of movement as is this creature, and yet predaceous, feeding wholly on living insects, the mode of obtaining its food seems to be rather a problem. The solution, however, is simple enough, the creature digging a pitfall, and lying ensconced therein while the expected prey approaches. The beautiful NemMoprERaA CoA belongs to an allied family of this order, and is remarkable through the curious development of the hinder pair of wings, a peculiarity which is repeated, though not on so extensive a scale, in many of the butterflies. Our accompanying full page engraving repre- sents the May-rry, or EPHEMERA, the best and most familiar type of the family to which it belongs, and which is scientifically called the Ephemeride. This insect has long been celebrated for its short space of life, a single day sometimes witnessing its entrance into the perfect state and its final departure from the world. The popular idea concerning these insects is, that the whole of their life is restricted to a single day. This, however, is an error, as they have already passed at least two years in their preliminary stages of existence. In the larval and pupal states, they are inhabitants of the water, and are fond of hiding themselves under stones, or burrowing into the muddy banks Under the latter circumstances they make a very curious tunnel, something like a double- barrelled gun. It is said that the larva feeds upon mud, and, as a proof of this assertion, it may be mentioned that Swammerdam always found mud within those specimens which he dissected. I can personally vouch for the accuracy of his remarks, but would not like to assert that, although mud was always found in the stomach and intestines of those larvee which I have dissected, it might not have been swallowed with the food rather than composed it. The May-fly is peculiarly notable for a stage of development which seems to be quite unique among insects. When it has passed through its larval and pupal state, it leaves the water, creeps out of its pupa case, and takes to its wings. After a period, varying from one to twenty hours, it flies to some object, such as the trunk of a tree or the stems of water- plants, and casts off a thin membranous pellicle, which has enveloped the body and wings, the dry pellicle remaining in the same spot, and looking at first like a dead insect. After this operation, the wings become brighter, and the three filaments of the tail increase to twice their length. Some authors call the state between the leaving the water and the casting the Le the ‘‘pseudimago”’ state. Some of these insects are well known to fishermen under the names of green and gray drake, the former being the pseudimago, and the latter the perfect form of the insect, which is represented in the illustration. Sometimes these insects occur in countless myriads, looking like a heavy fall of snow as they are blown by the breeze, and having on some occasions been so plentiful, that they have been gathered into heaps and carted off to the fields for manure. The Perlide, known to anglers by the name of Stonr-FLIEs, belong to the Neuroptera. Several species of the same family are popularly called Yellow Sally and Willow-fly. They may be known by the large folded front pair of wings, and the two bristle-like appendages at the tail. ANT-LION.—Myrmeleon formicarius. a, Ant-Lion ; b, c, larve (Figs. a and c are of natural size, while Fig. b is magnified.) THE SAW-FLIES. 3897 CADDIS-FLIES; TRICHOPTERA. Quittine the Neuroptera, we must give a few lines to another order of insects, the TRICHOPTERA, popularly known by the name of CappIs-FLIEs. These insects, of which there are many species, are chiefly remarkable in their larval state, on account of the curious portable habitations which they construct. All anglers are familiar with the Caddis, and the singular variety of form and material employed in the construction of its home. Being a soft, white grub, totally unarmed, and presenting a most delicate morsel to every river-fish, the Caddis is forced to conceal itself in some way from its innumerable foes. For this purpose, it builds around itself a nearly cylindrical tube, open at each end, and com- posed of substances varying according to the locality and the species. Sometimes these tubes are made wholly of short pieces of stick, laid sometimes side by side, and sometimes in a partly spiral form, something like the wires of the submarine telegraph. Sometimes the tubes are made of sand or little stones, while the deserted shells of the planorbis, and other fresh- water shells, are very common materials. FLIES AND BEES; HYMENOPTERA. WE now come to a vast order of insects, technically called the Hymmnoprera. In these insects the wings are four in number, transparent, membranous, the veins comparatively few, and the hinder pair smaller than the others. Their mouth is furnished with powerful horny jaws, and with a tongue guarded by the modified maxilla. The females are armed with a many-valved sting or ovipositor. In this enormous‘order are included all the bees, wasps, and their kin, the great family of saw-flies, the ichneumons, the gall-flies, and the ants, each single family being so large, and presenting so many points of interest, that an entire volume could be devoted to them with great profit. Our space, however, prohibits us from attempting more than a slight sketch of each family, together with descriptions of a few typical species. Without, therefore, enumerating the various arrangements of this large order, or the charac- teristics on which they are founded, we will proceed at once to the family of the Tenthredinide, or Saw-flies, the first in Mr. Westwood’s system. In this and the next family, the females are furnished with a peculiar ovipositor, com- posed of several pieces, and which, though connected with a gland secreting an irritant fluid, are not envenomed as in the bees, wasps, and their kin. All these insects are comprised under the general term of Terebrantia, or borers, and fall easily into two large groups, in one of which the abdomen proceeds directly from the thorax, and in the other is connected with the thorax by means of a footstalk. Each of these groups is further subdivided, as will be seen in the course of the following pages. The true Saw-flies are known by the curious piece of animal mechanism from which they derive their name. The females of this family are supplied with a pair of horny saws, placed side by side on the lower extremity of the abdomen. These saws are of various forms, according to the particular species to which they belong, and may be seen even in the dried specimens, the top of their sheath slightly projecting, and their shapes plainly visible after the removal of a portion of the abdomen. When taken from the insect and placed under the microscope, they present a very pretty appearance, owing to the gently-curved ribs with which their sides are strengthened and decorated. The saws act alternately, one being pushed forward as the other is being retracted. Their object is to form a groove in some plant, in which the eggs of the mother insect can be deposited, and wherein they shall find a supply of nourishment in order to enable them to complete their development ; for it is a most remarkable fact that, after the egg is deposited in the groove, it rapidly increases in size, obtaining twice its former dimensions. 398 THE GIANT ICHNEUMON. In the genus Cimbex, of which an example is given in the illustration, the larvee possess twenty-two feet, and have the power of discharging a translucent greenish fluid from certain ‘ pores placed on the sides of: the body just above the spir- acles. This feat they can repeat six or seven times in succession. When they have eaten their way to the next stage of existence, they spin a cocoon of a brownish color and of a stringy, tough con- sistency, and either suspend it to the branches of a tree on which they have been feeding, or hide it under fallen leaves. In this cocoon they remain for a compara- - tively short time, and then emerge as perfect insects. cram pect pwreted i, nn The terrible TURNIP-FLY (Athalia centifolie) belongs to this family. The larva of this species is popularly called the Nigger, on account of its black color. Our engraving shows the insect in both its stages of development. A very small species of Athalia is called Athalia spinarwm. Its larva feeds upon the various cabbages, eating away the whole of the soft green parts of the leaves, and only rejecting the thick nervures. It makes no cocoon, but retires into the ground, excavates a kind of oval cell, which it lines with a slimy substance, and there awaits its final change. The well-known black GoosEBERRY-FLY (Vématus grossuléria) is another of the Saw- flies. Its larva, so destructive to the fruit, is blackish-gray. These tiresome creatures are often seen in great numbers, more than a thousand having been taken on a single goose- TURNIP-FLY.—Athalia centifolie, (Natural size.) berry-bush, and there are two broods in the course of a year. Without going into further details, it is sufficient to say that there is hardly a plant without its especial Saw-fiy, and that any one who can discover a really effectual mode of checking their ravages, will confer no slight benefit on mankind. Tue fine insect in the illustration at top of this page, which is known by the name of tke Giant IcHNEUMON (Ichneumon grossdrius), is an example of the next family, in which the ovipositor is converted into a gimlet instead of a double saw. With this powerful instrument, THE ICHNEUMON—FLIES. 899 the female is enabled to drill holes into living timber for the purpose of depositing the eggs. When they are hatched, the young grubs immediately begin to gnaw their way through the wood, boring it in every direction, and making burrows of no mean size. Those of the present species prefer fir and pine, and I have had specimens of the wood sent to me which have been riddled by the grubs until they looked as if they had harbored a colony of the ship-worm. The perfect insects often make their appearance in houses, the larve having been concealed in the timbers and rafters; and I know of one case where a gentleman who had built a wooden garden-house, was sadly annoyed by the multitudes of the Sirex which emerged from the timber. In such cases the insects do not seem to attain their full dimensions, but appear dwarfed and stunted. All wood-boring insects are, however, extremely variable in size. The next group of the Terebrantia is called Entomophaga, or Insect-eaters, because the ’ greater number of them are parasitic upon other insects, just as the Saw-flies are parasitic upon vegetables. In these insects the ovipositor is furnished with two delicate spicule, and the last segments of the abdomen are not formed into a telescope-like tube. The first family is that of the Cynipide, or Gall insects, the creatures by whose means are produced the well-known galls upon various trees, the so-called oak-apple being perhaps the best known, and the Ink-gall (also found on the oak) the most valuable. These Galls are formed by the deposition of an egg in the leaf, branch, stem, twig, or even root of the plant, and its consequent growth. The well-known Bedeguar of the rose, with its soft mossy envelope and delicate green color, relieved by bright pink, is caused by one of these insects (Cynips rose); and the celebrated Dead Sea-apples are nothing but galls formed by the Cynips inséna. The spherical oak-galls, which contain a single insect, and are about the size of a large marble, are closely allied to the true Ink-galls; and if one of these objects— be cut with a knife, the action of the astringent juice upon the iron of the blade will produce a kind of ink. The best galls are those which are gathered before the insect makes its escape, as the astringent quality is then more powerful. The true Ichneumons, of which a specimen is given in the illustration, form a vast group of insects, the Ichneumonide alone numbering many more than a thousand described and acknowledged species. In them the ovipositor is straight, and is employed in inserting the eggs into the bodies of other insects, mostly in their larval state. In some cases, this slender and apparently feeble instrument is able to pierce through solid wood, and is insinuated by a movement exactly like that which is employed by a carpenter when using a bradawl. When not engaged in this work, the ovipositor is protected by two slender sheaths that enclose it on either side. Were it not for the Ichneumons, our fields and gardens would be hopelessly ravaged by caterpillars and grubs of all kinds, for practical entomologists always find that when they attempt to rear insects from the egg or the larval state, they must count upon losing a very large percentage by the Ichneumons. Take, for examples, three or four caterpillars of the common white cabbage butterfly, place them under water, and open the body from end to end. It will be found that, in almost every case, the caterpillar bears the seeds of death within its body in the shape of tiny white grubs, like very minute grains of rice. These creatures are the young of an Ichneumon- fly (Microgaster glomerdtus), and retain their place within the caterpillar until the time for it to change into the perfect form. They then simultaneously eat their way out of the skin, spin a number of bright yellow silken cocoons, and in process of time change into tiny flies and set out on their destructive mission. The caterpillar never survives their attacks, and is seldom able to move away from the spot whereon it happened to be when the Ichneumons make their escape, the body being enveloped in their yellow cocoons. All the Ichneumon-flies may be distinguished by their fussy restless movements, as they run up and down any object on which they may settle, and the continual quivering of their antenne. The two lower figures in the illustration belong to this family, that on the left showing an example of the long ovipositor with which several species are furnished, and the other being given in order to show the wasp-like abdomen and the curled antenne, 400 THE SAND WASPS. The Rhyssa persuasoria is the largest European Ichneumon, and is parasitic on Urocerus juvencus, another species of the same genus as that to which the giant Ichneumon belongs. The larva on which it preys bores deep holes in fir-trees, and, in consequence, the Rhyssa may be seen running up and down the trunks in search of some spot where the ovipositor may be introduced so as to lodge in the hidden larva. So deeply does the insect contrive to force its weapon into the wood, that it sometimes is unable to withdraw it, and may be seen hanging dead and dry to the tree in which it has buried the ovipositor too firmly. PASSING by several families belonging to this group, we must briefly mention the beautiful Rupy-TAtL Fires, or Cuckoo Fires, so plentiful in old walls and similar localities. These are distinguished by the fact that, in the females, the last segments of the abdomen are formed into a telescopic tube, which can be projected or : tetracted at pleasure, and is furnished with a | minute sting. These are, perhaps, the most brill- = iant in color of any European insect, and are veritable humming-birds of the insect tribes, their bodies literally flashing with ruby, sapphire, and emerald, as they flit restlessly in the sunbeams. They are parasitic insects, and haunt the walls for the purpose of depositing their eggs in the larva of sundry solitary bees and wasps. Orabro cribrarius. Philanthus tridngulum. In the next great division of Hymenopterous insects, the ovipositor of the female is changed into a sharply pointed weapon, popularly called a sting, and connected with a gland - in which is secreted a poison closely analogous to that which envenoms a serpent’s tooth. These are again divided into the Insectivora, or those which have fore-wings not folded, and the larvee solitary and feeding on other insects; the Soddles, where the fore-wings are not folded, and the larvee are social ; and the Dipléptera, where the fore-wings are folded, and the larvee (in the social species) inclosed in separate cells. The first of these sections comprises all those curious and interesting insects known popularly by the names of Sand Wasps and Wood Wasps. These creatures are in the habit of making burrows into the ground or in posts, and placing therein their eggs, together with the bodies of other insects which are destined to serve as food for the future progeny. Spiders are sometimes captured and immured for this purpose. In many instances the captured insects are stung to death before they are placed in the burrow, but it is often found that they only receive a wound sufficient to paralyze them, so that they lead a semi-torpid life until they are killed and eaten by the young grub. Two of these Sand Wasps are given in the illustration. That on the left is one of the wood-borers, drilling its burrow into posts, palings, and similar substances, and feeds its young with the larvee of one of the leaf-rolling caterpillars that lives in the oak, and is scientifically known by the name of Yortriz chlordna. It also employs for this purpose several two-winged insects. One species of these burrowing wasps prefers the well-known cuckoo-spit insect for this purpose (Aphréphora spumdaria), pulling it out of its frothy bed by means of its long legs. The right-hand figure represents a species that is in the habit of provisioning its burrow with the hive-bee, which it contrives to master in spite of the formidable weapon possessed by its victim, and then murders or paralyzes by means of its sting. M. Latreille mentioned that he saw from fifty to sixty of these insects busily engaged in burrowing into a sandbank not more than forty yards long; and as each female lays five or six eggs, and deposits a bee with each egg, the havoc made among the hives is by no means inconsiderable. In the accompanying illustration is shown a Brazilian species, belonging ta a gerus which is represented in Europe by more than twenty species. In these insects the legs are . ~~ ae ee THE BURROWING WASP. 401 very long and spider-like, enabling their owners to run about among grass with great vivacity their wings quivering all the while with violent agitation. Some of the species are in the habit of catching spiders, and provisioning the burrows with them. It is worthy of notice, that the largest specimens of Hymenoptera are to be found in exotic insects belonging to this family, the genus Pepsis being most remarkable for the great dimensions of its members. The right-hand figure represents an insect which is common in Southern Europe. J udging by the habits of those species which have been studied, the whole of the family to which it belongs are sand-burrowers, and seem to be cruelly predaceous, mastering insects of consider- able size, and dragging them into their burrows. One of these insects (Scélia bicincta) has been known to capture and inter a large locust, the tunnel being some eighteen inches in depth and very wide at the mouth. Péimpilus nébdilus, Schlia pratbrum, A FORMIDABLE but useful insect is the Chlorion lobatum, which wages fierce war against cockroaches, those pests of American and Oriental houses, and its services are fully appre- ciated by the natives, none of whom would kill one of these insects on any account, or permit any one to injure it. With the slaughtered cockroaches it stocks its nest as a provision for the young when they escape from the egg. These insects are tolerably numerous, and are all remarkable for the bright and yet deep purple and green of their bodies, and sometimes of their wings. Our next subject is the LARGE-nEADED Mutitia. It is a curious, wingless insect, with head disproportionately large, when the size of its body is taken into consideration. This is an example of a family where the females, although armed with a powerful sting, are quite destitute of wings. Most of the Mutillide are exotic, requiring a large amount of heat to preserve them in health, only a very few being natives of Northern America and Europe. In some of the larger species the sting is fearfully poisonous, a single insect having been known to make a man so seriously ill that he lost his senses a few minutes after being stung, and his life was despaired of for some time. A child has been known to die from the effects of the sting inflicted by the Scarlet Mutilla of North America, an insect whose weapon is as long as the abdomen. All these insects appear to be sand-borers. WE now come to the Wasps, in which the wings are folded throughout their entire length when at rest. A wasp distinguished through the slenderness of the middle part of its body is a native of Australia. It belongs to the Solitary Wasps, many of which are found in Europe. The curious nest of this insect is formed like a globe. The creature makes a separate nest fer each egg, the material being clay well worked. The nest is stocked with the larve of moths or butterflies. To this family belongs that wonderful Burrowing Wasp, which is a builder as well as an excavator, and which erects a tubular entrance, often more than an inch in height, with the fragments of sand which it has dug from the tunnel. It is thought, and probably with cor- rectness, that the object of the insect in making this edifice is to deter its parasitic foes from Vou, Ii.—bi. 402 THE HIVE BEE. entering so long and dark a channel. The tube is always curved. When the burrow is com- pleted, the Wasp lays its egg in the tunnel, and packs in it a series of little green caterpillars, which serve as food for the larva. When the arrangements are completed, the Wasp takes down her tube, and employs the materials in closing the mouth of the tunnel. The technical name of this insect is Odynerus muraria. Another species is also known to DOMeoS this curious faculty. The true Wasps, or Vespide, come next in order. These insects are gregarions in their habits, building nests in which a large, but uncertain number of young are reared. The common Wasp makes its nest within the ground, sometimes taking advantage of the deserted hole of a rat or mouse, and sometimes working for itself. The substance of which the nest is made is a paper-like material, obtained by nibbling woody fibres from decayed trees or bark, and kneading it to a paste between the jaws. The general shape of the nest is globular, and the wallsare of considerable thickness, in order to guard the cells from falling earth, a circular aperture being left, through which the inhabitants can enter or leave their home. Many species of Wasp inhabit Europe, the Hornet ( Vespa crabro) being the largest, and, indeed, being nearly equal in dimensions to any tropical species. This formidable insect makes a nest very similar to that of the wasp, but the cells are necessarily much larger. The nest is generally placed in hollow trees, but I have known a colony of these insects to establish themselves in an outhouse, and to cause great annoyance before they could be expelled. A very pretty nest is also found in Europe, the work of the Vespa britannica. It is suspended to branches, is nearly globular in shape, and extremely variable in size, some specimens being nearly a foot in diameter, while others are comparatively small. A very pretty specimen in my possession is about the size of a tennis ball. Some exotic species make nests, the covering or outer case whereof is thick and tough as pasteboard, and nearly white in color. One of these nests, which is found in the Brazils, is popularly called the Dutchman’s pipe, its shape somewhat resembling an exaggerated pipe-bowl, the aperture for ingress and egress doing duty for the mouth, and the branch on which it is suspended taking the place of the stem. I believe that the insect which forms this curious structure belongs to the genus Chartergus. The central orifice penetrates through all the layers of combs. The left-hand figure on the engraving at page 401 represents a fine insect, a native of Brazil, belonging to the Bembecide. This species is in the habit of catching grasshoppers of considerable size, carrying them off, and stocking with these insects the habitation made for its young. A very fine species of Chrysis is parasitic upon it. THERE are, perhaps, few insects so important to mankind as those which procure the sweet substance so well known by the name of honey. Nearly all the honey-making Hymen- optera are furnished with stings, and in many species the poison is fearfully intense. Some of these insects, such as the Hive Bex, which is represented in the accompanying engraving, make waxen cells of mathematical accuracy, the larvee being placed in separate cells, and fed by the neuters. In some cases, such as the common HumBLE Bex, the cells are egg-shaped, each cell being either occupied by a larva, or filled with honey ; ‘while in some species the eggs are placed parasitically in the nests of other bees, so that the larve feed either upon the stores of food gathered for the involuntary host, or upon the body of the deluded insect itself. The Hive Bee is the typical example of the honey-gatherers, but its general economy is too well known to need much description. Suffice it to say that, as in the ants, the com- munity consists of males, females, and neuters, but that in the Bees, all the members of the establishment are winged, and the wings are permanent. In each hive there is one fully- developed female, called the queen, several others in process of development, and intended to be the heads of future establishments, a limited number of males, and a vast band of neuters, z. é., undeveloped females. The males have no sting, but both the females and neuters are armed with this tiny, but formidable weapon. Since in civilized countries the Hive Bees are kept in habitations of limited size, their numbers soon outgrow their home, and a large number accordingly quit the hive under the government of the old queen, the rule of the hive being _ taken up with one of the young queens, which has burst from its cell in the meanwhile. A / . THE HUMBLE BEES. ; 408 fresh colony is founded as soon as the Bees can meet with shelter, and their new residence is speedily filled with honey and young. The cells of the Bee-comb are set back to back, and each comb hangs like a thick curtain from the top and sides of the hive, so that the cells lie nearly horizontally. In gathering honey, the Bees lick the sweet juices from flowers, swallow them, and store them for the time in a membranous cup, popularly called the honey-bag. When this cup is filled, the Bee returns to the hive, and discharges the honey into cells, closing its mouth with a b c HIVE BEE.— pei THYODAMAS.— Cyrestis thy6damas. THETIS.—Marpesia thetis. DIDO.— Cethésia dido. Agraulis monéta, To this family belongs the brightly-colored genus Vanessa, of which the common PEACOOK ButrERFLY is a familiar British example. This insect, which is one of the finest butterflies, PEACOCK BUTTERFLY.— Vanessa Jo. may be seen very plentifully in fields, roads, or woods, when the beauty of its coloring never fails to attract admiration. One of the most notable peculiarities in this but- terfly is the uniform dark hues of the under side, which present a great contrast to the varied shades of blue and red which decorate the wpper side. The object of this arrangement seems to be that the insect may be able to conceal itself from its foe at will, a purpose which is readily attained by a yery simple manceuvre. When the Peacock Butterfly thinks itself in danger, it flies straight- way to some shaded spot, such as a tree-trunk or old pal- ings, closes its wings over its back, and remains motion- less. The effect of this proceeding is, that the wide expanse of bright colors is suddenly replaced by a flat, dark, leaf- like object, which looks more like a piece of bark torn from the tree than an insect. The apparent vanishing of the butterfly has always a rather startling effect, even to those who are accustomed to it, the large, brilliant creature disappearing as mysteriously as if annihilated, or covered with the cap of darkness. The beautiful ScARLET ADMIRAL, so well known by the broad, scarlet stripes that are drawn over the wings; the LARGE and SMALL TORTOISE-SHELL BUTTERFLIES ; the CoMMA THE ACONTHEA. 413 ButtTERFLY, so called from a comma-shaped white mark on the under wings, and the rare and beautiful CAMBERWELL Beauty, are all members of this genus. WE now come to the genus Catagramma, which is remarkable for the manner in which the under surface of the lower wings is colored. There is in all a somewhat circular arrange- ment of lines, which in many species take the form of a figure of 8, more or less distinctly out- lined. The generic name Catagramma refers to this peculiarity, and is derived from a Greek word signifying a delineation. They are all inhabitants of the warmer portions of the New World. The Catagramma Peristera (or the Pigeus Catagramma) derives its name from the resem- blance which the changing shades of the wings bear to the opaline hues of a pigeon’s neck. The ground color of the upper surface is black, with two large patches of scarlet in the centre of each wing, the scarlet changing to violet when the light falls obliquely on the wings. The under surface of the upper wings is of paler tints, but colored in a similar manner, except a slight streak of blue on the edge, and a stripe of buff across the tip. The under wings are yellowish-buff, variegated with two black patches in. the centre, each of which is garnished with a pair of azure spots. Just above these marks are two black streaks, and a curved blue stripe edged with black runs round the lower margin. If the reader will turn to the engraving on page 405 he will find a figure in the upper right-hand corner, that represents the Catagramma marchalii, an insect that is marked more boldly than the last-mentioned species. The upper surface is black, with a short azure band on the upper wings, and a very narrow gray-blue streak round the lower edge of the second pair. The under surface of the first pair of wings is scarlet from the base nearly to the edge, where a broad band of black streaked with white completes the wing. ‘The markings of the under wings are blackish-brown or very pale wood-brown, except one tiny patch of scarlet on the upper edge. Tue Potivx, a large and boldly colored insect, is a native of Ashantee and Guinea. As is evident by the enormous dimensions of the thorax, which contain the muscles that work the wings, so wide and strongly made, the butterfly is swift and enduring of flight. The upper surface of both wings is deep rich black-brown, and. the body is of a similar, but rather paler hue. The somewhat indistinct markings on the upper wings are ochreous-yellow, and those at the base of the lower wings are likewise yellow, which fades into white towards the base. The slight edging of the lower wings is blue, except the little streak at the angle, which is yellow. The under surface is very richly mottled, though without any brilliant colors. The basal half of the wings is jetty-black, with streaks and rings of white ; then follows a broad white belt changing gradually into buff, and on the upper wings the remainder is brown, marked indistinctly with shades of gray. In the lower wings the white belt is followed by a broad stripe of chocolate, then by festoons of gray upon brown, then of a row of deep blue spots, then by a waved band of yellow, and lastly by a border of black. The legs are black and white like the base of the wings, from which they can hardly be distinguished when folded. A BUTTERFLY which is known by the appropriate name of AconTHEA (which word is of Greek origin, signifying thorny), is a native of Java and India. Although not remarkable for any brightness of hue, its tint being peculiarly sober, the regular shape of the larva and pupa render it worthy of observation. The caterpillar is mostly found on some species of Bryonia, and is remarkable for the wonderfully long projections from its body, which are evidently analogous to, though far surpassing in size, those upon the caterpillar of the peacock-butterfly, which is represented on page 412. When it has cast its skin for the last time, and is about to change into the pupa state, it prepares for the coming event by spinning a large web of stout and shining silken threads, which often nearly cover - the under surface of the leaf to which it is afterwards suspended. It then bursts through the caterpillar-skin, hitches itself to the silken web, and hangs there until its final change into the + nw oe 414 THE HELIOCOPIS. oe US a ~— perfect form. As may be seen from the illustration, the shape of the pupa is very remarkable, reminding the observer of an ancient jousting-helmet with the visor down. ; The two beautiful insects, known under the terms Hetera piera and Hetera dracontis, are examples of the family Satyride. Both these creatures, unlike as they appear to be, belong to the same genus. The Hetera piera bears a wonderful resemblance to the transparent heliconia. Its wings are delicately transparent, and with the slightest imaginable tinge of yellow. On the lower wings there is a blush of orange-red, and the marks are darkish brown. The Hetera dracontis is a delicately marked, though not brilliant insect. The upper wings are very soft brown, traversed by a band of a grayish hue, and with a very slight tinge of chocolate. The lower wings are also brown, but with a faint wash of blue, and the light marks are azure. On the under side it is wholly brown, with two round spots of black edged with buff, and two or threc whitish blotches. THE family of the Erycinide comes next in order, and, as may be seen from the specimens upon the colored illustration, embraces insects of very differing forms. and colors. The strange-looking insect, Zeonia Batesii, derives its name from Mr. Bates, who discovered it. The white portions of the wings are membranous and transparent, and the dark portions are nearly all black, except that the base of the projecting portions of the lower wings is deep blue. The light-colored bar is rich scarlet. This specimen represents a male; the hinder wings of the female are closer together, and the tails are nearly straight. A sMALL but elegant butterfly is the Calydna calamita. The upper surface of this insect is black, diversified with numerous blue and white spots. Below, the ground color is brown, spotted profusely with black and white, and having some short transverse lines of yellow. This insect inhabits the regions about the Amazon. A butterfly called Hurygone opalina is of simple but extremely beautiful coloring. Unless held in a favorable light, the insect seems to be of a simple orange color, but if held with its head towards the observer’s eyes, and the sun being behind his back, its wings glow with a golden effulgence that surpasses all power of description. As the insect is gently turned or held so as to communicate a quivering motion, all the tints of the rainbow play over the trembling wings, and the glory reflected from its surface is almost intolerable to the eye. As is the case with all the butterflies, this insect is represented of its natural size. ° On the illustration at page 405, two more examples of this family may be seen. The first is placed in the centre of the left-hand side, and immediately under the tip of the left wing of the great Thoas butterfly. This is the Helicopis cupido, an insect which, if only viewed on its upper surface, seems, except for the long and slender projections of the hinder wings, to be hardly worthy of much observation, the color being pale and dull brown, changing to pale rusty-red towards the base of the wings, and having a rather large whitish spot in the centre of the upper wings. But on turning it over, so as to bring the under surface into view, it proves to be a really wonderful insect. The upper wings have ‘little remarkable about them, their color being brown, becoming paler towards the edge, and having a sharply defined whitish-yellow mark: in the centre. But it is on the lower wings that the chief interest is concentrated. On a ground of ochreous-yellow are a number of large spots which look exactly as if they were made of gold-leaf artificially affixed to the wings, the resemblance being so close, that without the aid of a magnifier which shows their real structure, a person who had seen them for the first time might well imagine that they had been veritable pieces of gold-leaf, and fastened to the wing by cement. This butterfly is a native of Demerara, while the Misipsa inhabits the regions about the Amazon. It may be seen in the left-hand lower corner of the same engraving. The color of this pretty little insect is silvery blue, over which — are drawn a number of black bands, thus producing a very bold effect. The under surface is simply light brown, with some bands of a darker hue. THE SKIPPERS. 415 THe accompanying fine engraving represents the magnificent insect called the Nropro.z- mus. It belongs to the genus Morpho, in which are contained some of the most resplendent beings to be found in the world, all being ; beautiful, and some endowed with a gorgeous- ness of coloring that is almost inconceivable. In the present species the upper wings are of the richest azure, glittering like burnished metal, and iridescent as the opal, but with far greater intensity of hue. In some lights the colors are sombre enough, being only pale gray and darkish brown; but when the light falls favorably upon the wings, their colors are truly magnificent. Around the edges of the wings is a broad belt of black, very deep towards the tips, and narrowing towards the angle. The under side is soft brown, decorated with many irregular stripes of yellowish gray, and besprinkled with a number of eye-like spots arranged in a tolerably regular row, three on each of the upper wings, and of nearly equal size, and four on each of the lower wings, one being very large and separate from the rest, and the remaining three small and close together. In the centre of each eye there is a little white spot, round which is a broad ring of black, then a narrower ring of buff, then a line of black, and lastly a gray line. . NEOPTOLEMUS.—Morpho neoptolemus. (Natural size.) ey S| VA SA (lita SS) Just above the left-hand cornér of the Thoas’ wing in the illustration on page 405, may be seen a little butterfly of simple coloring. This is one of the Harr-strEeAxK butterflies, belonging to another family called the Lyczenidee. In this family are contained the beautiful blue butterflies so common in the fields, and whose exquisitely spotted under surface never fails to attract admiration. All the Copper Butterflies belong to the same family. The present species is a native of Demerara, and is very scarce, not yet having received a name in the scientific catalogue. The color of the upper wings is brown, with light streaks of blue radiating from the bases, and that of the lower wings is blue, edged with brown. Below it is brownish-gray, with a single narrow line of rusty-red crossing both pairs of wings, and a dash of the same color on the hinder edges. BrroreE taking a final leave of the butterflies, it is necessary to mention a family of Lepidoptera, which possess so many of the characteristics belonging to the butterflies, and so many of those belonging to the moths, that entomologists find some difficulty in placing them, in their proper position, some considering them as members of the Rhopalocera, and others as belonging to the Heterocera. These insects are popularly known by the name of SKIPPERS, on account of their short and irregular flight. Several of these insects may be found mostly along hedge-banks towards the end of the day. They do not seem to fly very high, but pass in their peculiar jerking fashion along the banks, flitting in and out of the herbage with restless, eager movements which can never be mistaken for the flight of any other insect. All these creatures have rather large heads, their antenne have a slight hook at the tip, and their wings are small when compared with the dimensions of the body, thus producing the peculiar flight: The second great division of the Lepidoptera is that of the Moths, distinguishable by means of the pointed tips of their antenne, which are often furnished with a row of projections on either side, like the teeth of a comb ; and in the males are sometimes supplied with branching 416 THE DEATH’S-HEAD MOTH. appendages. In most instances the wings are conjoined by means of the bristle and loop which have already been mentioned. The first family of the Moths is the Sphingide, a group which contains a great number of swift-winged insects, popularly and appropriately called Hawk-moths, from the strength and speed of their flight. In many instances the proboscis is of great length, sometimes equalling the length of the entire body, and in such instances it is found that the insect is able to feed-while on the wing, balancing itself before a flower, hovering on tremulous wing, and extracting the sweets by suction. In some cases, however, such as the well-known death’s- head moth, the proboscis is very short, barely exceeding the length of the head. In the long- tongued Hawk-moths the chrysalis is furnished with a distinct horny case, in which the elongated proboscis can be packed during the period occupied in development. In the genus Smerinthus the wings are sharp and angulated, and the tongue is short. One of the commonest species of this genus is the Lime HAwK-MorH, so called because the larva feeds on the leaves of the lime-tree. It isa green caterpillar, thick-bodied, covered with little protuberances, and upon each side are some whitish streaks edged with red or yel- low. Just at the end of the tail there is a short knobby protuberance, and the fore part of the body is rather narrow. When the larva has completed its time of feeding, it descends to the ground, and buries itself about eighteen inches deep in the earth, whence the chrysalis may be extracted in the winter by the help of a pickaxe and trowel. Beside the lime, the elm and birch are favored residences of this insect. Although very common in some places, it seems to be rather local, being scarcely, if ever, found in many spots where the trees which it loves are abundant. The color is very variable, but the general tints are leaf-brown and green, with a few blackish spots and stripes, the brown being towards the base and the olive-green towards the tips of the wing. An allied species, termed Smerinthus ocellatus, is seen in the engraving on page 419. The splendid insect, appropriately named the DEATH’s-HEAD Mora, is tolerably common throughout Europe, though, from its natural habits and the instinct of concealment with which the caterpillar is endowed, it is not so frequently séen as many rarer insects. Owing to the remarkably faithful delineation of a skull and bones upon the back of the thorax, the insect is often an object of great terror to the illiterate, and has more than once thrown a whole province into consternation, the popular idea being that it was some infra-natural being that was sent upon the earth as a messenger of pestilence and woe, if not indeed the shape assumed by some witch residing in the neighborhood. I once saw a whole congregation checked while coming out of church, and assembled in a wide and terrified circle around a poor Death’s-head Moth that was quietly making its way across the churchyard-walk. No one dared to approach the terrible being, until at last the village blacksmith took heart of grace, and with a long jump leaped upon the moth and crushed it beneath his hobnailed shoes. I keep the flattened insect in my cabinet, as an example of popular ignorance and the destructive nature with which such ignorance is always accompanied. Although in itself a perfectly harmless creature, it yet has one unpleasant habit, and is said to make its way into bee-hives, for the purpose of feeding on the honey. Still, its num- bers are so inconsiderable, that it could do but little harm in an apiary, and need not be dreaded by the owner. — The caterpillar of this moth is enormously large, sometimes measuring five inches in length, and being very stoutly made. It feeds on various plants, the jessamine and potato — being its favorites, and may be best found by traversing potato-grounds in the night, and - directing the light of a bull’s-eye lantern among the leaves. It can be readily kept and bred, but requires some careful tending, and it must be remembered that it will only eat the par- ticular food to which it has been accustomed, and if bred among the potato will refuse the jes- samine leaf, and vice versd. When the caterpillar is about to change into its chrysalis state, it should be placed in a vessel containing seven or eight inches of earth, which should be kept moderately damp by means of a moist sponge or wet piece of moss laid on the top. If this THE CONVOLVULUS HAWK-MOTH. 4:17 precaution be not taken, the shell of the chrysalis is apt to become so hard that the moth is unable to break its way out, and perishes in the shell. I have several specimens where the moth has thus perished. The caterpillars are also much infested by ichneumon-tflies, so that the collector often finds his hopes of a fine insect destroyed by these small and fatal flies. It is worthy of remark, that, when this moth first emerges from the chrysalis shell, its wings, legs, and antennz are erveloped in a fine and delicate membrane, which soon dies when exposed to the air, and falls off in pieces, permitting the limbs to unfold themselves. Mr. Westwood regards this membrane as analogous to the pellicle upon the pseudimago of the may-fly, described at page 396. One of the most curious points in the history of the Death’s-head Moth is its power of producing a sound—a faculty which is truly remarkable among the Lepidoptera. The noise is something like the grating, squeaking cry of the field-cricket, but not nearly so loud. The mode of producing the sound is rather doubtful ; but modern investigations seem to confirm the opinion of Huber and Résel, who thought that the sound was produced by friction of the abdomen against the thorax just at the junction. At all events, it is certain that the moth always bends its abdomen downwards whenever this squeak or cry is heard, and a circular tuft of orange-colored hairs below the wings is seen to expand at the same time. The color of the caterpillar is bright yellow, and the body is covered with many small tubercles. Along each side run seven oblique bands of a fine green. At the end of the tail is PINE HAWK-MOTH.—Sphinz pinastri. With eggs and caterpillar. (Natural size.) a granulated kind of horn, and upon the back are many spots of black and blue. The color of the moth is briefly as follows :—On the upper surface, the front pair of wings are blackish- brown covered with waved stripes and dashes of deep black and powdered with white. There are also some stripes of rusty-red on the edges. The lower wings are ochre-yellow, and marked with two bands of deep bluish-gray, the upper band about half the width of the lower. The thorax is blackish-brown, and has on its surface a marvellously accurate semblance of a human skull and collar-bone. The plumes, or lengthened scales, of which this is composed are beautifully soft, with a rich deep pile, and feel like velvet under the fingers. A fine specimen of the Death’s-head Moth is almost the largest insect found in Europe, the spread of wing sometimes reaching nearly six inches. The antenne are remarkable for their stiff and sturdy make and the curious hook with which they are terminated. We nowarrive at the typical genus of the family, of which the ConvoLvuLus HAWK-MOTH affords a good example. It may be mentioned that the term Sphingide is derived from the peculiar attitude sometimes assumed by the caterpillars, which have a custom of raising the fore part of the body so as to bear a fanciful resemblance to the well-known attitude in which the Egyptians were accustomed to represent the mysterious Sphinx. ° The fine insect seems to be found sparingly in most parts of Europe, especially towards the south. As is the case with many of the nocturnal moths, its eyes shine brightly at night, and on account of their great size are very conspicuous in this respect. The specific name of Vou, IT.—58. 418 THE HUMMING-BIRD MOTH. the moth has been given to it because the caterpillar is known to feed on the common. field convolvulus or bindweed, and it is sometimes known by the title of Convolvulus or Bindweed Hawk-moth. The caterpillar is mostly green, spotted and splashed with black and brown, and having a row of oblique stripes on each side. Generally the stripes are yellow, and edged with black, but they are sometimes wholly of the bolder color, while the entire caterpillar sometimes assumes a brownish hue. Upon the end of the tail there is a sharp curved horn, quite harmless, and whose use is at present unknown. The color of the wings is mostly wood-brown, checkered with ash, gray, and white, and the abdomen is ringed with broad bands of rose-color and narrow stripes of black, while down its centre runs a broad streak of gray. OLEANDER HAWK MOTH. Sphine nerii. With caterpillar and larva. Of several other fine insects belonging to this genus, we mention the Prrver HAWK-MoTH (Sphine ligustri), and the Prins HawK-Morn (Sphinx pinastri). The latter has been chosen for an illustration on account of the nice pattern with which the caterpillar is inscribed. (See page 417.) , The beautiful OLEANDER Hawk-morn, which is here represented. of the natural size, belongs to another genus, in which the caterpillar has the power of prolonging or withdrawing the head and neck like the proboscis of an elephant, a faculty which has earned for another insect the name of elephant hawk-moth. Our next illustrated example is the Hummrne-srrp Motu. Although not gifted with the brilliant hues which decorate so many of the Hawk-moths, it is a more interesting creature THE CURRANT CLEAR-WING. 419 than many an insect which can boast of treble its dimensions and dazzling richness of color. This insect may be readily known by its very long proboscis, the tufts at the end of the abdo- men, and the peculiar flight, which so exactly resembles that of the humming-bird, that persons accustomed to those feathered genus have often been deluded into the idea that Europe actually possesses a true humming-bird. In the curious moths of which the Hyxas is a good example, the wings are as transparent as those of the bee tribe, and, indeed, the hymenopterous idea seems to run through the whole of these creatures so thoroughly, that the shapes of . 4 the mode of flight, and even the manner in which they move the abdomen, are sc -and wasp-like, that an ~ inexperienced observer would certainly mistake them for some species of the hymenoptera. Others there are which bear an equal resemblance to the gnats, and are of correspondingly small dimensions. In the next family, the Anthroceridz, we find a number of moths of no great dimensions, but possessing great brilliancy of coloring, and flying by day. A very familiar example of this group is found in the GREEN Forester, a pretty little insect, not exceeding an inch and SMERINTAUS.—Smerinthus ocellatus. HUMMING-BIRD MOTH.—Macrogiossa stellatarum. (Natural size.) a quarter in the spread of wing, but colored with extremely pure hues. It may be found plentifully in the month of June, and is most common on-the outskirts of woods. The cater- pillar of this insect feeds on the common dock and several allied plants, and, like the perfect insect, is of a green color, but diversified with two rows of black dots along the back, and a row of red dots on either side. The color of the moth is very simple, the upper wings being of a soft golden-green, with a peculiar silken gloss, and the under wings brown. The body is green, but with reflections of blue. The well-known BurRNEtT-MOTH, so familiar on account of the rich velvety-green, spotted with scarlet, which decorates its wings, also belongs to this family. The caterpillar feeds on many plauts, and is notable for making a spindle-shaped cocoon in which it passes through its pupal state. This cocoon is of a light brown color, and is usually fastened to an upright stem of grass. In the Mgeriide, the wings are as transparently clear as in the Sesiade, and the general aspect is equally unlike that of a moth. A species called CURRANT CLEAR-WING (Ageria tipuliformis) is very common, and is fond of haunting currant-bushes, where it may be cap- tured without much difficulty, being rather dull and sluggish in taking to flight, though when once on the wing it is quick and agile in its movements. On account of its resemblance to the 420 THE NEW ZEALAND SWIFT. large gnats, it is popularly called the Gnat CLEAR-winG. The caterpillar of this insect feeds upon the pith of the currant-trees. A LARGE insect, of tolerably, but not very frequent occurrence, is the LuNAR Horner CLEAR-WING. Its popular name is given to it in allusion to its singular resemblance to a hornet, the similitude being so close as to deceive a casual glance, especially when the insect is on the wing. In common with all the members of this genus, the Hornet Clear-wing is a rather sluggish insect, D ftener seen at rest than on the wing, and being mostly found while clinging to the s or leaves of the trees on which they lived in the larval state. Their flight is rather slow and heavy, and as their tongues are comparatively short, they are not able to poise themselves on the wing, and sip the sweets of flowers while balancing them- selves in the air. The larva of the present species feeds upon the willow, boring into the young wood and sometimes damaging it to a serious extent. All these insects inhabit, while in the larval state, the interior of branches or roots, and make a kind of cocoon from the nibbled fragments of the wood. Just before undergoing the transformation, the larva turns round so as to get its head towards the entrance of the burrow, and after it has changed into the pupal form, is able, by means of certain projections on the segments, to push itself along until the upper half of the body protrudes through the orifice, and permits the perfect moth to make its escape into the open air. ; The wings of this insect are transparent, with orange-red nervures and dusky fringes. The head and thorax are shining brown-black, with a yellow collar, and the abdomen is ringed with orange and dark brown. Tuer Uraniide form a curious and somewhat doubtful family, some authors having con- sidered them to belong to the butterflies rather than the moths. Many of these insects are of most gorgeous coloring ; their form, including the tailed wings, is very like that of a butterfly, and they are diurnal in their habits. Still, the preliminary stages of the caterpillar and pupa are such that they prove the insects really to belong to the moth tribe. All these insects are inhabitants of the hotter parts of the earth, and are most plentiful within the tropics. The Urania sloanus is a native of Jamaica. The Castnia licus comes from Brazil and Central America. Its coloring is bold and yet simple. The upper surface of the first pair of wings is dark blackish-brown shot with green, the latter color being best seen by looking along the wing from point to base. Near the outside edge of the hinder wings is a row of azure spots, and the narrow fringe is white and brown. A bold white band runs through the centre of both pairs of wings. A very curious moth is the New ZeaLanp Swirt (Hepialus virescens). Tt is a foreign example of a genus well known in Europe by some curious though common insects belonging . to a family called the Hepialide. From the head of the larva rises, in a nearly perpendicular line, a horn as long as the body of the insect. In the typical genus the larva is entirely sub- terranean, feeding on the roots of plants, and, as in some of the preceding insects, the chrysalis is able to ascend its burrow when near the time of assuming the perfect form. All these moths are very quick of wing, darting in a nearly straight line with such swiftness that they look like mere light or dark streaks drawn through the air. Yet they are cap- tured with comparative ease, as they are not so agile as swift, and can be taken by quickly striking a net athwart their course. From their great speed, they are known by the popular name of Swifts. : The New Zealand Swift is a truly curious insect, not so much for its form or colors, but for the strange mischance which often befalls the larva, a vegetable taking the place of the ichneumon-fly, and nourishing itself on the substance of the being which gives it support. A kind of fungus affixes itself to the larva, and becomes developed on its strange bed, taking up gradually the fatty parts and tissues of the caterpillar, until at last the creature dies under the parasitic growth, and is converted almost wholly into vegetable matter. SILK-PRODUCING INSECTS. 421 Tue well-known Goat-moru is, next to the death’s-head moth, one of the largest of the British Lepidoptera, its body being thick, stout, and massive, and its wings wide and spreading. Some readers may perhaps have observed certain large, round holes in the trunks of trees into which a finger can be readily thrust, and out of which an empty chrysalis case often projects. These are the burrows made by the caterpillar of the Goat-moth, and often are very destructive to the trees. The larva itself is but little smaller than that of the death’s-head moth, and is by no means an attractive-looking creature. Its body is smooth and shining, mostly of dull mahogany-red tinged with ochreous-yellow, and having a large oval patch of chestnut on the back of each segment. It is gifted with a curiously wedge-shaped head, and its mus- cular power is enormous, as may be proved by actual experiment during the life of the creature, or inferred from the marvellous arrangement of muscles which are made visible upon dissection. It exudes a liquid of powerful and fetid odor, thought by some to resemble the unpleasant effluvium exhaled by the he-goat. Its influence extends to a considerable distance, and a practised entomologist will often detect the presence of a Goat-moth caterpillar simply by the aid of the nostrils. In spite, however, of the repulsive aspect and unpleasant odor, this creature is thought to be the celebrated Cossus of the ancients, a grub which was found on trees, and, when dressed after some particular fashion, was looked upon as a very great dainty. A much smaller moth, the Woop Lxoparp, is a very prettily-marked insect, though without the least brilliancy of color. The caterpillar of this insect feeds upon the interior of many trees, seeming to prefer the wood of the apple, pear, and other fruit-trees. It is a naked, fleshy-looking larva, of a light yellow color, and having a double row of black spots upon each segment. Like the goat-moth, it prepares a cocoon-like cell when it is about to take the pupal form, but the lining is of stronger materials, cemented firmly together with a glutinous sub- stance secreted by the insect. The moth is seldom seen until July, and is tolerably plentiful in some places, appearing to be decidedly local and rather intermittent in its visits. THE family of the Bombycide includes several insects of inestimable value to mankind, the various silk-producing moths being included in its ranks. The common silk-worm is the most useful of all of them. The accompanying oleograph is a true illustration of this familiar insect. The valuable results of its habits are too well known to need any description. But as it is not generally known that upwards of forty silk-producing moths exist in different parts of the world, a short history will be given of some of them, together with a brief description of one of the finest species. All these insects secrete the silk in two large intestine-like vessels in the interior, which contain a gelatinous kind of substance, and become enormously large just before the cater- pillar is about to change into a pupa. Both the silk organs unite in a common tube at the mouth, technically called the spinneret, and through this tube the semi-liquid is ejected. As soon as it comes into contact with the air it hardens into that soft, shining fibre with which we are so familiar. Ifa single fibre of silk be examined through a good microscope, it will be seen to consist of two smaller fibres laid parallel to each other, like the barrels of a double gun, this structure being due to the double secreting vessels. The goodness of silk chiefly consists in the manner in which these semi-fibres are placed together. Silk-worm ‘‘gut,”’ as it is called by anglers, is made by steeping the caterpillars in strong vinegar for a time, and . then pulling them suddenly until they elongate into the well-known threads to which hooks are attached. The caterpillar employs the silk for the purpose of constructing a cocoon in which it can lie until it has assumed the perfect form ; and proceeds with wonderful regularity and dispatch in its work, its head passing from side to side, always carrying with it a thread, and the cocoon being gradually formed imto the oval shape which it finally assumes. The few outermost layers are always rough and of poor quality ; these are stripped off, and the end of the thread being found, it is fastened to a wheel, and spun off into a hank of soft yellow fibre. The coloring matter is very variable, sometimes being hardly visible, and at others giving the sik a bright orange tint. It fades much on exposure to light. 422 THE LOBSTER-MOTH. Among the many silk-worm moths may be mentioned the DasEr-worm of Bengal (Bombyx fortundatus), an insect that makes an inferior silk, with which the bales are often adulterated unless the owner or purchaser is very careful in examining them. The silk is yellow, and there are several crops annually. A much more valuable insect is also cultivated in Bengal, by the name of Boro PoLoo (Bombex textor). The caterpillar is small, and the cocoon of proportionate dimensions. The silk is very good, and of a pure white. One of the commonest insects reared by the same nation is the Tusser or Tussmn of the Bengalese (Anthérea paphia), called by different names by the various tribes which cultivate it. It is very abundant, and as it is hardy and feeds on many kinds of food, is a truly valuable insect. It supplies the natives with great part of their clothing, and is even imported into Europe. There are several large manufactories of this silk, the most important of which is at Bhagulpore. The habits of this insect seem to vary much according to the locality. The AILANTHUS SILK-worm has lately attracted great attention, and kate likely to supersede the ordinary silk-worm in many respects. It is a native of China, and has been largely used for the purpose of supplying clothes for the people. As the name implies, the caterpillar feeds upon the Ailanthus tree (Ailanthus glandulosus), which, although imported from China into the moderate climates of Europe and America, grows well and fast in these countries, and has been firmly acclimatized. Rearing the Ailanthus-moth is one of the easiest of processes, the caterpillars remaining quietly on the trees and spinning their cocoons amid the branches. The eggs are hatched in a similar manner to those of the common silk-worm, and after being fed through their first moult with picked leaves, are transferred to the trees, and there left. It is of course necessary to cover the trees with netting in order to prevent the birds from feeding on such delicate morsels. The color of the caterpillar is green, marked with black, except the head and the last segment, which are yellow. The general color of this moth is grayish-yellow above, with splashes and markings of dull violet, black, and white. The transparent crescent is worthy of notice. The silk is strong, and takes dye easily, but does not possess the peculiar gloss which has long been proverbial. It is a truly fortunate circumstance that this insect has been so opportunely brought into notice, as it is wonderfully hardy, not subject to many diseases to which the common and delicately constituted silk-worm is liable, and being apparently free from that strange fungoid parasite which occasionally commits such fearful ravages, and has been known to depopulate a whole district in a single night. An allied species, the ErrA S1tk-worm (Aftacus ricini), has long been in use’ in many parts of Asia, where it is cultivated by the peasants, and affords them raiment of a marvel- lously enduring character, and yet sightly. Although the cloth that is woven from the silk of this insect is loose and seemingly flimsy of texture, it is so wonderfully durable, that a garment is said to last during nearly an entire lifetime. THE family of the Arctiide, so called because some of the hair-covered larvee have a bear- like look, is represented in Europe by many examples, some being really handsome insects, and others remarkable for some peculiarity in themselves or the larve. Perhaps the most carious example of this family is the Housr-surnpER Mors, which derives this name from its habits. It is common in many parts of the West Indies, and is in some places so plentiful as to do considerable damage to the fruit-trees. As soon as the larva is hatched from the egg, it sets to work in building its habitation ; and even before it begins to _ feed, this industrious insect begins to work. The house is made of bits of wood and leaves, bound together with silken threads secreted in the interior. When the creature is small, and the house of no great weight, it is carried nearly upright; but when it attains size and conse- - quent weight, it lies flat and is dragged along in that attitude. The entrance of this curious habitation is so made that the sides can be drawn together, and whenever the creature feels alarmed, it pulls its cords and so secures itself from foes. THE LoBsTER-MOTH derives its name from the grotesque exterior of the caterpillar. This larva is one of the oddest imaginable forms, hardly to be taken for a caterpillar by one who THE GIPSY-MOTH. 423 was not acquainted with it. The apparently forced and strange attitude in which this cater- pillar is represented is that which it assumes when at rest. The second and third pair of legs are much elongated. The moth itself displays no very notable points of structure except the raised tufts on the disc of the fore wings. The well-known TicER-motn (Arctia caja), with its red and brown coloring, is a well- known example of this family, and its caterpillar is no less familiar under the name of Woolly Bear. This is a very harmless creature, feeding almost wholly on the dead nettle, but some of its allies are terrible plagues to the agriculturist, or even to the country at large, having been known to inflict serious damage to crops, and in some parts of Germany even to strip whole forests of their foliage. One of these insects, called the VaporER-moru (Orgyia antigua), is especially remarkable for the strange contrast between the sexes, the male being a wide-winged moth of the ordinary kind, and the female a fat grub-like creature with hardly a vestige of wing, and scarcely GIPSY-MOTH.—Hypogymna dispar. stirring from the spot on which it is placed. The well-known Puss-morn (Cerura vinula), so called because its markings bear some resemblance to those of a tabby cat, belongs to this family. The caterpillar of this moth is a handsomely colored creature, remarkable for the odd, sphinx-like attitude which it assumes when at rest, the pink St. Andrew’s cross which is drawn over the back, and the forked appendage at the extremity of the body, from which a pair of long and delicate filaments can be thrust or withdrawn at pleasure. This caterpillar constructs a cocoon of wonderful strength, composed of bits of wood cemented together, and of such hardness that a penknife cannot penetrate it without risk of being snapped in the attempt. As may be seen by reference to the engraving, the Grpsy-moru differs much in its coloring, according to the sex, the male being blackish-brown and the female grayish-white. The upper wings of both sexes are marked with four waved transverse bands of moderately light brown, and a dark brown mark near the middle of the front edge like the letter V, inside of which is a blackish spot. On the European Continent this moth is very abundant, and the caterpillar is often extremely injurious to the trees. 494 THE LARGE SWORD-GRASS MOTH. Another moderately winged moth, called the Pate Tussock-morn, was also chosen for an illustration. This name the insect derives from its color and the tufts of hair that decorate the body of the caterpillar like tussocks of grass upon a field. The caterpillar goes by the popular name of the Hop- dog. The color of the Pale Tussock-moth is light brown- ish-gray, the fore wings being diversified with several PALE TUSSOCK-MOTH. —Dasychira pudibunda. Male, cocoon, caterpillar. marks of blackish-brown, (Everything of natural aes.) ; : the shape and. dimensions of which may be seen by reference to the engraving. The hinder wings are much paler, and the band is dark brown. The Hera, our next example, belongs to a genus which is known in Europe by the beautiful DominvLa, or SCARLET TIGER-MOTH, with its rich green and scarlet wings. In the present instance, the fore wings are cream-colored with broad markings that look at first sight as if they were black, but when viewed in a good light are seen to be of the deepest imaginable green with a velvety lustre. The hinder wings are rich crimson scarlet, decorated with three or four black spots. This species is found in several parts of Europe. THE STING-MOTH is anative of New South Wales, and the caterpillar feeds on the leaf of the stringy bark-tree. About the month of February it changes into the pupal state, and resides for some time in a curious kind of habitation. Just before it throws off the last larval skin, the caterpillar weaves a small and close cocoon or case, of an egg-like = which it suspends to*the stem of a leaf, and therein awaits its final change. The color of the moth is simple, but rather pretty. The fore wings are ‘wheat, edged with green and white, and the hinder wings are bluish-gray, edged with yellow and marked. with green, yellow and brown. The family of the Lithosiidz is represented in Europe by several moths, of which the CINNABAR-MOTH (Callimorpha jacobea) is perhaps the best known, on account of its vermilion and scarlet wings of precisely the same color on both sides: The Issz, which, like the Heliconia, is a native of Brazil and the neighboring countries, has the upper wings black, beautifully diversified by some red longitudinal stripes at the base, succeeded by two broad yellow patches. Near the edge there are some white spots. The hinder wings are red, veined with black and bordered with a broad black band on which are some red spots. WE now come to the large family of the Noctuide, containing a very great number of species, many of which so closely resemble each other that to distinguish them is not a very easy matter. The delicately colored PEAcH-BLossom Morn derives its name from the colors upon the wings, which closely resemble the soft pink upon the peach blossom. Although spread over the northern parts of Europe, it does not appear to be very plentiful, and does not assemble near one spot, as is the case with many rare and local moths. The caterpillar is easily known on account of a large hump that projects just behind the head, the summit of which is cleft into two bands, and also by the series of triangular elevations along the back upon which runs a pale zigzag line. The color of this larva is originally dark brown, but it sometimes assumes a paler hue. It may be found sparingly upon the common bramble about May. ‘The fore wings of the Peach-Blossom Moth are soft brown, with a few waved lines running nearly parallel with the edges, and having five spots of delicate pink. The hinder wings are simple grayish-yellow, with a single waved line running across the middle. The Larcr Sworp-@rass Morn derives its generic name from the handsome appearance of the caterpillar, the word calocampa being derived from two Greek words, the former signi- fying beautiful, and the latter a grub. The larva may be found in summer and autumn upon THE V-MOTH. * ‘425 . many plants, but especially on spinach, lettuce, and asparagus, and is not very common. Its color is rich green ; a double row of white spots runs along the back, the rows being divided by a yellow line, then a row of white spots arranged in groups, and lastly a line of scarlet. The moth itself, although of pleasing tints, is not nearly so handsome as the caterpillar. The general color is brown, in some individuals marked with yellow and in others with chestnut. The curiously shaped marks upon the wings are brown-black. The hinder wings are gray, and the fringe is yellow. When this moth is alarmed it has a habit of falling to the ground, with the upper wings drawn closely round the body and the antennz and legs folded. In this attitude it looks more like a stray piece of stick than a moth, and would escape any one who was not searching care- fully for it and was not acquainted with its habits. The insect in the illustration is the CLirpEN NonPAREIL, a fine and rare example of the Underwing-moths, so called because the hinder pair of wings are mostly of some bright color, while the upper pair are of comparatively sober tints. All these insects have a habit of settling on trunks of trees, or objects of similar dark hues, and drawing their upper wings so closely over each other as to conceal the brilliantly colored lower wings entirely beneath their shelter. When so seated, or rather suspended, as they always hang in a vertical attitude, it is almost impossible to discover them, even though they be marked down to the very tree on which they N A ia Ve = ofl ieee CLIFDEN NONPAREIL.—Catocala fraxina, (Natural size.) alight. They require some little care on the part of the pursuer; for although they depend much on their dull coloring for concealment, they are very alert on the wing, and the moment that they take alarm they speed away with wonderful alacrity. THE SWALLOW-TAILED Morn is a well-known European species, very common in woods, and being mostly found among the underwood, whence it may be dislodged by beating the branches. The caterpillar feeds on many shrubs, but prefers the willow, the lime, and elder trees, the elder being its chief favorite. The cocoon is made of withered leaves. The PrerprreD Morn derives its name from the color of the wings, which are white, covered with little black dots, that look as if they had been shaken out of a pepper-castor. The stripes on the fore wings are black. The V-moru, another of a very common species of this family, is so called on account of the dark brown mark upon the fore wings, which much resembles the letter after which it is named, _ THERE are several other families of moths, many of which contain numerous species, but our space tom 24 allow to treat them all, Some of them are very small and apparently OL, . a 426 THE LILAC-LEAF ROLLER MOTH. insignificant, though their vast numbers often give them powers of destruction which are ~ unequalled by the larger but scarcer insects. The PrssLe Hoox-trp Morn is one of these insects, and one that has greatly perplexed systematic entomologists to place it in its proper position. The Geometride, as a rule, have the antenne perfectly simple and thread-like ; but the male of this insect has those organs in a feathery form, like those of other families. The larva, again, is of rather eccentric shape, with projections along its back, with tufts of stiff hairs, and assuming an attitude very like that which is characteristic of the puss-moth larva already described. The popular name of this moth is derived from the hook-like tips of the wings. Its color is reddish-buff, over which are drawn a number of waved dusky streaks. In the centre of the wing there is a dusky spot, and an orange-brown stripe is drawn from the inner margin to the extremity. A very pretty and well-known moth is the OAK-LEAF RoLLER (Tortriz viridana), a moth of a beautiful apple-green upon the upper wings. In the illustration the insect is repre- sented in its natural size. In some places, these moths swarm to a fearful extent, stripping whole trees of their leaves. I have known the oaks to be surrounded with whole clouds of these moths, fluttering about like gnats, and forming an exhaustless banquet to the empis-flies, . eae Ct anu “AB which were catching them by thousands, embracing them in their long legs, and flying about with their prey, suck- ing their juices like so many winged vampires. Other species live beneath the bark of trees, or even burrow into the wood, while others are hatched in the interior of fruits, and live unsuspected in their retreats until they are on the point of changing to the pupa form, when they eat their way out, and leave a round hole as a memento of their presence. The Copiinc-moru is one of the commonest of these tire- some insects, living in the middle of the fruit from which it takes its name, and giving rise to the condition which is termed ‘‘maggoty.”’ The larva is a round, fat, white grub, which may too often be found in the interior of an apparently sound and ripe apple, and which gives to every part which it has touched a very bitter and nauseous flavor, like that of a worm-eaten nut. None of the Tortricide are of very brilliant colors, the Oak-leaf Roller being one of the most conspicuous. The fore wings are dark grayish-brown, striped transversely with a darker tint. On the outer part of each wing there is a dark brown space streaked with golden bars. The hind wings are simple dusky-brown. The rose suffers sadly from the ravages of several of these moths, some of which feed within the bud, and others tie the young leaves together and feed upon the interior. THE Tineide form a very large family of moths, all of which are of small dimensions, and some exceedingly minute. From several points in their structure, Mr. Westwood seems doubtful whether they ought not to be united to the Yponomeutide ; the genera] narrowness of their wings, and the rare occurrence of labial palpi, being the points by which they have been separated. The larve of most of the species form portable cases of various materials, in which they reside, some feeding upon animal, and others upon vegetable substances. The too well-known CLoTHEs-MotTH (Tinea tapetzella) belongs to this family. There is another species of the same genus, popularly called the Wo.r-morn (Zinea gravella), which haunts granaries and malt-houses, and does great damage by feeding on the grains and fastening them fogatiae with its silken web. The pretty little Litac-LEAF Rotter Mors belongs to this family. Those who possess gardens have doubtlessly noticed that many leaves of the common lilac are rolled into a cylin- drical form, bound together by silken threads, and that, if this little case be opened, out tumbles a small whitish caterpillar with a black head, who loses no time in letting itself to the ground by means of a silken fibre spun from its mouth. How the larva rolls the leaf is quite a mystery, and though it has been watched by many careful observers and seen to fasten its HOMOPTERA. 427 threads, the precise force which makes the leaf assume its cylindrical form is as yet undis- covered. The caterpillar lives within, and feeds upon the rolled portion of the leaf, thus sur- passing the feat of Ascanius recorded in the ‘‘ AMineid.’’ The fore wings are golden-brown, with pale brown transverse markings, and the hinder pair are edged with long grayish fringes. The larva feeds on the ash and privet as well as on the lilac. Our last example of the Lepidoptera is the beautiful ie Mors, an insect which never fails to attract attention, on account of the singular elegance and beauty of its form. This insect belongs to a small family which is remarkable for the fact, that, except in one genus, the wings, instead of being broad membranous structures, are cleft into narrow rays, feathered in a most soft and delicate manner. The White-plume Moth is to be seen in the — evenings, flying in a curious, uncertain manner, and looking not unlike a snow-flake blown casually by the wind. It seems never to fly to any great distance, setiling quite openly on leaves or plants, without taking the precaution of clinging to the under side, as is the custom with so many of the smaller moths. When it rests, it folds the wings so that they only look like a single broad ray. The legs of this moth are very long and slender. The color of this insect is pure white. An allied insect, the TwEenTy-PLUME Morn (Aliicita hexadactyla), has its wings cleft into a great number of plumes, thus giving rise to its popular name. In reality, there are twenty-four plumes, each of the fore wings being cleft into eight divisions, and the hinder wings into four. It is much smaller than the White Plume, and is fond of haunting houses, where it may be seen moving up and down the window panes with much agility. Autumn is the best time for finding this little moth. Its general color is ashen-gray, with two darkish bands and a white fringe. HOMOPTERA. In the next order are comprised some very grotesque insects, some of which have been thought to belong to other orders, and a few not being known to be insects at all until comparatively late years. They have rounded bodies, not more than three joints in the tarsi, and their wings are four in number, wholly membranous, the fore pair being larger than the hinder, but not overlapping in repose. The mouth forms a kind of tube, sometimes nearly as long as the body, and often sufficiently hard and stiff to pierce the skin. In this curious order are placed the Aphides, those little green insects that swarm upon roses and other plants, and are termed ‘‘blights’’ by gardeners, who employ that term in a strangely wide sense ; the Cicade, with their beautiful membranous wings, their large heads, ~ and their loud voices ; the tribe of Hoppers, of which the Cuckoo Spit insect, known in its perfect state under the nats of Frog-hopper, and the beautiful Scarlet Hopper, are- familiar examples ; the wonderful Lantern-flies, also leapers, which are found only in hot climates ; the Wax Insects of China; and lastly, the Scale Insects, or Coecidee, from which the ‘‘lac,”’ so important in commerce, is obtained. The Cicadze, which are represented in the accompanying oleograph, have three joints to their feet, these members affording useful characteristics in settling the precise position of the various species. They are very large insects, sometimes measuring more than six inches between the tips of the expanded wings. Their mouth or beak is three-jointed and very long, being tucked under the body when not required. The females are furnished with. a curious apparatus, by which they are enabled to cut grooves in the branches of trees for the purpose of depositing their eggs therein, and which is clearly analogous to the instrument possessed by the saw-flies. On the under side of the body, and nearly at the extremity, are seen a pair - of jointed valves, which form the scabbard to the boring instrament. At first sight, the borer 428 THE LANTERN-FLIES. appears like a spear-head deeply notched along both edges; but on a closer examination it is seen that this apparently single instrument is composed of three pieces, namely, two saw-edged blades, set back to back, and a central support in which they both slide. There seems little doubt that these instruments work alternately, like the saws of the tenthredo. The slits made by these curious saws are wonderfully deep, considering the instruments with which they are cut, amd look as if little splinters of wood had been partially detached by a pen-knife, but left adherent at one end. Each of the burrows under these elevations is about a third of an inch in length, and contains from four to ten eggs. Altogether, each female deposits between six and seven hundred eggs. As soon as the young are hatched, they emerge from the cell, and make their way to the ground. At this period of their existence they are not unlike the common flea, both in size and shape. They grow rapidly, and when they are changed to the pupal form exhibit but little alteration in form, except that the rudimentary wings are visible externally. They live for some time in the preliminary stages, and guard themselves against the frosts of winter by burrowing into the ground to a depth of nearly a yard. When the perfect insect makes its escape, it leaves the empty pupal shell nearly entire, except a slit along the back through which the creature has passed. The male Cicada has the power of producing a shrill and ear-piercing sound, so loud in many species that it can be heard at a considerable distance, and becomes a positive annoyance, like the same tune played for several hours without intermission. The organ by which the sound is produced is internal, but its position may be seen externally by looking at the under side of the body, just behind the last pair of legs, where a pair of horny plates may be seen. These plates are the protecting covers of the sound-producing apparatus, which consists of two drum-like membranes and a set of powerful muscles. The color of the perfect insect is mostly of a yellowish cast, and the wings are firm, shining, and membranous, some- what resembling those of the dragon-fly in texture, but having larger cells or spaces between the nervures. One species of Cicada is a native of Europe (Cicada anglica). Generally, however, the Cicade are tropical insects, or, at all events, inhabit the warm countries, those in the cooler parts of the world being comparatively small. Several species of Cicada are eaten like the locusts. — THE wonderful LANTERN-FLIES are known by the three-jointed antenne and the two ocelli beneath the eyes. It may here be remarked that the eyes of insects are of two-fold character, namely, the compound and the simple, the former being constructed of a variable number of facets, so arranged, that each, though a separate eye, with its own optic nerve, is made to coincide with the others, and to produce a single image in the sensorium. Many insects, especially those which fly or run rapidly, have a vast number of facets in the compound eye, the common peacock butterfly possessing about thirty-four thousand of these lenses, seventeen thousand on each side. The average number, however, is about six or eight thousand. The ocelli, or simple eyes, are round, lens-like objects, mostly set in front of the head; and it is imagined that the two sets of eyes perform distinct offices, the compound eyes for the purpose of observing distant objects, and the ocelli in order to examine the food or any substance within close proximity. In many of the Fulgoride, the head is formed into the oddest imaginable shapes, some- times lengthened into a curved horn, like that of the Lantern-fly, sometimes broad, with a deep keel above, and sometimes with a raised edge of knife-like sharpness. The head is said to emit a phosphorescent light, similar to that of the fireflies. The Wax Insects belong to this family. These creatures are plentiful in China, where the waxen secretion is manufactured into many useful articles, and is equal, if not superior, to that obtained from the bee. That this creature should produce wax is thought to be very marvellous, but there is no reason to consider the fact more wonderful than that the bee should secrete a similar substance. There is this difference, that the bee produces the wax from six little pockets arranged along the abdomen, whereas the Fulgora pours it from various parts of the body, just as the oil is emitted by the meloé-beetle already described. THE COCHINEAL INSECT. 429 Tux Cercopidee, or Hoppers, are well known in Europe, mostly from the habits of the larva, and the saltatorial powers of the perfect insect. The CucKoo-spit, or FRoG-10PPER, is very plentiful in this country, and is often a great annoyance to amateur gardeners, who dislike to find their hands or faces suddenly wetted with the frothy exudations in which the creature lives enshrined. The larva fixes itself upon various plants, and sucks their juices through its long beak, which it plunges into the soft substance. When the accumulation of froth is very great, which usually happens in the heat of the day, a drop of clear water begins to form at the lowest part, into which the froth drains itself, and is presently relieved by the falling of the drop. The scientific name of this insect is Aphrophora spumaria. Another species of Frog-hopper (Aphrophora goudotii), a native of Madagascar, pours out clear water without the preliminary process of forming the liquid into froth. In its perfect state it can leap to an extraordinary distance, the spring being so smartly made as to cause a sharp tap on the object from which it leaps. As it alights it often tumbles over, and loses some little time in kicking about before it can again get on its short legs. A SMALL but very remarkable insect is the Coccus, popularly known as the ScaLE InsxEcv7, or Mraty Bue, the former title being applied to the exterior of the female, and the latter given on account of the white mealy substance that is found within her body. The male of this insect is winged. To gardeners the Cocci are sad pests, infesting various fruit-trees, and increasing with such rapidity that their progress can scarcely be checked. The young, too, are of such minute size that they can hardly be seen or destroyed. It appears, however, that the most effectual way of checking their depredations is to make a kind of semi-liquid paste of fine clay and water, and with a brush to wash it well into the bark of the affected trees, so. as to cover the insects, deprive them of air, and debar them from removing. ‘Three or four coats are necessary, in order to stop up the minute cracks which are sure to take place in the drying clay, and which would afford ample opportunities of egress to these tiny creatures. Within the shell-like body the young Cocci are hatched, amid an abundant supply of white substance, something like flour. The mother by this time has died, but her shelly skin still remains, and forms a house wherein her children live until they are strong enough to enter the world. They are usually hatched towards the end of June, and the young escape at the end of July. J The CocnutnEaL InsEct (Coccus cacti), of which we give a very fine illustration, belongs to the same genus. This species is a native of Mexico, and lives upon a kind of cactus, called, from its insect guest, the Cactus cochinellifer. The wonderful amount of rich coloring matter which these insects contain is well known. The beautiful colors, carmine and lake, are obtained bt Oe Se | | pt COCHINEAL INSECT.—Coccus cacti. (a, The insect alive upon the Opuntia, covered with its waxen sweat; b, male; c, female. The objects are magnified, and the lines indicate the natural size.) from this insect, and the best scarlets are likewise produced from the Cochineal, the difference of hue being due to a mixture of chloride of tin. The trade in the Cochineal is very great; and as the substance is very costly, and permits a parcel of great value to be compressed into a small bulk, it is often used in lieu of cash in mercantile transactions, and a package will go travelling backwards and forwards for a long time before it reaches its final destination. 430 THE HETEROPTERA., Several other species, such as the PoLtisu ScarRLer Gratin (Coccus polonicus), and the KermEs (Coccus ilicis), are also valuable to colorists, and impart a very fine scarlet to sub- stances treated with them, although the hues are not equal to those obtained from the cochineal. The latter of these insects was known both to the Greeks and Romans, and was used by them for the purpose of obtaining the purple dyes which were so much worn by the higher classes. The Lac Insxct (Coccus lacca) is another member of this most useful genus. This species resides in India and the hotter parts of Asia. It is found attached to the twigs of trees, and is then called stick-lac, the shell-lac being the waxen secretion purified and shaped into thin, shell-like plates. Tue Grape Phylloxera (P. vitifolie) is the most destructive of the Aphides. Though first characterized in Europe, North America seems to be the home of the genus, for, while there are but two well-defined species so far known in Europe, sixteen distinct species are found in various parts of the United States. They are gall-inhabiting creatures. For a long period the Phylloxera was only an object of interest to the naturalist ; but, five or six years since, the Grape Phylloxera came suddenly to be a creature of great concern to the public. Indeed, this species has become so prominent that it is entitled -he Phylloxera, though fifteen other species are known. It is found from Canada to the Gulf States, and east of the Rocky Mountains. Early in the history of the grape culture in the United States, the gall-making type was observed on the leaves of certain varieties, particularly on the Clinton, and in 1856 this was briefly described by Dr. Fitch, State Entomologist of New York, by the name Pemphegus viti- folie. The more normal root-inhabiting type was not suspected, however, until it was dis- covered by Prof. Riley, of Washington, in 1871. A kind of grape-root disease began to show itself in France, where the grape interest is of vast importance. Large sums were offered by the government. It was found eventually that it was the identical species that is indigenous on American vines, and that it was imported into France from America, probably during our civil war, on our vines sent to French nurserymen. It presents two forms or types, the root- eating and the gall-inhabiting. The insect is abot t a sixteenth of an inch in length. The appearance of the vine-roots, after being infested, is that of a collection of young potatoes just formed. There seems no practical remedy for the vines already affected. The only ser- viceable practice is to substitute new vines ; and though America furnished the enemy, yet it is found that the American vines resist the pest much better than those of France. Conse- quently, the vineyards of the Old World are being replanted by vines shipped from our American vineyards. The Cunningham, Norton’s Virginia, Clinton, Concord, Taylor, are preferred. Those especially preferred are of the species estiralis, as Herbmont, Cynthiania. The French have now learned to appreciate our vines, when formerly they scorned the idea of importing them. American grape culture, meantime, is advancing favorably from this com- munication of the culturists of both countries. HETEROPTERA. : THE insects belonging to the large and important order which is placed next to the Homoloptera, are readily known by several conspicuous characteristics. The wings are four in number, and the front pair are very peculiar in their structure, the basal portion being ‘horny, like the elytra of beetles, and the remaining portion membranous, like the hinder wings of the same insects. In some species, however, the wings are wanting, as in the common Bed-bug (Cimex lectularius). The body is always much flattened, the mouth is beak-like, and in the pupal stage the creature is active and resembling the perfect insect, except in its want of wings. As the space which can be devoted to the remaining insects is extremely limited, it will be merely possible to give a brief sketch of the different families. THE DALADER ACUTICOSTA, 431 In the first section of the Heteroptera, the species are aquatic and predaceous, some being very quick and active in the water, and others slow, but yet fierce and voracious, and obtain- ing by craft the prey which the others win by fair chase. The first family of the Notonectide, or Back-swimmers, is represented in Europe by many species, of which the common Water Boatman (Wotonecta glaucus) is the commonest. As may be seen by reference to our full-page illustration, these insects are in the habit of lying on the back and propelling themselves by means of the hind legs, which are very long, and with the extremities expanded and fringed with stiff hairs, so as to resemble and do the duty of oars. When lying on the back, the insect is wonderfully boat-like, the general shape much resembling an Indian canoe. These creatures breathe atmospheric air, for which they are forced occasionally to come to the surface, receiving it under their wings, just as is the case with the water-beetles already described. When the air has been taken in, it is prevented from escaping by means of the stiff hairs with which the segments are furnished. Any one who has watched a pond in the summer-time must have noticed the Water Boatmen coming to the surface, poking their tails out of the water, and then descending. The beak of all this family is very sharp and strong, especially in the genus Corixa; and a heedless captor will often find a sudden pang shoot through his fingers, caused by the determined thrust of the insect’s sharp beak, which is armed with a pair of spear-like points, the edges of which are deeply jagged. The wings of the Water Boatman are large and handsome, and the insects are powerful on the wing. They fly by night. THE family of the Nepide is represented in Europe by the common WATER ScoRPION, a very flat and leaf-like insect, which is found abundantly in slow running streams, ditches, and ponds. It is figured in the same engraving. This insect derives its popular name from its scorpion-like aspect, the two slender filaments appended to the abdomen representing the sting-tipped tail, and the raptorial fore-legs resembling the claws. It is with these legs that the Water Scorpion catches its prey, which, when once grasped in that hooked extremity, is never able to make its escape. The beak is short, but very strong and sharp, and is not bent under the thorax, as is the case with. that of the water boatman. The Reduviidee comprise a great number of terrestrial insects, mostly exotic, but a few being natives of Europe. Some of them are very large, and one species, the WHEEL-BUG (Arilus serratus), is said to possess electric powers. Its popular name is derived from the curious shape of the prothorax, which is elevated and notched, so as to resemble a portion of a cog-wheel. One species of the W heel-bug (Reduvius personatus),inhabits houses, and is said to feéd upon the bed-bug. The larva and pupa of this insect are difficult to discover, on account of their habit of envel- oping themselves in a coating of dust. The HammMatocerus belongs to this family. The insect is remarkable for the curious structure of the second joint of the antenne, which consists of numerous small articulations. The generic title is derived from two Greek words, signifying Link-horned, and is given to the insect in allu- sion to this peculiarity. Reduvius personatus. (Natural size.) Tue remarkable: insect, Dalader acuticosta, belongs to the Mictide, and is notable for two peculiarities, namely, the flattened expansion of the third joint of the antenne, and the singular width and flatness of the abdomen, which is so very leaf-like as to remind the observer of the leaf-insect The abdomen is greatly expanded, and extends on either side far beyond the wings, which, when opened, exhibit the curious formation of the parts below. The thorax is also expanded and developed into a semi-lunar shape, the points being directed forward. The third joint of the antenne is seen also to be expanded, flattened, and formed into a kind of battledore shape. In color, this insect is very inconspicuous, being altogether of a dull brown, like a withered oak-leaf. It is a native of Northern India. 432 THE CHIGOE. ANOTHER insect, termed Diactor bilineatus, belongs to the same family, and is remark- able for the curious formation of the hinder pair of legs. In the genus of which this species is an example, the tibize are expanded like the blade of a South Sea Islander’s paddle, being very flat, and not so thick as the paper on which this account is printed. In the present species, the coloring is very splendid, the whole of the thorax being rich emerald-green, with a peculiar lustre, as if incrusted with the minutest of gems, and diversified with two longi- tudinal streaks of light red. The latter color, however, always fades in process of time, as is generally the case with all the shades of red in insects. ‘The elytra are also green, but not so sparkling in effect. It is a native of Brazil, and the family in which it is placed is the Anisoscelidee. The broad leafy expansions of the legs are chestnut-brown, spotted with a paler hue. : APHANIPTERA. WE are now come to another order, deriving its name from the invariable absence of wings, the name being derived from two Greek words, the former signifying invisible, and the latter a wing, There are not many species belonging to this order, and they are all known by the popular name of Fleas. A magnified representa- tion of the common FLEA is given in our illustration. These insects are notable for their extreme agility and the hard shelly substance of their integuments, two characteristics which are very useful in defending them from foes, for in the first place they leap about so quickly that they are not easily caught, and in the second place they are so hard and polished, that even \ when seized they are apt to slip through the fingers before they can be immolated to the just wrath of the captor. As may be seen by reference to the engraving, the mouth.of these insects is very complex in its struct- ure, and is a veritable surgeon’s case of lancets, saws, ae igre! phy napa igindy — and probes. Although eager for blood to a proverbial not visible jaws fandg, Larvas’ (All the objects are eXtent, Fleas can endure a very long fast without much thee atacad cioe at the Ika sath the large figure indicates inconvenience.. I have known a room to be unused for years, and yet, when I became its unfortunate first occupant, being rendered helpless by a broken leg and dislocated ankle, the Fleas came swarming in positive armies to their long-delayed feast, like the locust hosts descending upon a cornfield, and caused unspeakable miseries until they were routed by continual slaughter. What food these insects may have found in an empty room is not easy to say, as, though the larve might, perhaps, have continued to subsist on the feathers of the. pillows, the perfect insects could not eat such juiceless substances, and must either have gone altogether without food, or drawn their subsistence from some unknown source. : Another species of Flea, the Cu1coEr (Pulex penetrans), sometimes corrupted into JIGGER, is a terrible pest in tropical countries, attacking human beings, and by its peculiar habits causing severe injuries, unless they are checked at once. They mostly attack the feet, generally preferring the bare spot just between the toe and the nail. When they have made their way fairly under the skin, they swell to a very great size, the body becoming about the size and shape of a sweet pea, and being filled with a vast number of eggs. Generally, those who live in the Chigoe-infected regions are careful to have their feet examined every day, and the ~ offending insects dislodged with the point of a needle. Sometimes, however, one may escape observation until it has obtained its full development, when its only external sign is a slight swelling, with a bluish color. To extract one of these swollen insects is a matter of no small DADDY LONG-LEGS, OR CRANE-FLIES. 433 difficulty, for if the body be burst, and a single egg suffered to remain, the creature will be hatched in the wound, and the result will be a painful festering sore. If such an event should take place, the best plan is to pour a drop of spirit of turpentine into the wound, a process sufficiently painful, but yet preferable to the risk of the future sores. The young negroes are very subject to the Chigoe, and every evening a chorus of outcries is usually heard, being sounds of lamentation from the children, whose toes are undergoing maternal inspection. The little creatures, with the short-sighted cunning of childhood, always try to hide the Chigoe bite, in hopes of escaping the resulting needle. But their cunning only meets its due reward, as when the Chigoe has made her burrow, the sharp eye of the negress is sure to discover it, and then the whole nest has to be excavated, and rendered untenable by red pepper, rubbed well into the hollow. Indeed, if it were not for the terror inspired by the red pepper, the children would hardly have a sound foot among them. It may seem curious that the insect should be able to burrow under the skin without being discovered, but the fact is, that it sets about its work so quietly, and insinuates itself so gently, that the only perceptible sensation is a slight but not unpleasant irritation. DIPTERA. WE now pass to the Drprera, or Two-winged Insects, which may be known not only by the single pair of wings, but by the little appendages at their base, called halteres or balancers, and which are the only vestiges of the hinder pair of wings. Moreover, the wings are not capable of being folded. This order is of vast extent, and includes a whole host of species, many being extremely minute, and many others displaying so many uncertainties of form and habit, that the arrangement of this order is one of the greatest difficulties with which system- atic entomologists have to contend. In the following engravings a few examples are given of this order, for the purpose of illustrating some of the principal families. THE Common Gwar is an example of the family Culicide. The mouth of this pretty and graceful but very annoying insect, is fully as complicated as that of the flea, and under the microscope is a truly beautiful object. The male Gnat, which is easily known by the plumed antenn, is not to be feared, not being a bloodsucker, that characteristic belonging solely to the female. The eggs of the Gnat are laid in, or rather upon, water, and are built, as fast as laid, into a boat-like shape, which possesses such powers of flotation, that, even if water be poured upon it, the mimic vessel turns out the water, and rights itself as well as any life-boat. When hatched, the larvee fall into the water, and begin at once to make themselves very con- spicuous by their continual twisting and jerking themselves about. They are long-tailed, large-headed insects ; and when they are at rest, they hang with their heads downwards, the whorl of hairs at the tip of the branched tail serving as a float. Through this tail the respira- tion is carried on, the little creature requiring to breathe atmospheric air. In process of time, the larva changes into an active pupa, and, lastly, when the perfect insect is about to make its appearance, it rises to the surface, the pupal skin splits along the back, and forms a kind of raft, on which the Gnat stands until its wings have attained sufficient strength for flight. The Tipulide are very familiar to us through the well-known insects called Dappy Lone- LEGS, or CRANE-FLIES. In their perfect state, these insects are perfectly harmless, although ignorant people are afraid to touch them. But, in their larval condition, they are fearful pests, living just below the surface of the ground, and feeding on the roots of grasses. Whole acres of grass have been destroyed by these larvee ; and, two or three years ago, Blackheath Park was so infested with them, that the turf was much injured, and in the beginning of autumn the ground was covered thickly with the empty pupa cases of the escaped insects, Vou, Ti.—5, - 434 THE GAD-FLY., ' One of the wonders of natural science is the ARMy-worm (Heerwurm). At first sight, it appears to be a single being, but by closer observation it will be seen to consist of a vast mul- titude of larvee, or caterpillars. There is a European and an American Army-worm, distin- guished from each other by the nature of the tiny creatures which collect in a body for pro- cession or migration ; the one being a collection of the larve of the small light yellowish gnat (Sciara militaris), belonging to the family Mycetophilide of this class,while the other consists of the caterpillars of one of the moths of the family Woctuide. When in such a large collection, the larve of the Sciara militaris move forward in a snake-like manner. They look pallid, and are kept closely together by their mucous surfaces, so that they really appear as one body. So strongly do they stick together, that the tail-piece of the worm may be lifted with help of a stick for a moment without becoming refracted. The faculty of moving on consists in the uniform motions of all the larvee. Every one shoves forward with the back of the body, and then stretches out the fore-part as if feeling. The whole appears like a little stream slowly gliding along. Sometimes this larvee-procession has to overcome obstacles in its way which often cause a dissection. Small hindrances the Army-worm surmounts, but larger ones cause a temporary disunion. Sometimes one part of the mass of bodies disappears under leaves, but generally a reunion takes place. A break by force, caused, for instance, by the hoofs of a horse, or by the wheels of a wagon, soon becomes joined, just as is the case with the so-called procession-cater- pillar of the moth Cnethocampa processionea, belonging to the family Bombycidae, of the class Lepidoptera. For centuries, the mysterious movements of the Army-worm have given rise to all kinds of superstitious beliefs among the people of Europe, where from time to time it was seen in Silesia, Thuringia, Hanover, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They predicted luck or mis- fortune from its appearance, some prophesying war, others the result of the harvest. The inhabitants of the Silesian mountains predicted luck, whenever the Army-worm took its way down the valley, but unfruitfulness whenever it crawled up. The people in the Thuringian woods predicted peace when it took the former direction, and war when it took the latter. Some even believed their own destiny to be connected with the worm. They threw clothes and ribbons in its way, and felt happy, especially hopeful women, when it crawled over the things ; but they regarded one as a dead man whose things it avoided. These funny beliefs are now all overthrown by the studies and close observations which Mr. Beling, an inspector of the German forests, has made of the Army-worm. He detected its exact nature and origin, and he has delivered many treatises on the subject since the year 1868. His observations fully convinced him that the only cause for the appearance of the Army-worm is the longing for food of larve of the Sciara militaris. The Army-worm gener- ally measures fifteen feet in length, and three to four inches in width. Though really not belonging to the Diptera, but, like the Cnethocampa processionea, to the Lepidoptera, we may undertake here, for sake of conformity, to treat the AMERICAN ARMY-WoRM. The caterpillars forming it are termed Leucania extranea. They collect, like the European Army-worm, in vast numbers, and devastate whole theadows in a short time. When they can no longer find grass, they emigrate to other fields, and attack even rye and wheat. Large clusters of these caterpillars have been observed in the Western States and on Long Island. In 1861, such a gathering of caterpillars proceeded fully sixty yards in two hours. The Texas and Mexican collections of the same or of a similar spe- cies of caterpillars are known by the name of WIRE-WoRM. THE accompanying illustration represents the common — GAD-FLY (Female).—Taba- FLY, a well-known example of the Tabanide. It is also known by the (Natwalciey “popular names of Gap-FLy and Cixc. As in the gnats, the females are the only bloodsuckers, but they exert their sanguinary ability with terrible force. While staying in forests and suffering greatly from the bites of the Gad-tlies, I used to keep a little naphtha in a bottle, and rub it occasionally over my face and hands, for THE TSETSE. 435 the purpose of repelling these blood-thirsty insects which selected me for their victim, leaving my companions untouched. I have found the whole of the unprotected space round the neck covered with their bites, and my ears thickly stained with blood from the effects of their weapons. ; To this family belongs the terrible Tsrrsx, the curse of Southern Africa, which destroys horses, dogs, and cows by thousands, though it causes no harm to man or to any wild animal. Fortunately, it isa very local insect, its bound- aries being as sharply defined as if drawn on a map, one side of a stream being infested with this active insect, while the other is per- - 2 * TSETSE.— Glossina morsitans. a, Head, with parts of the mouth, b, Antenna, or feeler. (The objects are fectly free. The fig ure 1S differently magnified. The line underneath the figure of the Fly indicates the natural size of the Tsetse.) drawn most accurately. The following account of its habits and the effects of its bite are given by Dr. Living- stone :—‘‘In the ox the bite produces no more immediate effects than in man. It does not startle him as the gad-fly does ; but a few days afterwards the following symptoms supervene : the eyes and the nose begin to run; the coat stares as if the animal were cold ; a swelling appears under the jaw, and sometimes at the navel; and, though the animal continues to graze, emaciation commences, accompanied with a peculiar flaccidity of the muscles ; and this continues unchecked until, perhaps months afterwards, purging comes on, and the animal, no longer able to graze, perishes in a state of extreme exhaustion. Those which are in good con dition often perish soon after the bite is inflicted, with staggering and blindness, as if the brain were affected by it. Sudden changes of the temperature, produced by falls of rain, seem to hasten the progress of the complaint ; but, in general, the emaciation goes on uninter- ruptedly for months, and do what we will, the poor animals perish miserably. When opened, the cellular tissue on the surface of the body beneath the skin is seen to be injected with air, as if a quantity of soap-bubbles were scattered over it, or a dishonest, awkward butcher had been trying to make it look fat. The fat is of a greenish-yellow color, and of an oily consistence. All the muscles are so flabby, and the heart often so soft, that the fingers may be made to meet through it, and the lungs and liver partake of the disease. The stomach and bowels are pale and empty, and the gall-bladder is distended with bile.” The insect which occasions these terrible results is hardly larger than a house-fly. It is curious that, although horses perish under its bite, mules, asses, and goats escape injury, and it seems that the bite of a single fly is sufficient to cause death. Another curious symptom is, that the blood: loses its redness, and hardly stains the hands of the person who dissects the smitten animal. The source of all this mischief is to be found in a little poison-gland at the base of the mouth, not larger than a mustard-seed, and yet infinitely more deadly than the venom of the rattlesnake. The color of the Tsetse is brown, with a few yellow bars across the abdomen. When it bites a man, the pain which it causes is very slight, and the worst results are a trifling irritation not more severe than that caused by the bite of a gnat. A large insect is the BANDED Hornet-Fiy. It is an example of the Asilidee, among which are found the most gigantic specimens of the order. The body of these insects is long, and clothed with stiff hairs. They are fierce and voracious, feeding mostly upon other insects which they catch on the wing, and out of which they suck the vital fluids through their powerful proboscis. One species of this family has been known to capture and carry off a hive-bee, a remarkable instance of a stingless insect attacking and overcoming a creature so formidably armed as the bee, Some of them are said to attack cattle after the manner of 436 THE BOT-FLY. the Tabanide. As with the preceding family, the larve of the Asili reside under ground, and feed upon the roots of plants. The family of the Syrphide, or Hoverer-flies, is rather large, and contains many inter- esting insects. Among them may be mentioned the Volucella flies, which feed, while in the larval state, on the larvee of bees and wasps, and, as if to aid them in gaining admission into the nests of those formidable creatures, are shaped and colored so like the insects which they invade, that at a little distance it is almost impossible to distinguish between them. The Drons-FLy (Zristalis tenazx) belongs to this family. This insect bears a wonderful resemblance to the hive-bee, and has a habit of moving the abdomen in a manner that leads an unaccustomed observer to fancy that it possesses a sting. The larva of this insect is popularly known by the name of Rat-tail maggot, on account of its peculiar construction. This larva resides in mud, with the head downwards. In order to enable it to breathe, the respiratory tubes are carried into a long and telescopic appendage attached to the tail, the end of which is furnished with a brush of hairs something like that on the tail of the gnat larva. The extremity of this curious organ is always held out of the muddy water, and it is most curious to see the grubs elongate their tails as the depth of water is increased. All the vast family of Muscide, or Flies, are members of this order, and as at least eight hundred species-of this one family are known, it may be imagined that no description of them can be attempted. Tue large and bold looking fly, represented in our illustration, belongs to the family of the (Kstridz, and is popularly known by the name of Bot-Fiy. All these insects are parasitic in or upon animals. The larva of this Bot-fly resides in the interior of horses, and is conveyed there in a very curious manner. The parent fly deposits her eggs upon the hairs near the shoulders of the horse, where the animal is sure to lick them in order to rid itself of the unpleasant feeling caused by agglutinated hairs. The eggs are thus conveyed to the stomach, to the coats of which organ the larve cling, and there remain until they have attained their full growth. They then loosen their hold, are carried, together with the food, through the interior of the animal, fall to the ground, and immediately begin to burrow. They remain underground until they have undergone their meta- morphoses, and then emerge in the shape of the perfect insect. They do not seem to inflict any damage upon the animal from whose bodies they have drawn their nourishment, and some veterinary surgeons believe that they are rather beneficial than in- jurious. Another kind of Bot-fly (@strus bovis) resides in the cow, but instead of being taken into the stomach, it burrows into the skin, and there forms large tubercles, that are popularly called worbles or wurbles. An aperture is always left on the top of the tubercle, and the larva breathes by means of keeping the two principal spiracles opposite to the orifice. When full grown, they push themselves out of the aperture, fall upon the ground, and there burrow and undergo their transformations. z The spiracles, to which allusion has been often made, are the apertures through which air is admitted to the system. Insects breathe in a very remarkable manner, the air being con- ducted through curiously-constructed vessels to every part of the body, even to the extremities of the feet and antenne. It will be seen that the structure of these vessels must be very remarkable, on account of the opposite duties they have to perform. As they penetrate the entire insect, it is needful that they should be flexible, in order to permit the creature to move about at will, as, if they were stiff-walled, the joints would be rendered useless, and the insect HORSE BOT-FLY.— Gastrophilus equi. a, Fly. b, Egg onahair. c,d, e, Larva in its transformations. APTERA. 437 would be unable to movea limb. Another characteristic, however, is required. They must be always kept sufficiently open for the free passage of air, and it is not easy to see how these qualities should be united, as a flexible tube will mostly, if abruptly bent, as is continually the case with the air-tubes of the limbs, lose its - roundness at the angle, and shut off the communication. An India- rubber gas-tube is a familiar in- stance of this property of flexible tubes. The difficulty is, however, sur- mounted by a simple and yet most =) effectual plan. The tubes are double, ER <, one within another, and in the in- “° F CATTLE BOT-FLY.—Hypoderma, or Gistrus bovis. a, Fly. b, Larva. c, Pupa. band c, terspace a fine but very strong hair- 4s seen from the under side. (All magnified ; line at left-hand side natural size of Fly.) like thread is closely wound in a spiral. It will. be seen that, by means of this structure, the tube can be bent in any direction without losing its roundness. The long flexible tubes of Turkish pipes are made in a similar manner, a spiral wire forming the basis, upon which is sewn the leather and silken outer tube—one of the many instances where the of man has been anticipated in the animal creation. A third species (@strus - ovis), of which we give also an exact illus- tration, is parasitic in the sheep, inhabiting the frontal sinus, ¢. e., the open space be- tween the bones on the forehead aad between the eyes. The _ Hippoboscide, popularly known under the name of° Forest-flies, deserve a short notice. Ay These are round-bodied SHEEP BOT-FLY.—@strus ovis. a, Fly. b, Larva. c, Pupa, as seen insects with legs that can from the under side. (Everything magnified.) cling with wonderful force, and are capable of moving backwards, forwards, and sideways with equal swiftness, so that they are not easily captured, even when they do sorsg, or FOREST-FLY. not take to wing. These insects are mostly found in or near forests, and Ree GRC reise edhe! are very annoying to horses and cattle. As may be seen by reference to the ; engraving, their integuments are covered with hair, and are remarkably tough and leathery. The various species of Ticks belong to this family, and are closely allied to the Forest-fly. Although not included in Mr. Westwood’s list of insects, the Lice are mostly considered as belonging to this class, under the name of ApTERA. There are very many species of these obnoxious creatures infesting different animals and tribes, and at least three species are found upon the human subject. Z APO UOC TG PS = LOBSTERS, CRABS, SHRIMPS» hte] CRUSTACEA. AVING now completed our brief survey of the insects, we proceed to the Crus- TACEA, a very large class, in which are included the lobsters, crabs, shrimps, water-fleas, and a host of other familiar beings. Even the Cirrhipeds, popularly known under the name of Barnacles, are members of this large class, and a number of curious animals, which have until lately been classed with the spiders, are now ascertained to belong to the Crustacea. These beings can be easily separated from the insects on account of their general structure, the head and throat being fused into one mass, called technically the cephalo-thorax ; the number of limbs exceeding the six legs of the insects; and the mode of breathing, which is by gills, and not by air-tubes. As a necessary consequence of the last- mentioned structure, the Crustaceans possess no spiracles, such as are found in all the stages of insect life, from the larva to the imago. They urdergo a well-marked metamorphosis, and in those creatures whose development is best known, the change of shape is so entire as to have led the earlier zoologists to consider the undeveloped Crustacea as separate species. They may be also distinguished from the spiders by the presence of a series of feet, or rather of locomotive organs arranged under the abdomen, as well as by the metamorphosis of their earlier stages, a phenomenon which is not known to take place among the spiders. The name of Crustacea is sufficiently appropriate, and is given to these creatures on account of the hard shelly crust with which their bodies and limbs are covered, a covering which, in some cases, is of such flinty hardness as to be used for the purpose of sharpening knives, and in others, attains a glossy polish which reminds the observer of glazed porcelain. As our space is rapidly diminishing, we must proceed at once to the different families and genera, simply noting the more important characteristics as we proceed through the class. TEN-LEGGED CRUSTACEANS; DECAPODA. THE first section of these creatures are called the Podopthalmata, or Stalk-eyed. Crus- taceans, because their eyes are set upon footstalks. The first order is that of the Ten-legged Crustaceans, so called on account of the five pairs of legs that are set in each side. These are exclusive of the complicated apparatus of the mouth, and the jaw-feet which guard its entrance. The Crabs are placed first in the list of Crustaceans, and are technically called Brachyura, or Short-tailed Crustaceans, because their tails are of comparatively small size, and are tucked under the large shielded body. In the preliminary stages, however, the Crabs have tails as proportionately long as those of a lobster or a cray fish. THE SEA-SPIDER, 439 In the accompanying illustration of the SreENoRHYNCHUS may be seen one example of the first family of these animals, being a group of Crustaceans distinguished chiefly by the singular form of the carapax or upper shell, which is wide and abrupt at the base, but is prolonged in front, so as to form a long and pointed beak. In all these creatures the legs are long in com- parison to the body, but in the Lepropopra they are of such inordinate length, as to remind the observer of the round-bodied, long-legged harvest spider, which scuttles over the ground so rapidly when disturbed. On account of this great length of limb and small size of body, these crabs are often called Sea-spiders. The eyes of the Leptopodia are rather large, and not retractile. It may here be mentioned that the eyes of Crustacea bear some resemblance to those of insects, being compound organs, with a large number of facets, some square and some hexagonal. The eyes of the common shore crab or the shrimp afford excellent examples of this structure. Itis a native of the West Indies. SEA-SPIDER.—Stenorhynchus longirostris. In the Stenorhynchus, the projecting beak is proportionately shorter than in the preceding genus, is cleft at the tips, and very sharp. The fore-limbs, which are furnished with large claws, are stout and strong. As the shelly armor of the Crustaceans is, in most cases, so hard, strong, and unyielding, the mode of growth might be considered a problem not very easy of solution. For with the Crustaceans the growth continues during nearly the whole of life, or at all events for several years after they have passed through the various changes to which they are subjected in their imperfect stages of existence. Their increase of size and weight is marvellously rapid, and how it can be accomplished without subjecting the Crustaceans to the lot of the starveling mouse, who crawled into a jar of corn, but could not crawl out again after feasting on its contents, seems to partake of the character of an animated puzzle. The answer to the problem is simply that the creature sheds its armor annually, expands rapidly while yet covered only by a soft skin, and is soon protected by a freshly-deposited coat of shelly substance. Even this answer contains a second problem little less difficult than 440 . THE CAMPOSCIA. that which it solves. How can a Crustacean, say a crab or a lobster, shed its skin? It is true that the cast shells are found, showing that the creature has escaped from its old and con- tracted tenement by a slit in some part of the body, such as the top of the carapace, and has left its shell in so perfect a state that it might easily be mistaken for the living animal. But how did it manage about the claws? We all know what large muscular masses they are, how very small is the aperture in which the joint works, and how stiff and firm is the broad tendinous plate which is found in their interior. Examination shows that there is no opening on the claws through which the creature might have drawn the imprisoned limb, and it is also evident that the only method by which these members can be extricated, is by pulling them fairly through the joints. Asa preliminary step, the hard, firm, muscular fibres which fill the claw and give it the well-known pinching power, become soft, flaccid, and watery, and can thus be drawn through the comparatively small openings through which the tendons pass from one joint to another. The sharp and knife-like edges of the plates cut deeply through the muscle, which, however, is little injured, on account of its soft consistency, and heals with great rapidity as soon as the animal recovers its strength, and is gifted with a new shell. In the common edible crab, the flesh is quite unfit for consumption during this process, as any one can attest who has attempted to dress and eat a ‘‘ watery’’ crab. Yet in some of the exotic crustaceans, these conditions are exactly reversed, and the crabs are never so fit for the table as while they are soft and shell-less, after the old suit of armor has been thrown off, and before ’ the new integument has received its hardening. It may here be observed, that the bases of the crustaceous armor is composed of chitine, the remarkable substance of which the elytra and other portions of the insect skeleton are composed. The name of Leptopodia signifies slender feet. When full grown, the limbs of this species will mostly attain a length of one foot and more: The Stenorhynchus is shown of its natural size. The Leptopodia of the West Indies resembles that of the Florida Reef. Besides the singular slenderness of the entire body and limbs, there are pretty brilliant blue markings on its tentacles and claws. Quite appropriately it is called Spider Crab. Its resemblance is much like the Daddy Long-legs. The American species we have seen inhabits shallow water. Around artificial works it chooses to crawl over the piers just under the surface. It measures about ten inches in spread of limbs, and is much more slender even than that figured above. Also, it has smooth limbs, and no hairy appendages. The largest crab, in point of spread of limbs, is the Great SprpER CrAB oF JAPAN (Microcheira), belonging to this group. The largest specimen known in any collection is that of the British Museum, which measures between the tips of the first pair of legs eighteen feet. Reliable information is recorded of measurements reaching twenty-two feet. The body of one of the latter measurements is about the size of a ‘‘ Derby” hat. A photo- | graph of one in our possession is taken with such a hat hanging nearit. But the limbs are bo long that as a man stands holding them upright, they tower above him a long distance. Our next example is the Camposcia. This creature is quite different in its appearance. When its exterior is free from extraneous substances, it looks slender and small; while bur- dened with sponges and other marine growths, its form is clumsy and twice as large. The hairy limbs, as well as the whole of the body, are encrusted so thickly that their true shape is quite undistinguishable, and the animal seems to masquerade under a domino of living disguises. Even the joints can barely be ascertained, and, but for the continual move- ments to which they are subjected, it is very probable that the sponges would increase with such rapidity, that in a short time the limbs would be rendered immovable. These growths are so constant and rapid that the creature can only free itself at the time when it changes its skin ; and it is likely that the crab may feel as comparatively light and disburdened after throwing off all this encumbrance of heavy voluminous substances, as does a thick-wooled sheep after the shears have removed the heavy fleece, and enabled the lightened animal to skip about the field astonished at its own activity and the sudden coolness shed over its body. The Camposcia possesses all the characteristics already mentioned as appropriate to the family in which it is classed, and that the snout—if we may be allowed to employ the word— THE HARPER-CRAB, OR SHA-TOAD. 441 is elongated and very deeply cleft, so as to form a forked protuberance. The body is rounded at the base, and small in proportion to the limbs, though the apparent disproportion is not so marked as in the Leptopodia. This species is a native of the Philippines. The genus to which this creature belongs does not seem to be very large, only three, or perhaps four species, being known. Still keeping to the same family, we come to a curious genus containing some very remarkable creatures, among which the Doclea calcitrapa is one of the most notable. In this genus the beak is comparatively small, but still contains the cleft tip, although the notch is not nearly so deep as in other members of this family. The claws are of consider- able size and power, and the legs are long and furnished with an array of stiff bristles. The chief peculiarity, however, which most strikes the sight, not to say the touch, is the formidable display of long and pointed spikes, which radiate from the body like the spines of a hedgehog. The eyes are not very prominent, being set on rather short footstalks, and nearly concealed by the projection from the shelly covering. This genus seems to be widely spread over the hotter portions of the globe, specimens having been taken off the Mauritius, in China, India, and the Philippines, of which latter locality the present species is a native. All the crabs of this family are marine, and prefer the deeper parts of the sea, where they lurk among the waving masses of sea-weeds, or crawl upon the oyster banks. As might be imagined from the length and slenderness of their limbs, they are but slow of progress, and seem to tumble over the ground in a very unsteady manner. Still, their long limbs are admirably calculated for the peculiar substances on which they pass their lives, and they are able to stride, as it were, over obstacles which would seriously encumber a creature with shorter legs. Their food consists almost wholly of small mollusks and other marine animals. WE now come to another family wherein many of the same characteristics are preserved, but the legs are of moderate size. These creatures are popularly known by the name of Spider-crabs, and scientifically are termed Maiade. We will describe a few examples of this genus. The Goury Cras has been gifted with its very appropriate name on account of the knobby and swollen limbs, which give it an aspect as if it were suffering from the painful but unpitied disease from which it derives its name. The specific title of Chiragra is of Greek origin, and bears a similar signification. The Gouty Crab is known to be an inhabitant of the Mediterranean, and is thought also to be a native of the West Indian seas. A creature which looks as if it had been made almost at random out of a thistle-bud and a handful of thorns, is known under the name of THorNBACK CHorRINuUS (Chorinus acantho- notus). This species can hardly be mistaken for any other, on account of its altogether eccentric shape, and the branching spines which spring on every side from its body and the joints of its limbs. It is but feebly provided with claws, these members being little larger than the ordinary limbs ; and the eyes stand out on tolerably long footstalks. Nearly related to these species, we find two moderately common European crustaceans, which are interesting in their habits, though not particularly pleasing in their aspect. One of these is the Four-HoRNED SPrmpER-cRAB (Arctopsis tetraodon), a rather long legged creature that seems to be very local in its habits, being rarely or never seen in some localities, while in others it is found in vast numbers. This crab generally hides itself under the overhanging masses of fuci which cover the submerged rocks, and thence is fond of descending into the lobster and crab pots, and so is made captive by the fishermen. The color of this species is yellow, and the body and greater part of the limbs are densely covered with thick hair. The male is larger than the female. The second species is the HARPER-ORAB, or GREAT SPIDER-CRAB, or SEA-TOAD (Hyas araneus), as it is sometimes called. This is commonly found on nearly all the coasts of Northern Europe, and prefers to range among the weeds just about the zone beneath low-water mark. It is one of the day-feeders, and will often leave the waves for the purpose of feeding upon the fish and other animal substances that have been flung upon the shore by the tide, Vou. IL—56, a THE LONG-SNOUTED CRAB. In some places it haunts the stake-nets, and there makes a regal feast before it is disturbed b the proprietors. ; An example of a very common and a very useful European species is the common THORN- BACK SPIDER-CRAB, or SquinADO. It is plentiful upon European coasts, and is not a very prepossessing creature in external appearance, its body being one mass of sharp and not very short spines, and its whole frame possessing a weird-like and uncomely aspect. Another curious creature is the THREE-SPINED SPIDER-CRAB, so called from the peculiar ‘shape of the body, which, on account of the projecting beak and the strange modification of the carapace, has a kind of three-cornered aspect. Several species of this genus are known, and are found in the West Indian seas and off the Philippines. The present species is one of the most common, and is found in the West Indies. Two remarkable examples of this family are the Ram’s-horn Crab (Criocarcinus super- ciliosus), a species which is distinguished by the two long, horn-like projections from the snout, and the Thorn-claw Crab (Acanthonyz zebrida). The generic name Criocarcinus, which is of Greek origin, and signifies Ram-crab, is given to the animal on account of this struc- ture. The body is thorny,.though not so wholly beset with spikes as in the spider-crab, and the eyes are placed on moderately long footstalks. The specific term, superciliosus, refers to a Latin word signifying an eyebrow, and is given to this crab on account of the over- hanging plates under which the eyes are hidden when the footstalks are laid close to the head, as is the custom of the creature when alarmed. The present species is found in the New Hebrides. The THoRN-cLAW CraB is a curious-looking little creature, especially notable for the large and boldly hooked extremities of the limbs. The name of ACANTHONYX, or THORN-CLAWED, is given to the genus on account of this structure. At first sight, the Acanthonyx hardly seems to belong to the same family as the preceding species, the shape of the body being apparently the reverse to that which is characteristic of the Maiade. But on a closer exam- ination, it is found that this difference is more apparent than real, and that though the body seems to be wider across the head, or rather, the cephalo-thorax, to speak accurately, the width is owing to mere projections and not to any increase of the actual body. The Thorn-claw Crab is found in many European seas, and is tolerably common in the Mediterranean. Our last examples of the Maiade are the Heraldic Crab (Huenia heraldica), the Long- snouted Crab (Huenia elongata), and the Micippa (Micippa philyra). In these three species can be observed a curious variation of form that takes place in ani- mals that belong to the same family, and even to the same genus. The body of the Mrorppa is very large in proportion to the limbs, rounded, and covered with numerous protuberances of various sizes, mostly small tubercles, but sometimes being developed into bold spikes. The claw legs are remarkably small in proportion, and the claws themselves are even more feeble than might be inferred from the dimensions of the entire limb. Several species of Micippa are known, all of which are obtained from one or other of the Philippine Islands. The Heraldic Crab and the Long-snouted Crab are very dissimilar in external appearance, and yet belong to the same genus. The Hreratpic Cras derives its name from the shape of its carapace, which presents a fanciful resemblance to the shield and mantle employed by heraldic painters in depicting coat armor. The sides of the carapace are developed into four singular projections, flat, and looking very much as if pinched out of the shell while its mate- rial was plastic. The snout is tolerably long and very sharply pointed, and the eyes only just project from under the protecting shell. The LonG-sNOUTED CRAB is a creature in which the carapace, instead of being wide, flat- tened, and formed with ring-like projections at the side, is drawn out to a wonderful length, and possesses two angular projections towards the base. Both these crabs are natives of Japan. In the family of crabs which is known by the name of Parthenopide, we have a very differ- ent form, the carapace being more or less triangular, the beak or snout small and ‘not notched, and the eyes very retractile. The claw-legs are generally large in proportion to the other limbs, which are often very short. THE EDIBLE CRAB. 443 The DomeEpD Craps is a very remarkable example of this family, and in addition to certain generic peculiarities, well displays the characteristics of the family. The claw-legs are very large throughout their entire structure, and are furnished at their extremities with short but powerful nippers. The carapace of this creature is extremely wide, but the width is due, not so much to the body as to the shell, which is expanded in such a manner as to conceal the legs under its shelter. The generic name Cryptopodia is derived from two Greek words signifying Hidden-legs, and is an extremely appropriate title. Even the large claw-legs can be folded up and tucked away so neatly under the carapace, that, when the creature lies still on the ground, no vestige of limbs can be seen, and it might easily be mistaken for a stone thrown casually on the shore. In fact, the whole contour of this crab, whether when moving or quiescent, irresistibly reminds the observer of the tortoise tribe, and bears a special analogy to the box-tortoise, which has already been described and figured. The eyes of this genus are very small, and, like the limbs, * ean be wholly retracted and hidden under the shell. The Domed Crab is a native of Japan. A very singular and unprepossessing crab, called Sprvosr PartHENopr (Parthenope horrida), belongs to the typical genus of the family. At present, this genus seems to be very small, the number of known species being decidedly limited. Owing to the marine residence of these creatures, and the extreme difficulty, not to say impossibility, of watching them in their watery homes, the habits of these Parthenopide are but little known, and in most cases can only be conjectured from the bodily form, just as the fossil animals are known to be carnivorous or herbivorous by the structure of their teeth and jaws, to be swimming creatures because they possess fins and paddles, or to be capable of flight because they are furnished with wings. In the Spinose Parthenope, the carapace approaches to a five-sided figure, rather wider than its length, moulded into a series of the oddest imaginable protuberances, and covered with knobs, tubercles, and spines. The beak is sharp, short, pointed, and has a strong tooth just between the antenne. The claw-legs are very large, armed with powerful forceps at their extremities, and covered thickly with such a multitude of knobs, spikes, and protuberances, that they really seem as if they were subject to disease and had thrown out a crop of unhealthy growths. The hinder limbs are comparatively small, but yet are strongly made, and armed with a whole array of thorny spines, so that, what with the claws and what with the spines, the creature is a truly formidable being, and one that may not be grasped with impunity by a careless hand. ' This species inhabits some of the hotter parts of the world, and specimens were procured from the Mauritius. The little StRAWBERRY-CRAB is very appropriately named, as its color is of a pleasing red, and its surface studded with numerous tubercles, so as to bear some resemblance to the fruit whence it derives its popular name. It is a European species, and is generally found in deep water, so that the dredge is the instrument usually employed in its capture. The SpryE-ARMED LAMBRUS is a member of a moderately large genus, inhabiting the Mediterranean and the warmer seas of the world in general. In many respects the genus Lambrus resembles the parthenope, but is distinguishable by having one plate fewer in the abdomen, and by the manner in which the antenne are jointed. The eyes of this Spine-armed Lambrus are retractile and placed on footstalks of an elaborate and curious construction. Tue large family of the Canceridee now comes before us, and is familiarly known through the medium of the common EprsLE Cras, which is represented in the accompanying illustra- tion, the figure being drawn from a young specimen. This is a very common species, being plentiful around rocky coasts, and generally remain- ing just under low-water mark. The fishermen catch it in various ways; but the most usual method, and that by which the greatest number of these crustaceans are captured, is by means of certain baskets, called crab-pots, cruives, or creels, according to the locality. These baskets are round, and in shape something like a flattened apple, and have,an aperture at the top through which the crab gains access to the interior. When once within the basket, it cannoi 444 THE HAIRY CRAB. escape, because the opening is guarded by an inverted cone of osiers, like the entrance to a common wire mouse-trap, so that the elastic sticks yield to the expected prey while passing downwards, but effectually prevent all a ward movement. The Edible Crab of Europe resembles greatly the Cancer sayi of New England shores, north of Cape Cod. In many external points the ANTHRA re- sembles the domed crab, which has already been described on page 443. Like that being, the carapace is very wide, flat, and expanded at the edges. The limbs, too, are compara- tively short, and can be concealed under the shell, which, from its hilly surface, covered i with tubercles, and the irregular, notched, EDIBLE CRAB.—Cancer pagurus. and ridged carapace, has but little of the cancerine aspect. Zoologists of the present day, however, have placed it in the same family with the edible crab. The claw-feet, with their forceps, are very like those of the parthenope, but are not so proportionately large, and their surfaces are concave, so as to fit into the trunk. The eyes are very small, and their orbits nearly circular. All the species of this genus inhabit the East Indian and African seas. Large specimens attain a length of three, and a width of four and a half inches. We still have to describe three more curious examples of this large family, each being notable for some peculiarity of form or habit. MontTaGu’s CraB belongs to a genus which finds several European representatives. It is a flat-bodied and strongly-made creature, very restless in disposition, and with a curi- ous fondness for getting under stones, and turning them over; probably for the sake of obtaining a meal from the smaller marine animals that are accustomed to shelter them- selves in such localities. The shelly covering of this crab is remarkably strong and flinty, and the muscular power of the claws is gigantic, when the small size of the creature is taken into consideration. It is a tolerably common species on several European coasts, appearing to be peculiarly plentiful on the southern side of England. The Rep-sporreD ANGLE is a curiously marked crab, the carapace being divided into a number of partitions, in which is a certain, though not very definite regularity. It inhabits the warmer seas. The Mauritius and the andlinginte are favored haunts of the Aigle. The color is red and whitish spotted. The ToortHEeD PERIMELA is our last example of this family. The name of Toothed Perimela is given to this species in allusion to the shape of the cara- pace, which has the front edge rather flattened, and cut into a series of four or five strong teeth, like those of a saw. The surface of the carapace is smooth, and is swollen into several decided projections, something like those softly rounded hills called by the French ‘‘mame- lons.”? Over the region of the liver, the carapace is concave. . Nearly allied to the preceding species is the Harry Cras (Pilumnus hirtellus), a creat- ure which derives its popular name from the curious hairy covering with which it is deco- rated. The convex carapace is studded more or less thickly with longish hairs, and the four hinder pairs of legs are also protected in the same manner. This crab is not a very common one, and is mostly found on the northern coasts of Europe. It seems to prefer moderately deep water, fifteen fathoms being the usual depth at which it is captured. It may be easily known by the following characteristics : On the front edge of the carapace are arranged four spines set in the same line, and the front is divided by a deep notch down the middle. The claw-legs of this species are always unequal in size, and the first joint of the outer pair of antennz is short. The ground-color of the Hairy Crab is chestnut-brown, with THE GREEN, OR SHORE-CRAB. 445 a reddish tinge of greater or less intensity, according to the individual. The legs are dusky- red, relieved by a series of bands of a grayish-yellow color. In many characteristics, the genus Zozymus resembles the genus Aigle so closely, that the two genera have been blended together by several systematic zoologists. 2 As a general fact, it is much to be wished that the modern fashion of breaking up the old and. established genera into a host of new ones, many of which contain but a single species, had not proved so fascinating to the authors. In many cases, the characteristics employed as generic differences are so very trifling, that they are barely of sufficient importance for the establishment of a species. New families also have been invented with reckless profusion, and in many instances, known to every naturalist, the characteristics on which the family is founded serve equally for the genus and the species. Needful as is some definite system of nomencla- ture, and admirable as is the system which Linnzeus founded, and which has since formed the basis of all arrangement, it can be pushed too far, and, as is well known to be the case, is so widely abused, that merely to learn the multitude of sesquipedalian titles with which the study of zoology is now encumbered, requires a greater exercise of memory than to study the habits and peculiarities of structures which alone form the true objects of zoological science. The Brassy Cras is remarkable for the curious protuberances into which the carapace is moulded, and which cover the claws and legs. Only three or four species are ranked under this genus, and all of them are natives of the Mauritius or the Philippines. The genus to which the Sporrep CRAB is assigned is rather more comprehensive than the preceding, and contains six or eight. species, all being remarkable for their round and smooth bodies,the peculiar notches and projections on the edge of the carapace, and the huge claws that terminate the first pair of legs. The members of this genus belong to the tropical regions. Some species are found about Jamaica and the West Indies in general. Others inhabit the Philippines, and others, again, are natives of the Mauritius. Except from the peculiar spots with which the carapace is deco- rated, this crab might easily escape detection while lying with its limbs withdrawn, and its frame in a state of quietude, for it is so round and so smooth that it looks very like a large pebble that has received a partial polish from the action of the waves. Many specimens are covered more or less with vegetable and animal growths, such as corallines, algee, barnacles and zoophytes, and are therefore almost undistinguishable while they are quiet. The spots upon the carapace are bright red. Examples of two dissimilar species of the same genus are thé TUBERCLED GALENE and the SmoorH GALENE. The Tubercled Galene derives its name from the profuse warty excrescences which grow upon the claw-feet and the pincers. In the Smooth Galene the claws are very much smaller in proportion, and destitute of the tubercles which are so characteristic in the former species. Both these crabs are natives of the East Indies. WE now arrive at the family of the Portunide, or Swimming Crabs, in which the last pair of feet are flattened sideways, and have the last joint dilated into a thin oblique plate, which answers as an oar or a fin, and enables the creature to propel itself through the water. The first example of this family is the GREEN, or SHORE-oRAB, so familiar to every one who has passed even an hour on the coast between the time of high and low water. Although one of the commonest of the crustaceans, it is at the same time one of the most interesting, and, owing to its diurnal habits, its fearless nature, and its love for the shallow waters, it is very easily observed. I have spent many a pleasant hour in watching the habits of this little creature, and could hardly have imagined the activity, the piercing sight, and the cleverness with which this crab is endowed. It is a fierce and even voracious animal, chasing and fairly running down living prey, and actually leaping upon its victim with a spring like that of the hunting spider. I have seen the Green Crabs run after and catch even the active sandhoppers, calculating with nice precision the spot on which they alighted, and pouncing on them before they could get themselves into position for a second leap. If the prey should be of tolerable size, the crab does not leap at it, but darts out one of its claws with a stroke so sharp and quick, that 4 the eye can scarcely follow it, and as true of aim as the serpent’s dart, draws back the victim, seizes it immediately with the other claw, and begins to pull it to pieces before it can recover from the shock. The Green Crab has a most extended distribution, the North American species being the same as the above. It is also found in European seas, South America, and the Sandwich Islands. Its range here is from Cape Cod to Maryland. Martha’s Vineyard is a good locality for this species. The little crustacean which is called by the name of the VELVET FIDDLER-ORAB, derives its popular and appropriate title from the movements which it makes while swimming through the water. The last joints of the hinder feet are extremely flat, and it is by their movements that the crab is enabled to swim. Their motions are very like those of an oar when used in “‘sculling”’ a boat, and are popularly thought to resemble the movements of a fiddler’s arm while playing a lively tune. The word ‘‘ velvet’ is affixed to the name, because the entire shell of a perfect specimen is thickly covered with shining hairs, short, silken, and soft, something like the pile of velvet or fine plush. It is seldom, however, that a really perfect specimen is seen, as the soft velvety pile is easily rubbed off, and in almost every instance has sustained some damage, so that the blackish shell is seen, with its polished surface. The edges are very seldom clothed with their normal coating of hair. When tolerably perfect, a full-grown specimen is a really handsome creature, with its coat of velvet pile, its striped feet and legs, its scarlet and blue claws, and its vermilion eyes set in their jetty sockets. This species is not one whit less voracious or cruel than the edible or the green crab, and as it enjoys all their activity, with the additional privilege of swimming through the water, it is even a more formidable animal, chasing and killing every creature that it can overcome. Fiven the hermit-crab, that lies so snndly in its shelly cell, with the large fighting-claw guarding the entrance, and its body withdrawn into the inmost recesses of the shell, is frequently captured and killed by this donghty warrior. Every one who has tried to pull a hermit-crab out of its house, knows the difficulty of the task. The creature has the art of retreating into its dwelling so far, and pressing its claws and legs so firmly against the inner mouth of the shell, that there is nothing by which the animal can be grasped, except, perhaps, the antenne ; and the crab will allow itself to be pulled to pieces rather than loosen its hold. Yet the Fiddler-crab makes little account of the hermit, but pokes his claw into the shell, pinches the poor hermit across the throax, and drags him out of his cell. It then pulls off and eats the soft abdomen, tears up the body and limbs, and flings them away in reegmeny as if for sheer wantonness of destruction. There are many species belonging to this genus, which are scattered all over the world, especially where the seas are warm or temperate. The Velvet Fiddler is tolerably common. Of these the MARBLED FIDDLER (Portwnus marmoreus) is perhaps the handsomest, on account of the regular patterns of buff, brown of various shades, and red, which are seen upon the body. The shape of the patterns is variable, but their arrangement is always symmetrical. These colors are, however, very fugitive, and can only be preserved by removing the whole of the soft parts, and dyeing the carapace with great care. All the species seem to be decidedly local, so that in the space of two or three miles of coast as many species of Portunus may be found, each in its own particular locality. Perhaps the very best swimmer in the family is the OckANIc SwimmMine CRAB, a creature to which the generic name of Neptunus has been given on account of its wonderful manlery- over the waves. This crab is apparently made for speed, its flattened limbs and body being calculated to offer the least possible resistance to the dense fluid through which it has to pass. The Oceanic Swimming Crab is among crustaceans what the albatross is among birds, being able to sustain itself for days together without needing rest, and whenever it does seek a brief repose, needing nothing but the floating algee as a temporary resting-place. The movements of this species are achieved with an easy grace and freedom that remind the observer of the swallow’s flight, as the crab flies swiftly through the water, its claws ready to seize their prey, and its 446 THE OCEANIC SWIMMING CRAB. THE SENTINEL-CRAB, 447 limbs held in such an attitude that they offer scarcely any resistance to the element in which the creature lives. This species has a very wide range, and is found throughout the warmer seas. It is common around India, Australia, and the Philippines, and from its bird-like fleetness and activity, has never failed to attract attention. Like others of its family, it feeds upon living prey, and chases its victims through the water with a speed as rapid, an aim as certain, and a voracity as unfailing as are exhibited by the shark itself. The species is notable for the shape of the carapace, and the sharp spine into which each side is developed. The EpIsLE Crapof America (Veptunus hastatus) forms a somewhat important item of commerce in certain portions of our coast. In New England, north of Cape Cod, it is prac- tically unknown as an edible. When in the soft state, after moulting, it is highly prized, and ranks even higher than the best oysters. They are not produced in sufficient numbers to render them common in markets, excepting those of the Middle States. The region of Hampton Roads is the central point of thisluxury. This species is also consumed largely in its hard-shell state. It extends southward to the Gulf of Mexico, where it is abundant on the reef. Another strange-looking creature is nearly as good a swimmer as the oceanic crab, and has many of the same habits. Like that crustacean, the ForcEps-oRAB roams the ocean as freely as the bird roams the air, shooting through the waves with arrowy swiftness in chase of prey, gliding easily along just below the surface, hanging suspended in the water while reposing, or occasionally lying across some floating sea-weed. The chief peculiarity. of the Forceps-crab is the structure from which its name is derived, the wonderful length of the first pair of limbs, and the attenuated forceps with which they are armed. Though not possessing the formidable power with which some crabs are armed, the Forceps-crab is yet as terrible an enemy to the inhabitants of the sea, for it can dart out these long claws with a quick rapidity that almost eludes the eye, and grasp its prey with unerring aim. No one who has not watched the crabs in their full vigor and while enjoying their freedom, can form any conception of the many uses to which the claws are put and the wonderful address with which they are used. Their bony armor, with its powerful joints, appears to preclude all delicacy of touch or range of distinction, and yet, the claws are to the crab what the proboscis is to the elephant. With these apparently inadequate members the crab can pick up the smallest object with perfect precision, can tear in pieces the toughest animal substances, or crack the shell of other crustaceans as a parrot cracks a nut in its beak. It can direct them to almost every part of its body, can snap with them like the quick, sharp bite of a wolf, or can strike with their edges as a boxer strikes with his fists. The paddle-legs are broad and well developed, so as to ensure speed, the front of the cara- pace is sharply and deeply serrated, and the sides are drawn out into long pointed spines. It is a native of the West Indian seas, and is represented about the dimensions of an ordinary specimen. The NrippEer-cRAB (Polybius henslowii) is a better swimmer than the fiddler-crab, being able, according to Mr. Couch’s account, to ascend to the surface of the sea, and to pursue its prey through the waters. So well does this creature swim, and so voracious is its appetite, that it captures and eats even the swiftest sea-fish, having been known to pounce upon the mackerel and the pollack. Its method of proceeding seems to be to dart upon its prey, grasp it firmly with its sharply-pointed and powerful claws, and retain its hold until the unfor- tunate victim is quite fatigued and falls an easy prey. It is not so handsome as the velvet fiddler, having none of the beautiful scarlet and azure tints which decorate that species, and being mostly colored with different shades of brown. Our last example of this interesting family is the SrNTINEL-CRAB, so called from its ‘extreme watchfulness, and the wonderful manner in which its eyes are arranged so as to explore objects in every direction, without needing to move, or even to raise itself from its flat and crouching attitude. The generic namedf this creature is of Greek origin, being composed of two words, the former signifying a foot, and the latter an eye, and is given to it on account of the strangely long footstalks on which the eyes are set. When the creature is 448 THE TOULOUROU BLACK-CRAB, OR VIOLET-CRAB. at rest, the footstalks lie horizontally upon the body, and are received into two channels or grooves, where they lie hidden and safe from danger. A somewhat similar disposition is found in some of the land-crabs, but differing in the arrangement of the footstalks. Each of these curious organs consists of two pieces, and in the Sentinel-crab the first is long and the second very short, while in the land-crab exactly the reverse‘takes place, the length of the footstalk depending on the second joint. Only one species of Sentinel-crab is at present known, and is a native of the Indian Ocean. It never attains very great size, its length varying from two to four inches. WE now leave the swimming and marine crabs, and turn to those which are able to spend a great part of their existence out of the water. The FLATTENED Mup-craB belongs to a tolerably numerous genus of crabs, which live along the banks of rivers or in damp forests, and are evidently a Jink between the aquatic and the true land-crabs. The THELPHUSA lives in burrows, which it excavates in the mud to a considerable depth, and gives the fisherman no small trouble before it can be dug out. One species of this genus, the Grawnoto of the Italians, is very common around Rome, and is largely captured for sale in the markets, as its flesh is very delicate, and in great request on the fast days of the church. It is dug out of the mud and kept alive for sale, as it can endure removal from the water fora very long time, sometimes living a month upon dry land, the only precaution needful being that it should be kept in a damp spot, such as a cellar. It is a most useful species, as it can be eaten throughout the entire year, but is thought to be in best condition during and immediately after the moult. There are many ways of dressing this delicacy, some persons killing it by long immersion in milk, and others asserting that its flesh has more flavor if eaten raw, like that of the oyster. In the market these crabs are tied to strings, but always at such lengths that they cannot reach each other, or if they should do so they would of a certainty attack and maim their nearest neighbors. The Lake of Albano is a very favorite resort of these crabs, which absolutely swarm in its soft muddy bed. On the first view, the Mud-crab looks very like the common green crab of the sea-shore, but can be distinguished by its color, which is of a whitish or livid hue. It runs about with great speed, and when it fears the approach of an enemy, hurries into the water, burrows under the mud, or hides itself beneath a friendly stone. Should, however, its retreat be cut off, it proves that it can fight as well as run, and grips with such force, that it makes the blood flow before it can be shaken off. During the winter it dives deeply into the mud, and there remains hidden, until the warmth of spring induces it to leave its retreat. ANOTHER family of land-crabs is well represented by the TouLourov BLACK-ORAB, or VIOLET-CRAB of Jamaica (Gecarcinus ruricola). This singular creature is found in vast numbers, and for the most part lives in burrows at least a mile from the shore, and sometimes at a distance of two or even three miles, seldom, indeed, visiting the sea but for the purpose of depositing its eggs. About the months of December and January the eggs begin to form, and the crab is then fat, delicate, and in good condition for the table. In May, however, it is quite poor and without flavor, and does not recover its proper condition until it has visited the sea, deposited the eggs, and returned to its home. About July or August the Violet Crab is again fat and in full flesh, having, in fact, laid in a stock of fat which will afford it sufficient nourishment through the time in which it remains in a torpid state. It retires to the bottom of its burrow, into which it has previously conveyed a large amount of grass, leaves, and similar materials, closes the entrance, and there remains until the next year. ’ It is a very quick and active creature, scuttling off to its hole with astonishing rapidity, and is not to be captured without the exercise of considerable skill and quickness. Nor must it be handled without caution, for as it runs, it holds up its claws ready to bite, and if it — succeeds in grasping its foe, it quickly throws off the limb—which continues to gripe and pinch as sharply as if still attached to its former owner—and makes good its escape ‘ THE FIGHTING CRAB. 449 while the claw is being detached. For the table, this crab is esteemed as one of the greatest delicacies, and is treated in various modes, sometimes stewed, but mostly cooked in its own shell. The PEA-oRAB, a curious little crustacea, is found within the shells of the horse-mussel, and one or two other bivalves. That this crab was a frequent inhabitant of the pinna was a fact well known to the ancient naturalists, who put forward a number of ingenious but rather fabulous theories to account for the singular alliance. By some writers it was said that the Pea-crab supplied the place of eyes to the blind pinna, and that its especial task was to warn it of the approach of the polypus or cuttle-fish, receiving board and lodging as a reward of its labors. Some thought that the Pea-crab performed the office which ancient tradition attrib- uted to the jackal, and was sent out by the mollusk for the purpose of obtaining food, the host and guest dividing the spoil. What may be the real reason for this strange habit is not quite clear, for though the Pea- crab will live in the same shell without inflicting any apparent injury to its host, it is yet very fond of mussel-flesh, and will eat it with much eagerness. Indeed, several specimens have been kept alive for more than a year by being fed upon that diet. Perhaps it may feed upon the juice and less important parts of the mollusk, just as the ichneumon larva feeds on the juices of the caterpillar. Sometimes two and even three specimens are found within a single shell, and on examining the mussels taken from an old bank where they have been permitted to rest quietly, almost every shell will contain one specimen of the Pea-crab. The color of the Pea-crab is reddish cream-color, and the dimensions are small. The average diameter is half an inch. It is a very timid creature, as might be inferred from the remarkably retired spot in which it passes its life; and when it is alarmed, it contracts its limbs and pretends to be dead, remaining motionless for a very long space of time, and not moving until it feels sure that its enemy is out of the way. The little Pinnotheres, so commonly found ensconced in the American oysters, is designated specifically P. ostrea, on account of its habitual sojourn there. The female only is seen, the male maintaining an independent existence. Tur Lone-ARMED Myotiris is an example of a moderately large family of crustaceans, all of which inhabit the warm seas, and are most plentiful under the tropics. In this genus the carapace is very delicate, convex, and somewhat circular in form ; the limbs are long and slender. In the present species the carapace is curiously divided by two longitudinal furrows into three convex protuberances, and projects slightly in front. The claw-feet are long and armed with pincers that are very powerful in proportion to the dimensions of the animal. It is a native of the Australian seas. WE now arrive at another family, called the Ocypodide, or Swift-footed Crabs, from their extraordinary speed, which equals or even exceeds that of a man. The accompanying engraving represents the FigHTine CRAB, a creature whose name is well deserved. As the reader may observe, one of its claws is enormously large in propor- tion to the body, being indeed, nearly equal in dimensions to the whole carapace, while the other claw is quite small and feeble. It is remarkable that sometimes the right and sometimes the left claw is thus developed. This animal is a most determined fighter, and has the art of disposing its FIGHTING CRAB.—Gelasimus beliator. limbs like the arms of a boxer, so as to be equally ready for attack or defence: The figure shows the crab in its natural size. The Fighting Crab lives on the sea-shore or on the border of salt marshes, and burrows deeply in the earth, the holes being tolerably cylindrical and rather oblique in direction. In some places these holes are so close together that the earth is quite honeycombed with them, and the place looks like a rabbit-warren. Each burrow is tenanted by a pair of crabs, the Vou. II.—5?. 450 THE RACING CRAB. male always remaining in the post of danger at the mouth of the tunnel, and keeping guard with his great claw at the entrance. While running, it has a habit of holding the large claw aloft, and moving it as if beckon- ing to some one, a habit which has caused one of the species to be named the Calling Crab. This action has in it something very ludicrous, and those who have watched the proceedings of a crab-warren say that there are few scenes more ridiculous than that which is presented by the crustaceans when they are alarmed and go scuttling over the ground to their homes, holding up their claws and beckoning in all directions. The generic name is derived from a Greek word signifying laughter, and is given to the crabs because no one can look at them without laughing. These crustaceans possess very long footstalks, on which their eyes are placed, but, as has already been mentioned, the second joint of the footstalk is long and the first is short. The FIDDLER CRABS, or, as they are called also, Fighting Crabs, are represented in America. by the Gelasimus pugillator. They are characterized by the singular difference between the two fore-arms. The above description and figure apply very closely to the American form. We have seen thousands of these crabs, of the same uniform size, throughout the army, which they simulated, covering an area of many yards on a smooth beach. The ludicrous uplifting of the great arm—though sometimes earning for them the name of fiddlers, the arms looking like bass viols—when these creatures were moving together, suggested most readily an army on the march, and manceuvring meantime. An interesting feature was observed, in that being crowded closely, each touching the next, their movements were the result of simultaneous impulse. The whole army would be seen approaching you, steadily as a heavy column of troops; anon the entire mass wheeled, or changed instantly, and with the greatest precision, to oblique march or in echelon. We observed this at Cedar Keys, in West Florida. This crab is not uniformly distributed in New England, being found in scattered localities. We never saw it in the vicinity of Boston, Mass. A beautiful species called Lapy- ORAB, or SAND-CRAB (Platyoniculus ocellatus), was once found in the harbor-side waters near Boston, but is now nearly if not quite extinct in the eastern portions of New Eng- land. Closely allied to these creatures is the RacinG CRAB (Ocypode cursor), sometimes called the Sand-crab, from its habit of burrowing in the sand. ~ In our illustration it is represented of the natural size. Sir J. Emerson RACING CRAB.—Ocypode cursor. Tennent, in his ‘‘ Natural History of Ceylon,” writes as follows of this crab: ‘*In the same localities; or a little inland, the Ocypode burrows in the dry soil, making deep excavations, bringing up literally armfuls of sand, which, with a spring in the air, and employing its other limbs, it jerks far from its burrows, distributing it in a circle to the distance of many feet. So inconvenient are the operations of these industrious pests, that men are kept regularly employed at Colombo in filling up the holes formed by them on the surface of the Galle Pace. This, the only equestrian promenade of the capital, is so infested by these active little creatures, that accidents often occur through horses stumbling in their troublesome excavations.”’ These crabs run with surprising swiftness, and it is by no means easy to catch them before they escape into their burrows. Sometimes they are made to afford a few hours’ amusement to military officers and other persons who have too much time on their hands, the struggle between man and crab being as exciting as the battle between an eagle and a salmon. One THE PAINTED CRAB. 451 device is ingenious, simple, and often successful. Long strings are attached to flat pieces of slate or stone, which are carefully laid near a burrow, and some tempting food laid outside. The crabs crawl out to feed on the bait, and while they are engaged, the slates are quietly drawn over the entrance of the burrows. A sharp rush is then made, the crabs scuttle away to their homes, and one or two are generally captured before they have recovered their pres- ence of mind sufficiently to leave their barricaded doors and ask for admission into another habitation. Another amusement is to chase the crabs on horseback, trying to ride them down by main speed, and to kill them with a gun. They mostly take an oblique line when running, so that a pursuer who is acquainted with their habits is more likely to succeed in his endeavors than one who employs nothing but main speed in the chase. None of these crabs care much about the water, being quite satisfied if they can obtain sufficient moisture to keep their gills in working order. As is the case with most of their kindred, they seek the ocean when the time for laying their eggs has arrived. Even then, they remain but a very short time in the water. It is, however, conjectured that the first stages of existence must be passed either in the water or underground, as a very small Racing Crab never seems to be found. On account of the great speed of these creatures, the Greeks were accustomed to designate them by a name which signifies a horseman or knight. Opinion appears to be divided with respect to the value of their flesh, some species being highly esteemed, while others are totally rejected, and éven decried as poisonous. It may be, how- ever, that locality has some influence in these opposite opinions, and that in some places the crabs may feed on wholesome food and therefore be eaten with impunity, while in others they may perforce mix with their diet certain substances injurious to human health, and so become in some degree poisonous. The reader will doubtlessly remember that the common edible mussel is at one time perfectly harmless, and at another is so injurious as to cause serious effects upon the health of those who eat it, life itself having been threatened by the mys- terious influence. The Racing Crab alluded to above has a representative species considerably larger than this on the beaches of the sub-tropical portions of America. It is called the Sprrir Cras. On the Florida Keys it abounds ; its colors so accord with the yellowish-white sand of the beaches, one is quite deceived at first glance. Were nothing stirring, a few moments after your advent, you would notice nothing of animal life; move never so lightly, and the light-colored ghosts flit in great numbers to their holes in the sand. The AnauLAR Oras is one of the European species, and in many respects bears some resemblance to the preceding species. The eyestalks of this crab are also long and movable, the carapace is wider than long, and the legs of the male are nearly five times the length of the carapace ; in the female they are only twice the length. The Angular Crab is taken off the southern coasts, and is either dredged out of rather deep water or found within the stomachs of fishes. It is a burrower, forming excavations in hardened mud, and always having each extremity of the habitation open. A Mediterranean variety of the same species prefers to live * among rocks, and is a good swimmer, frequently coming to the surface of the water, but not being known to frequent the land. The claw-legs are of great length, and the claws themselves are large and powerful. Its name of Angular Crab is given to it in allusion to the shape of the carapace. In the next family, of which the Patnyrep Cras (Grapsus pictus) is a good example, the eyestalks are very short, and the carapace is squared. The members of this family are found in nearly all warm parts of the globe, not, however, being natives of the European coasts. Now and then a Firoatine Cras (Planes linneana) is swept into the seas together with masses of the well-known Gulf-weed ; but its presence is purely accidental, and cannot entitle it to rank among the European species. The Painted Crab is a native of the Antilles, and is a very active as well as beautiful species, haunting the sea-shore and running about nimbly in the spray. It is a good climber, and can ascend or descend nearly perpendicular rocks, provided that they are washed by the waves, Some species of this genus prefer the mouths of tidal rivers, and remain mostly at the 452 ; THE ARMED CRAB. edge of the water. They seem to rejoice in the hottest rays of the tropical sun, and run about nimbly hither and thither, with the sunbeams flashing on their wet bodies. They are all wary and timid beings, betaking themselves to the water on the least alarm, and flinging themselves into the waves with such force that their flat bodies skim for some little distance over the surface, much as the flying squirrel skims through the air between two trees. While running along, they strike their claws against each other as if for the purpose of menacing their pursuer, and when a number of these crabs are startled in one locality, the clatter which they make is surprising. The color of the Painted Crab is reddish, covered with spots and variega- tions of yellow. It is not at all a large species, the carapace being seldom more than two inches in length. The Painted Crab resembles closely a species that inhabits the waters of the Gulf. At Fort Jefferson, Tortugas Islands, we were continually amused by the actions of these Crabs. They were called Spider Crabs, not from their slenderness, but from a resemblance to the Hunting or Zebra Spiders (Salt¢icws), and particularly from the singularly furtive movements that characterize that group of spiders. Being amphibious, they would be found usually upon the brick walls or piers of the fort. When approached they suddenly flattened them- selves closely against the surface, and their antenne or eyestalks moved quickly, as we have seen those of the above named spiders. : Two remarkable species of Crabs are the CRESTED and the ARMED CRAB. The former, a curious animal, inhabits Japan. Most of the species of this genus are found in the hot parts of the world, such as the Sandwich Islands, the Mauritius, and the West Indies. The whole shape of this creature is strange in the extreme, its carapace being covered with all kinds of tubercles and spines, and edged with saw-like teeth. Even the claws are covered with unexpected spikes an'1 tubercles, and when folded in front of the body, assume a very crest-like aspect. The creature instinctively makes use of its extraordinary shape for the purpose of concealment, and when it is alarmed, it tucks its legs away under the broad carapace, folds its claws over its front, and remains perfectly motionless in spite of all annoyances. A sailor has been known to find one of these crabs on the sea-shore, to take it for a curious stone, and so to put it in his pocket. Some time afterwards, when he had laid down the supposed stone, he was not a little surprised to see it put forth a number of legs, and run away at best speed. The name of Crested Crab is given to this species in allusion to the form of the closed claws. The Armed Crab is also a native of Japan and China, and belongs to the same family as the preceding animal. The chief peculiarity in this creature are the four sharp spines with which the carapace is armed, those at the side being of very great dimensions, each measuring half the length of the body. The claws are sharp and powerful, and are formed in a manner somewhat resembling the same members in the crested crab. Allusion has more than once been made to the power of voluntarily throwing off a limb, a faculty which is inherent in all the crustacea, but in some species is prevalent to.a wonderful degree. The land-crabs, for example, will always sacrifice their best claw as a means of - purchasing safety, and seem able to part with almost any number of Jegs without feeling the loss. If, for example, a land-crab or mud-crab be taken up by the, legs, it suddenly shakes itself loose, leaving in the captor’s hands the limbs which he has grasped, and making off with the remainder. The animal always throws off its limbs at one of the joints, seeming to achieve the feat by a sudden muscular contraction, like the movement which shakes off a blind-worm’s tail, snaps away the wings from a flying ant, or breaks up the whole anatemy of a brittle-star into fragments. If the limbs be cut or severed between two of the joints, there is a flow of blood, and the creature seems to feel the injury acutely. It soon, however, heals itself by shaking off the injured portion at the joint immediately below the wound, and then seems to recover itself from the shock. This faculty is very needful to creatures who depend upon their claws for obtaining food, and who are so quarrelsome in disposition. As has already been mentioned, the crustaceans fight terribly, and in those cases where the combat is THE SPOTTED LEUCOSTA. ‘ 453 not @ 7 outrance, both parties have usually to deplore a limb or two crushed in the nippers of the opponent. Were no means provided for replacing the injured members, the poor creatures would die of starvation, as would an elephant if deprived of his proboscis, or a lion whose feet had been cut off and teeth drawn. Every injured limb, therefore, is at once discarded at some joint, no bleeding takes place, and the stump heals almost immediately. After a short time, a Jittle button seems to be protruding from the joint, and before many days have passed, a very small but perfect claw is seen to protrude. This new member grows regularly though slowly, and so in process of time the creature is re-supplied with its full complement of limbs. Every one has noticed the frequent inequality in the size of lobsters’ claws, how one side is armed with a huge weapon nearly as large as a man’s hand, while the other can only boast of a puny, soft-shelled claw an inch or so in length. This inequality is the result of some injury that has been inflicted on the limb from which the little claw has sprouted, and in almost every instance the original claw has been lost in battle. After the moult, and the induing of a fresh suit of armor, the growth of the new claw proceeds more rapidly. It must be noticed that this power of reproduction of a lost or injured members always denotes that the creature possessing this capability is not very highly organized. Very few of the vertebrates, and those mostly belonging to the reptiles, are able to reproduce a lost member, and even in these few instances, the restorative power is very limited. A very few examples have been recorded where a limb has been lost and replaced, but such phenomena are extremely rare, and can only be looked upon as variations from the usual system. The faculty of avoiding danger by closing all the joints of the limbs and merging them as far as possible under the carapace, is carried to a wonderful extent in the ToRTOISE-ORAB, a crustacean that derives its popular title from its general similitude to the reptile from which it derives its name. There are, indeed, many of the tortoise tribe which are not able to enclose themselves nearly so perfectly as does this crab, and excepting the box-tortoise, there is perhaps none that exceeds it in the very perfect concealment of all vestige of their limbs. The carapace is wide, flattened at the edges, and dome-like in shape, so as to afford a perfect cover to the limbs. Owing to the manner in which these crabs conceal their limbs, Cuvier called them by the appropriate name of Cryptopods, or Hidden Feet. In all of these creatures the carapace is domed or vaulted, so as to form a shelter for the legs, while in the typical genus, the claw-feet are very large and compressed, with a decided upper edge which is notched or toothed’so as to form a crest. The French know these crabs by various names, such as Migranes, Cogs de mer, and Crabes honteux. The claws are broad, flattish, notched at the edge, and scooped in a peculiar fashion, so that when folded over the body they exactly fit to the shell, as if they were part of the same piece. Two sides of this species are given in order to show the crab in its upper and under aspects. The Tortoise-crab is a native of the Mauritius. Crested and Armed Crabs, and the Tortoise-crab (Camara), are found on the Florida Reef. The latter reminds one strongly of the box-tortoise, its parts shut so admirably together. The creature seen from above, appears when at rest or alarmed, as if there were no limbs. In the family of the Leucosiide, the carapace is more or less rounded, and projects some- what in front. The URANIA-ORAB is an example of the typical genus. It has a smooth carapace with rounded edges, and the claw limbs are very large and powerful in proportion to the size of the body. On their edges they are covered with rounded tubercles, and one or two of these projections are scattered upon the surface of several joints. In all these crabs, the apertures through which water passes to cover the gills are in the form of canals. One curious char- acteristic of these crustaceans is that the external antennz are very small indeed, and are inserted in a narrow but deep notch near the eyes. In common with nearly all this genus, it is a native of Philippines. A much smaller species of the same genus is called Sporrep Leucosta (Leucosia herma- tostica). In it are observable the same characteristics which have already been mentioned, 44 THE POLISHED CRAB. namely, the very small and narrow snout, the round and flask-like body, the strong claw-feet, and the very small size of the external antennz, which cannot be seen from the upper surface. A very strange looking creature is the KEELED Cras. It derives its name from the form into which its carapace is moulded, being pinched, as it were, into a kind of keel throughout its length. In this crab the chief points of interest are the long arms and the apparently shapeless carapace, which is moulded as if squeezed out of clay by a single grasp of the hand, and the very long claw-feet. In consequence of this latter structure, the Japanese call one of the species of this genus, the Tenké-gani, or Long-handed Crab. In this creature, as in the last, there is no appearance of external antennze when viewed from the upper surface, the claws are feeble in proportion to the long and somewhat powerful limbs to which they are attached, and the end of the carapace is drawn out into a long and sharp point. This species inhabits the Philippines. a Tur Nut-crabs are members of the same family, and are found off the British shores. PENNANT’S Nut-cRAB is generally to be caught in about fifteen fathoms of water. Itis rather a sluggish and inactive species, burying itself in the sand or mud at the bed of the sea, much after the fashion of the toad, and only leaving its eyes and claws at liberty to act. Thus it sits and waits for prey, behaving much like the ant-lion in its pitfall of sand. It seldom moves about except at night, and even when it does travel, its motions are very slow and deliberate. It is rather a pretty little crab, being of a tolerebly bright yellow, with a red patch on the snout. This, and other species of the same genus, are often found in the stomachs of marine fish, and as the shell is very hard, specimens are discovered in a good state of preservation. In the course of the preceding pages we have seen many instances of curious structures which seem to be wholly supplementary and of no use whatever to the creature. The very fact of their existence is a proof that there is some use for them, although their office is so obscure as to elude all present researches. Such a crab is the [xa CyLrnpRus. On each side of the body is a large cylindrical projection, so that the extreme measurement from side to side is nearly equal to three times the length of the body; the claws are long and feeble, all the force seeming to be thrown into the two projections. This crab is a native of several parts of Asia, and is found both in India and off the Philippines. Another odd-looking crab, having its carapace scooped and grooved in a wonderful man- ner, is the Vursia plicata. Tt is found in the Indian Ocean. But we will not forget to mention the SEVEN-sPINED CRAB, so called on account of the seven sharp points that project from the carapace. There are several large species of this genus, one of which has nine spines instead of seven. In this curious creature the arms are longer and more slender than in the preceding species, and the claws at their extremities are exceedingly delicate and feeble. This crab is a native of the Eastern seas, and is generally captured off the coasts of India. Our next example is the Mask Cras. It buries itself in the sand or muddy bed of the sea, and only permits its snout to project, with the long antennz, so as to feel (or, as some suppose, to listen) for approaching prey, and the eyes to look in all directions for any eatable creature that may haplessly wander within reach, and the claws, in order to seize the prey when it passes within the grasp of their long and formidable hands. The antenne are apt to become clogged with mud, and the crab is thereof gifted with an apparatus whereby they can be perfectly cleansed. In order to effect this object, the crab bends each antennee sideways, until it rests on the hairy base of its companion; it then draws it completely through the stiff bristly hairs, until every particle of extraneous matter is brushed away. Sometimes the Mask-crab buries itself deeply, that it only leaves the tip of the antennz above the sand. The name of Mask-crab is given to this crustacean, because the carapace is so formed that its two waved grooves mould the surface into an obscure likeness of the human face. In the genus of the PotisHep Cras (so called from the smooth, shining surface of the carapace), the carapace is somewhat heart-shaped, and very narrow behind ; the claw-feet are THE SCALLOP-CRAB. 455 small and short. Although this is one of the European species, it is not very commonly found, probably on account of its habit of burying itself rather deeply in the sand, so that the eye cannot perceive it, and the dredge passes over its sunken body without sweeping it into the net. It is rather a pretty little crab, though unfortunately its beauty is only skin-deep, and perishes after death. When living and in good health, the carapace is of a soft rose color, and has a very pleasing appearance ; but when the shell is emptied of its contents, or even after the death of the inhabitant, the pink hue rapidly fades into the dull grays so prevalent among dead crustaceans. In the Mediterranean the Polished Crab is very plentiful. WE now come to another family, of which the WooLLy Cras is an excellent type. This creature derives its name from the coating of thick short hair with which its body is covered, All the species of this genus possess several peculiarities ; at each side of the shell, HAIRY CRAB.—Dromia lator. (See page 456.) and just at the base of the claw-legs, is an aperture that looks as if it had been cut for a button-hole, and partly closed with a membrane. These apertures are in fact the openings through which the water passes for the purpose of supplying the gills with the needful moisture, and allowing it to escape when it has performed that office. The limbs are very remarkable, both as to their shape and their disposition ; they are unequal in size, and the two last pairs are elevated on the back in a very curious fashion. At their extremities is a large hooked nail, which is jointed to the limb, and can be folded back so as to take a firmer grasp. The Woolly Crab seldom approaches the shore, but prefers the deeper waters, and is only to be caught by a dredge with a very long line. On account of its locality very little is known of its habits, though much is conjectured. It is mostly found in the Mediterranean. The ScatLop-craB has derived its name from its habits. The general shapes of this crab are not at all unlike those of the pea-crab, which has already been described ; and the curious analogy that exists between form and habits, cannot but strike every one who has an oppor- tunity to see the two creatures. In the sub-order which now comes before our notice, is seen a modification of structure which evidently forms one of the connecting links between the crabs and the lobsters, or, to 456 THE NORTHERN STONE-CRAB. speak more accurately, between the short-tailed and long-tailed crustacea. The two large divisions of the body bear scarcely any ordinary proportion to each other, the abdomen being - exceedingly small, and the ‘‘cephalo-thorax’’ enormously large. Some of these creatures extend the abdomen from the body like the lobsters, while others bend it under them like the crabs. In some species, of which the common hermit-crab is a familiar example, the last pair of legs are totally useless for walking, and are modified into a pair of appendages, by means of which the animal is enabled to grasp with a hold so firm, that it may often be torn asunder rather than be forced to loosen its gripe. The next descriptions refer to a curious species belonging to the typical genus of the first family. In all these crustaceans the body is rather globular, and the carapace is bent down- wards in front. The eyes are short. One of these crustaceans, called the Harry Cras, is found in tie hotter seas, and has been captured off the Cape of Good Hope. The two hinder pairs of legs are very small in proportion to those limbs which are evidently intended for progression. They are furnished at their tips with a hooked claw. These modified and apparently stunted limbs are, however, extremely useful, their office being ascertained by studying the economy of the animal. With the claws at the end of these limbs the crab seizes pieces of sponge, shells, and other marine substances, so as to conceal its form under their shelter, thereby exhibiting a curious analogy to the well-known habits of the tortoise beetle while in its larval state. Some crabs are admirable examples of this peculiarity, as, for instance, the Dromia lator, which has been chosen for an illustration. It is drawn as being nearly hidden under the mass of sponges under which it lies concealed, the sponge being nearly as large as a man’s fist, while the crab is about the size of half an ordinary walnut. One species of this genus, called, from the shape and mouldings of the carapace, the DEATH’S-HEAD CRAB, is found among the Channel Islands of Europe. The scientific name of this crab is Dromia vulgaris. Its color is deep brown, changing to pink upon the claws, the carapace is strongly knobbed above, and the edge is notched so as to form four broad teeth. Some species of this genus are thought to be poisonous, but without any apparent reason. The hairy covering is not so extensive in other species, for the carapace of the common Death’ s-head Crab is quite smooth and polished, the hairs being restricted to the limbs, where they afford an excellent basis for sponges, corallines, and zoophytes. THE BEARDED CRAB is an example of another family, in which the carapace is formed into a kind of beak, and is almost always covered with sharp spines. The fifth pair of legs are comparatively short, and are not employed in walking. In the Bearded Crab the eyes ar¢ . very large and round, and the carapace is covered with short but sharp spines. The antennz are long and the claws powerful, and are well suited for detecting and securing prey. The Bearded Crab is found in the Mediterranean. A strange and weird-like creature, which is called by the appropriate name of the Porcv- PINE-ORAB, is a native of Japan. In this species the characteristics of the family seem to be carried to the very utmost. The last pair of legs are extremely small; so diminutive, in fact, that they are folded under the body and not visible when the creature is viewed from its upper surface. The carapace is triangular and thickly covered with spines; and even the limbs bristle with thorny points set as closely as the horny bayonets of the hedgehog. It appears to be rather dull and sluggish in its movements, crawling along the bed of the sea with slow, monotonous action. - : One species of this genus, the NortHERN Stone-crAB (Lithodes maia), is found off the European coasts, and is plentiful on many of the Scottish shores. It is covered with short, thick spines which extend over its legs and claws, and in its general shape bears some resem- blance to the spider-crabs already described. In spite, however, of its thorn-studded surface, it is much eaten by fishes, and is not unfrequently found entire in the stomachs of the fish that are taken off European coasts. The Northern Stone-crab may be known by its very long beak, furnished at the end with two short and rather diverging teeth, and by its bright scarlet color when it is first taken from THE ASIATIC HIPPA. 457 the water. The Porcupine-crab, which has the characteristics of its genus almost exaggerated, is found in Japan. A species, Lithodes arctica, found in the northern Atlantic waters, is surprisingly armed with spines. It is large, measuring ten or twelve inches across. Specimens are brought up from the waters on Grand Banks, from which source we have received specimens. The last of the Homolide is an uncouth-looking creature which is called the NopuLED CraAB, on account of its singular conformation. This crustacean, instead of being covered with thorny points, as in the stone-crabs, has its entire carapace, limbs, and claws so studded with tubercles, that it can scarcely be recog- nized as a living creature, and looks more like a rough stone encrusted with marine growths. The carapace is rather triangular in form, but its sides are so scooped into hollows and projec- tions, its surface so moulded into elevations and depressions, and its shell so covered with tubercles of various shapes and sizes, that its true proportions are not easily distinguished. The claw-limbs are large and powerful, and are even more obscure in shape than the body, for the substance of the shell is thrown out into such a forest of tubercles that at first sight it seems to be covered with a very fertile crop of fungi, algee, or the thick and fleshy molluscoids which spread so rapidly when once they have obtained a resting-place. Even the antenne of this strange animal are furnished with long projecting points, and look something like the beautiful comb-shaped antennz of the larger moths. The Noduled Crab is found in the Columbia River. Tue next family is a very small one, and is called Raninidee, from the fancied resemblance which its members bear to the shape of a frog. In these crabs the carapace is something like the half of a jargonel pear, from which about half an inch has been cut at each end. The broader end is towards the front, and is scooped so as to. form a number of tooth-like projections. The abdomen of these creatures is extremely small, and may be represented by about three-quarters of an inch of a French bean stuck on the small end of the pear which answers to the carapace. The limbs are moderately large, and the crab is said to leave the water and travel on land. Some persons say that it climbs to the tops of houses, but without mentioning the height of the houses or the materials of which they are composed. The claws are rather large, flattened, something of a triangular shape, deeply toothed, and with the pincers bent inwards at almost aright angle. All the legs are very close together at their bases, and the last two pairs ascend upon the back. All the Raninide inhabit hot countries, and are found chiefly in the Mauritius, the Philippines, and India. The Toornep Froe-cras (Ranina serrata) is a good and tolerably common example of this family. It is a native of the Mauritius and Japan. It is altogether a curious-looking creature, with a broad, flattish carapace, edged in front with the most formidable-looking teeth, that hardly seem to belong to the shell, but to have been taken from the mouth of a shark and fastened artificially upon the front edge of the carapace. The legs of this creature seem quite insufficient to carry the great, broad carapace, and the abdomen is almost absurdly small. The color of the shell is very pale pink, and the spines which cover its surface are of a whiter hue, looking almost as if they had been pricked into the carapace by human means. All the points are directed forward, and have a very rough effect when the hand is drawn from front to rear. When full grown, the Toothed Frog- crab is about as large as a man’s fist. The family Raninide@ is represented in hot climates by singular creatures—large, frog-like bodies, with limbs reduced to short appendages that, in many instances, would seem to dis- appear beneath the shells. A RATHER pretty-looking and decidedly curious crab, which is an example of another family, are termed the Hippide. In this family the carapace is long, rounded, and rather thimble-shaped, in most cases slightly flattened above. The abdomen is very small, and from the upper view of the body is hardly visible. In one species of the typical genus, the AsIaTIo Hira (Hippa asiatica), the carapace is very round, elongated, and altogether egg-shaped, so that it would hardly be taken for a part of a crustacean. Even its color is a hue rarely seen Vou, I1.—58. ’ 458 THE HERMIT-CRAB. among the shelly race, being a soft, pale yellow, very like the chrysalis case of the oak egger- moth, which, indeed, it also resembles in shape. The color of the Symyisra is very pale yellow. Its claws are suddenly broad, rather sharp, and bent over at a right angle. The antenne are long and beautifully fringed with hairs. It is a small species, only two or three inches in length. The general shape of the Oar-root CRAB points it out as allied to the preceding species, although the antennz are not so long, and their fringe not so conspicuous. The name of Oar-foot is given to this species on account of the curious modification by which the false feet are developed into oar-like appendages with flat blades, which serve for swimming like the hinder feet of the swimming-crabs. The last ring of the abdomen is changed into a flattened and pointed paddle. The carapace is convex and of a tolerably regular oval. ‘This species is a native of New Holland, and never attains to any great size. WE now come to a singular group of crabs which are remarkable for their soft and shell- less tails, and the mode employed to protect them. From their solitary habits they are called Hermit-crabs, and from their extreme combativeness they have earned the title of Soldier- crabs. The best known of these crustacea is the common HErmit-craB (Pagurus bernhardus), which we have chosen for the accompanying colored illustration. Like all its race, the Hermit- crab inhabits the shell of some mollusk, in which it can bury its unprotected tail, and into which it can retreat when threatened with danger. The Hermit-crab usurps the deserted home of various mollusks, according to its size, so that, when young and small, it is found in the shells of the tops, periwinkles, and other small mollusks; and when it reaches full age, it takes possession of the whelk-shell and entirely fills its eavity: Any one may find these odd crabs by watching a rock pool after the tide has gone down. There are always plenty of shells in such places, and if the observer will remain very quiet, he — will see one of the apparently empty shells suddenly turn over, and begin to run along at a great pace, much faster than if it had been inhabited by its usual occupant. On the least movement of the spectator, the shell stops as ‘abruptly as it had started into action, and rolls over as before, seemingly dead and empty. On picking it up, the mystery will be revealed, for within the shell will be seen an odd little crab, with a body curved so as to fit exactly round the shell, with one claw small and one very large. If it be touched it retreats still farther into the shell, and defies any attempt to pull it out. Even if a claw be grasped, the creature cannot easily be withdrawn, and clings so tightly to its home that in most cases it may be torn asunder rather than loosen its hold. It is enabled to hold thus firmly by means of a pair of pincers situated at the end of the tail, and which are indeed the last pair of legs modified for that purpose. Sometimes the creature can be coaxed, as it were, out of its shell by a long and steady pull, but, asa general rule, to get a Hermit-crab uninjured out of its abode is a very difficult task. T have often accomplished it by putting the shell upon an open actinia. The crab, feeling the tentacles of the actinia gradually surrounding its limbs, and not liking the aspect of the living gulf into which it is rapidly descending, makes the best of its way out of the shell, and can be snatched up before it has found time to recover its presence of mind. Sometimes a Hermit-crab may be captured while the inhabitant is three parts outside its shelly house, but, on the least alarm, the creature flies back to the farthest recesses of its home as if worked by a spring. This crustacean is wonderfully combative, and will fight on scant provocation. Anything will serve for a cause of war, such as a piece of meat, a smaller crab, or a shell to which another individual happens to take a fancy. If two Hermits be removed from their houses, and put into a rock pool with only one shell in it, the combats which take place for the possession of that solitary shell are as fierce and determined as any that have taken place in the tourney or the field of battle. As with most of the crustaceans, the victor always eats his fallen foe; and even though he be bereft of a few legs, he seems to care nothing for the loss, but eats away with perfect appetite. ae SO ee THE CRAFTY HERMIT-CRAB. 459 Even when the crabs are suited with homes, their combats are fierce, deadly, and active, in spite of the heavy shell which they drag behind them, and which seems to incommode them no more than the hundredweight of steel inconvenienced an ancient knight. They spar with great address, guarding the only vulnerable point with the large claw, and threatening the adversary at the same time with that weapon. At last one of them makes a dash, the pair grapple, the weaker is gradually overcome, the stronger pushes his claw into the failing adversary’ s shell, crushes his unprotected breast, draws him dying out of his shell, picks him to pieces and eats him. To see a Hermit-crab fitting itself with a new shell is a very ludicrous sight. The creature takes the shell among its feet, twirls it about with wonderful rapidity, balances it as if to try its weight, probes it with the long antenne, and perhaps throws it away. Sometimes, how- ever, when the preliminary investigations have proved satisfactory, it twists the shell round until the tail falls into the opening, and then parades up and down for a little while. Perhaps it may be satisfied, and after twirling the shell about several times, whisks into it with such speed that the eye can scarcely follow its movements. Indeed, it seems rather to be shot into the shell from some engine of propulsion than to move voluntarily into the new habitation. When the number of empty shells is great, the Hermit is very fastidious, and will spend many hours in settling into a new house. A Hermit-crab when deprived of its shell presents a most absurd appearance. It is dread- fully frightened, crawls about with a terrified kind of air like that which is put on by a beaten dog, and will put up with anything by way of a house. I have seen a very large whelk-shell inhabited by a very little crab, so small and weak that it could not drag its huge home about, and was tumbled backwards and forwards as the waves washed over the shell. It was much too small to fix itself in the mouth of the whelk-shell, as is the usual custom of Hermit-crabs, and had been forced to content itself with a hole that had been broken near the point. This crab may be kept in an aquarium, as it is hardy, and can be fed with perfect ease. It is, moreover, less liable to fight with and kill its companions than the other crabs, probably on account of the shell, which protects the body, and renders a battle a very laborious under- taking. So that if two or three Hermits of similar dimensions are put into an aquarium, they will live on terms of armed neutrality, and if care be taken to feed them separately, they will survive for a long time. It is rather remarkable that when they become sickly, they are sure to leave their shells and lie listlessly on the stones or sea-weed. As soon as one of them is seen to act in this manner, it should be at once removed. There is a curious notion prevalent respecting the Hermit-crabs. All the fishermen, and the sea-side population in general, firmly believe that the Hermit-crab is the young of the lob- ster, and that when it becomes large enough to protect itself, it leaves the shell, gets a hard . tail, and changes into a real lobster. Any one who wishes to study the structure of the Hermit- crab can do so by visiting a fishmonger’s shop, and looking over the stock of periwinkles, many of which are sure to be occupied by a Hermit-crab instead of a mollusk. There are very many species of Hermit-crabs, those of the tropics being the largest and handsomest. Some of these larger species inhabit the trumpet-shell, some are found in the large turbos, and are handsome creatures, richly mottled with black and brown, and there are one or two species which live in the cone shells. These curious Hermits are shaped so as to suit the shell in which they reside, their bodies being quite flat and almost leaf-like, so as to enable them to pass freely into and out of the long narrow mouth of the shell. The Crarry Hermit-craB is found in the Mediterranean, and among other shells which it inhabits, the variegeted triton is known to be a favorite. - The Hermit-crabs are among the most interesting of the crustaceans. The singular habit of adopting cast-off domiciles of other creatures is quite unique. The structure of the Crafty Hermit is very closely like, if not the same as that of the great Hermit of the Florida waters. These crabs select the shells found most suitable around them. The Horse Conch (Strombus gigas) is the favorite in the above locality ; although we have seen them in Triton, which is not so abundant. One is often met with so large as to fill the largest Horse Conch, nearly one foot in length. This is an interesting feature of this animal ; 460 THE ROBBER-CRAB. its exposed claws and head being reinforced, as it were, by handsome scaled armor. These portions are extremely hard, and of a bright brick color. Once ensconced in the shell, which in its stoutness is like a castle, the armored front that Hermit presents may defy any enemy. But strategy sometimes succeeds. Once the creature unconsciously peeps too far away from his sally-port, he is outflanked, and forced to give battle outside his portcullis. Few objects are more entertaining. The great Land Hermits are especially so. They never go to the sea, but live in dry places, where they burrow under stones or logs. The DiogEeNES HeERMItT-cRAB is a handsome and rather large species that inhabits Brazil and the West India Islands. It occupies the shells of various mollusks, mostly, however, giving the preference to some large species of turbo; and Mr. Bennett mentions that he possesses an unique shell which he found on the branch of a tree, having been taken from the sea by one of these crabs. While living, the Diogenes gives out a very unpleasant odor; and as the crabs are in the habit of assembling in great numbers, the aggregate effect is rather overpowering. They gather together at the foot of trees or under bushes or brushwood, and even contrive to clamber up the branches or the trunks of trees, drawing themselves up by their powerful claws and limbs, and caring little for the heavy burden which they bear on their backs. They have the power of producing a curious noise, something like the croak of a frog alternating with sounds as if of drawing water through the lips. They are active and voracious beings, and feed with equal avidity on animal and vegetable substances. They prefer animal food, such as fish, crabs, and, indeed, almost any kind of flesh, but they will greedily eat yams, cocoa-nut, and other fruits. They are timid creatures, croaking when disturbed, and seldom attempting to fight, but draw themselves smartly within their homes as soon as they feel alarmed. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits; and as they bring a large supply of shells to land, and are very fastidious about their accommodation, a great heap of empty shells is to be seen upon the shore, and there is a continual rattle during the night as the creatures knock the shells about in their movements. Tn all these creatures the larger claw is very much developed; so that when the crab has withdrawn into the shell, the claw lies over the entrance and closes it like a living door, which has the further advantage of being used as an offensive weapon. The footstalks on which the eyes are set, are moderately long, stout, and jointed, and enable their possessor to see in all directions. The color of this species is reddish-brown, spotted thickly with black. A common species at Tortugas is the Diogenes. In an old wooden building attached to the Post, we had a room for the examination and care of natural objects. Under this building the Diogenes lived, several of them. One exhibited symptoms of restlessness, and after sev- eral days of fruitless wandering in and out of our room, he ultimately came to a halt, and a determination to scale the corner of a bookcase, where a saucer of fresh water chanced to be. With his heavy Trochas shell hanging like a soldier’s equipments from his back, he reached, with tolerable celerity, the shelf, or top, of the bookease. Here he sipped, and moistened his gills, and cautiously commenced the return. This he accomplished much as any climbing mammal would, hand over hand, with the body hanging behind. This crab repeated the feat often, apparently for the purpose of moistening its gills. It became quite tame ; would take food from the hand. It was sent north to Massachusetts, where a land Hermit is a strange thing. There it moulted twice, but though it was protected under glass, it died after a year’s captivity. Several others were placed among loose packages in a box and sent north, but the strongest had battled with the others and destroyed them, leaving nothing but dried shells. A small specimen of the same had picked up a cast-off clay pipe, and this we cherished for a time as a comical example. The bodies of these Hermits are soft and worm-like. Closely allied to the hermit-crabs, we find a very remarkable creature, called from its habits the Ropser-craB. It is also known by the name of Pursr-cras. The habits of this creature, which will presently be described, are most remarkable, and there are several singular peculi- arities of structure. The abdomen, for example, is no longer soft as in the hermits, but is covered above with strong plates, which overlap each other like those of the lobster’s tail. The under surface of the abdomen is soft and membranous. This is one of the crustacea that THE BROAD-CLAW PORCELAIN-CRAB. 461 can endure a long absence from water, and is fitted with a peculiar addition to the breathing apparatus. There are twenty-eight gills, fourteen at each side of the body, and enclosed ina large hollow, which they do not nearly fill. Even when the footstalks are considered, on which the gills rest, they hardly occupy the tenth part of the hollow. The Robber-crab is found in several parts of the Indian Ocean, is very common in Amboyna, and has been taken off the Mauritius. Mr. Darwin gives the following interesting account of this crab:—‘‘ It would at first be thought impossible for a crab to open a strong cocoa-nut covered with the husk, but Mr. Liesk assures me he has repeatedly seen the operation effected. The crab begins by tearing the husk, fibre by fibre, and always at that end under which the three eye-holes are situated. When this is accomplished, the animal commences hammering with its heavy claws on one of these holes till an opening is made; then, turning round its body, by the aid of its posterior and narrow pair of pincers, it extracts the white albuminous substance of the nut. ‘*] think this is as curious a case of instinct as ever was heard of, and likewise of adaptation of structure between objects apparently so remote from each other in the scheme of nature as a crab and a cocoa-nut tree. This crab is diurnal in its habits, but every night it is said to pay a visit to the sea, no doubt for the purpose of moistening its branchiz. The young are likewise hatched and live for some time on the coast. These crabs inhabit deep burrows, which they excavate beneath the roots of trees, and here they accumulate surprising quantities of the picked fibres of the cocoa-nut husk, on which they rest as on a bed. The Malays sometimes take advantage of their labor by collecting the coarse fibrous substance, and using it as junk. ss In the missionary voyage of Messrs. Tyerman and Bennett, a very spirited aecount is given of these crabs; and one or two interesting details are mentioned. For example, when the crab walks it raises itself well off the ground, standing nearly a foot in height, and gets along quickly, though with a clumsy and stiff gait. The antenne are very sensitive, and it is said that if they are touched with oil, the creature immediately dies. Another mode of opening the shell is employed by these crabs besides that which is mentioned by Mr. Darwin, for, according to Messrs. Tyerman and Bennett, the crab, after tearing off the husk, insinuates the smaller joint of the claw into one of the holes at the end of the nut, and then beats the fruit against a stone until the shell is broken. This crab is by no means handsome, but is a very large and remarkably shaped creature. A fine specimen, when stretched out at length, will measure between two and three feet in length, and as it is stout in proportion to its length, it may rank with some of the largest of the crustaceans. The abdomen is of a curious form, and is evidently one of the structures inter- mediate between the crabs and the lobsters. Its general color is pale yeliowish-brewn, and its limbs are covered with little projections of a nearly black hue. During the day the Robber-crab mostly hides in the fissures of rocks, or in hvles at the foot of the trees, and in the evening issues from its concealment to prey upon the covcoa-nut. Its wonderful skill and power in opening this huge fruit have already been mentioned, but some writers give it credit for more extensive qualities, and say that it is in the habit of climbing up the palm trees for the purpose of obtaining the fruit. The particular palm which it is said to climb is the Pandanus odoratissimus. It appears to be fierce in proportion to its strength, and Mr. Cuming found that if inter- cepted in its passage, it at first tried to intimidate its disturber by holding up the claws and clattering them loudly; and that even when it found itself obliged to give ground, it retreated with its face to the enemy, still maintaining a threatening attitude. The eyes of the Robber- erab stand on rather long but stout footstalks. WeE now come to the Porcelain-crabs, so called because their shells are smooth and polished as if made of porcelain, and have much of the peculiar semi-transparent gloss of that manufacture. The specimen shown in the engraving is of natural size. Several of these crabs are natives of the European seas, among which we may mention two species. The first of these is the common BRroaD-CLAW PORCELAIN-ORAB, so called from the v 462 THE LONG-HORNED PORCELAIN-CRAB. singular width and flatness of the claws, each of which is nearly as large as the whole body. Altogether this is a flat crab, and, like all flattened beings, is formed for a life under stones or in narrow crevices. It may be found easily enough by going to the very verge of low-water-mark, and quickly turning over the loose stones which lie piled upon each other by the waves. Under these stones lies the Broad-claw, flat and quite at its ease, its great claws - fitting beautifully into its shell, much like the same members in the domed crabs. The food of the Broad-claw consists mostly of animalcules, which it catches by making regular casts with its hair-covered jaw feet, and ee oreciiana sweeping its prey into its mouth by the action. The mode in which the hairs or bristles are set upon the foot is very beautiful, and is exactly calculated to act as a net, which will sweep up every object that crosses its path. Several of the terminal joints of these jaw-legs are edged with long and slightly curved hairs set nearly at right angles with the joint. It follows, then, that when the limb is flang out nearly in a straight line, these hairs diverge ; but that as the limb is bent while being withdrawn, the hairs become nearly parallel to each other, some of them cross, and form a very complete net-work of stiff bristles that sweep everything before it. Moreover, each separate bristle has a double row of still smaller hairs, projecting from each side, something like the vanes of a feather, and nearly touching those of the next hair on either side. | This structure is evidently intended to ensure the capture of the very minute animalcules, which might be able to escape through the comparatively large meshes formed by the bristles. Though the Broad-claw loves to hide in this manner, and remains so quiescent, it is fully able to move about, and can dart through the water with astonishing celerity, flinging out the abdomen, and giving a series of sharp flaps that urge it along just in the manner adopted by the lobster and its kin. Still, it does not attempt to swim, but merely darts towards some spot where it can find a hiding-place, and whence it will not stir for weeks together, finding in its narrow home all that it needs in the way of food. -Another European species is the LONG-HORNED PORCELAIN-CRAB, a little creature that is common in similar localities. It is much eaten by various fishes, and the codfish makes great havoc among its ranks. Both these crabs can pinch smartly with their flat but powerful claws, and, in spite of their insignificant appearance, cannot be handied with impunity. In them the last pair of legs undergo a curious modification, being very small, nearly hidden in the abdo- men when not in use, and apparently objectless. They are, however, very useful limbs, being employed as brushes, and used for the purpose of cleaning the abdomen and part of the carapace from adhering substances. WE now come to the second great division of the Crustacea, namely, those which have long and powerful tails. The lobsters and shrimps are examples of these creatures. In swim- ming rapidly through the water, the tail is the organ of propulsion which is employed, and a glance at its form will soon explain its use. This powerful mass of solid muscle is first stretched out to its utmost, and the fan-like appendage at the extremity is spread to its widest ; the creature then closes its tail smartly under the body, so as to assume the attitude in which lobsters and shrimps are mostly brought to table. The effect of this sudden contraction is, that the creature shoots swiftly pre the water. Of course, the animal darts backwards, but so sharp are its eyes, and so true is its aim, that it can fling itself into a crevice barely large enough to contain it. Any one who wishes to see this manceuvre practised in all its force, may do so by watching the little sea- side pools wherein the shrimps and prawns are accustomed to disport themselves as long as the water lasts, and where, when it dries up, they bury themselves in the sand to await the coming tide. THE SPINY LOBSTER. 463 This shooting mode of progression is not their only means of movement. By the ordinary use of their legs, nearly all the species can crawl among the sea-weed, or upon the rocks and bed of the sea, just as an insect crawls on the ground. And, when they are balancing them- selves in mid-water, and are only desirous of moving gently about, they can do so by means of the numerous false legs under the body, which may be seen moving with great rapidity. Those who are fortunate enough to possess a marine aquarium, and can keep a prawn or a shrimp in the miniature ocean, will have many opportunities of watching the easy and grace- ful movements of these elegant crustaceans. Tue first family is called the Galatheide, in honor of the beautiful and unfortunate nymph vainly beloved by Polyphemus. Several species of this family are found on the European coasts, one of which is the common PLATED LosstER. This is a handsome little creature, the general ground color being red, upon which are drawn a number of blue spots and streaks. Its activity does not correspond with its beauty, for, according to all accounts, it is a dull, sluggish creature, and, from Mr. Couch’s observations, is ‘‘incapable of any motion but back- ward, and rarely rises above the bottom, where, by a laborious motion of its. tail, it contrives to retreat from its enemies ; but its usual progress is by creeping, and by the legs only.’’ Yet, although it is thus tardy while crawling, it can dart backward with all the agility of its race ; and if alarmed, flashes through the water with arrowy speed, and can hardly be captured or its exact direction ascertained. The beak of this species is triangular, and armed with seven strong teeth. By these characteristics it is distinguished from another species, MonraGur’s PLATED LoBsTER (Galathea squamifera), which has a short and wide beak, cut into nine spine-like teeth. The color of this creature is greenish-brown, tinged with red. It is to be found under stones at low-water mark. THE small but important family of the Scyllarideze is easily recognized by the wide, flat carapace, the large and leaf-like outer antenne, and the partly flexible tail-fan, by which the creatures drive themselves through the water. In consequence of their shape, they go by the popular name of Fiat, or Broap LosstErs. The habits of these crustaceans seem to be much alike. They live in moderately shallow water, where the bed of the sea is soft and muddy. Into this substance they burrow rather deeply, so as to be entirely concealed, and only issue from their retreat for the purpose of seeking food. In all the members of this genus, the ~ carapace is longer than wide, and the sides parallel to each other. The common Broap Loxster is exceedingly plentiful in Greenland, where it forms the chief food of the Arctic auk (Alcea arctica). The beak-like projection of its carapace is very wide, but does not project. The carapace is covered with little tubercles, and along the central line runs a series of spines. The outer antenne are large and deeply toothed. The color of this species is brownish, covered with red marks, dispersed in a simple but very pretty pattern, which would serve as a model for embroidery, and would be particularly suitable for the heavy metallic ornamentation upon uniform coats. It is but a small species, measuring only three inches in length. Some species of this family are eatable, and in Japan are considered as delicacies. The Broad Lobsters are represented in the sub-tropical waters of our Southern States. In the moat at Fort Jefferson were numerous smooth, round holes of three inches diameter. Much watching failed usually to discover any living thing in them; but a vigorous spading underneath sufficed to unearth a scylla of about eight inches in length. Another species, smaller, is found in northern waters. One species of these creatures, known by the name of the Srorrep Isaovs, is a great favorite with the Japanese. In this genus the carapace is extremely wide, and is expanded in such a manner as to hide the feet, so as to remind the spectator of the domed crab, already described on page 443. The color of the Japanese Scyllarus is red, covered with blue points. THE accompanying full-page illustration represents the well-known Spiny LoBsTER (Paliniirus vulgaris), which belongs to the next family of crustaceans. In all this family the outer antennz are very long and stout, and their basal joint is large. 464 THE SLOW SHRIMP. The Spiny Lobster is also called the Sza Cray-risu, or the Rep Cras. Its claws are very small, and by no means formidable. It is mostly found on the western and southern coasts, and is caught in crab-pots, like the common lobster. Its flesh is good and well- flavored, though rather tougher and coarser than that of the lobster ; moreover, the want of the claws is a drawback to its excellence, so that it is not esteemed nearly so much as the true lobster. Sometimes it is found entangled in the nets, and even upon the fishermen’s lines. The average length of this species is eighteen inches, and its weight about five pounds, when adult. Its color is purple-brown, with some irregular white spots, and its legs are red- dish-white, banded longitudinally with brown. One species of this genus, Palinwrus orna- tus, sometimes attains to an enormous size, measuring from the end of the antennz to the tail rather more than four feet. The Spiny Lobster is abundant on the Florida Reef, and there serves as a tolerable sub- stitute for the Lobster, which does not inhabit south of New York. It is called Craw-fish at Key West. As an edible it lacks the pleasant flavor of the former, being more like the com- mon edible crab. THe LopsTeR OF AMERICA inhabits from St..Lawrence River to New York State. For- merly, the specimens obtained for the markets were of good average size of eighteen inches. They are now reduced to smaller numbers, and one a foot in length of body is rare. Legis- lation has become necessary for the protection of this most useful and highly-prized food crustacean. THE two next examples belong to a family called the Thalassinide, in which the abdomen is long, its integuments rather soft, and the carapace small and compressed on the sides. The first one, the Mup-BuRROWER, is not very often seen, as it lives in a burrow some two feet under the surface of the mud. It forces itself beneath the mud by means of the third pair of legs, and there passes the greater portion of its time. The shell of this species is very thin, and but for the enormous claw with which it is furnished it would seem quite a helpless creature. One species of this genus, the GREAT BuRRowine Cras (Callianassa major), inhabiting Florida and other parts of America, forms a very remarkable burrow. Mr. T. Say, who found this creature by digging in the sand, gives the following account of its habits: ‘‘It had formed a tubular domicile, which penetrated the sand in a perpendicular direction to a consid- erable depth ; the sides were of a more compact consistence than the surrounding sand, pro- jecting above the surface about half an inch or more, resembling a small chimney, and rather suddenly contracted at top into a small orifice. The deserted tubes of the Callianassa are in many places very numerous, particularly where the sand is indurated by iron into the incip- ient state of sandstone; they are always filled up, but may be readily Sedge es ce by the indurated walls and summit often projecting a little above the general surface.” The Mud-burrower is rather a pretty little creature, being of a soft pink hue, sometimes changing to yellow on the sides. Very soon after death these colors fade, and change into dull gray. The haddock seems to feed largely on this species, as fragments are mostly found in the stomach of the fish. The second species is the Stow Surimp, a rather curious looking creature, much resembling the common shrimp, except that it possesses a pair of large and stout claws. Its popular name is derived from the sluggishness of its movements, as it has scarcely any idea of ; running or swimming away if alarmed, but only attempts to escape by burrowing in the mud. If, therefore, it should be intercepted upon some harder ground, where it is not able to burrow, it exhausts all its strength in unavailing efforts, and is easily taken prisoner. The best way of obtaining this creature is to dig it out of the sand. It is but a small species, measuring about three inches in length. Several other burrowers are inhabitants of the European shores. One of them is the Mup-BorER (Gébia stellata), a small species, measuring about two inches in length. This creature often takes possession of the burrows which have been made and forsaken by the razor-shell, but it is doubtlessly able to bore holes for itself. It is rather a pretty little crustacean, being of a pale yellowish-white, covered with very little THE LOBSTER. 465 star-shaped orange spots. On the front of the carapace are multitudes of little spines, arranged in longitudinal rows. Another species, the Detrura (Gebia deltura), inhabits the same and similar localities as the mud-borer. In many points it much resembles that crustacean, and has been thought by some persons to be the female of the same species. It furnishes abundance of food to various fishes, especially those belonging to the ray family, and its remains are found abundantly in their stomachs. It is much larger than the mud-borer. All the members of this genus have the carapace formed into a triangular beak, and the outer pair of fore-feet formed for walking. One more remarkable species of burrowing crustacea is the CALocARIS (Calocaris macandrei), which resides at a very great depth, having been ascertained to live at the bottom of the sea, more than a thousand feet from the surface. Here, like the rest of these creatures, it burrows in the mud, passing a kind of sub-marine mole-like existence. As, at this great depth, and under the mud, the ordinary visual powers would be of no avail, the creature has but the rudiments of eyes, which are small and quite without coloring. The Calocaris is mostly to be obtained from the stomachs of haddocks, rays, and flat-fishes. ; The color of this curious species is delicate pale rose while living, but, as is usual with this fleeting tint, it soon fades after death. The shell of the Calocaris is very delicate and thin, and the whole of the feet are covered with hairs. WE now come to the family of the Astacide, which includes two well-known and very similar creatures, the fresh-water cray-fish, and the salt-water Losstrer. The latter is illustrated on the preceding full-page illustration, together with the Spiny Lobster. The Lobster is not much of a rover, seldom straying far from the spot on which it was hatched. It is rather remarkable that Lobsters are liable to permanent varieties, according to the locality in which they reside, and a good judge will be able to determine at a glance from what part of the country any given Lobster has been taken. Sometimes a green specimen is brought to market, and the salesmen have a theory that it has obtained this change of color by living in some spot where the ores of copper impregnate the earth. They consequently believe it to be poisonous. Both ideas, however, seem to be groundless. Lobsters are always sold by number and not by weight, and their value is necessarily dependent on the accurate eye of the dealer. The Lobsters are caught in creels or pots, like the crabs, but with greater ease and economy, as they are very fond of meat, be it fresh or tainted, and even if it should be putrefying will be attracted to it. Bright and shining objects seem quite to fascinate the Lobster, which will enter a ‘‘ pot”’ even though the bait be nothing more than a number of empty oyster-shells placed so as to exhibit the shining white of the interior. A few years ago a curious bait was employed with great success. It was very simple, consisting of nothing more than a common phial bottle, silvered on the inside. This was hung in the lobster-pots, and served to attract the creatures to the bait. It has been suggested that the potency of this strange allurement may be attributed to its resemblance to the phosphorescent shining of putrid animal substances. But it is quite as probable that the glittering object may serve simply to attract the Lobster’s attention, and that when it has approached in order to satisfy its curiosity, it perceives the bait, and immediately enters the trap. It is found that both bait and bottle are required, as if the latter is used alone, the Lobsters discover their mistake and quit a spot where they find no food. Like many other crustaceans, the Lobster is a most combative animal, quarrelling on the slightest pretext, and fighting most furiously. In these combats it mostly loses a claw or a leg, being obliged to discard entirely a wounded member. A fresh leg or claw sprouts from the scar, and it is to this circumstance that the frequently unequal size of Lobster-claws is owing. Lobsters, indeed, part with these valuable members with strange indifference, and will sometimes shake them off on hearing a sudden noise. It is said that the commanders of certain preventive sloops were accustomed to levy a tax upon the Lobster-fishermen, threaten- ing that unless a certain number of Lobsters were furnished to them they would fire cannon over the Lobster-grounds and make the creatures shake off their claws. Vou. IL.—59. 466 THE SHRIMP. If the fishermen find that they have wounded a Lobster, they have recourse to a very strange but perfectly efficacious remedy. Supposing one of the claws to be wounded, the creature would soon bleed to death unless some means were taken whereby the flow of blood may be stopped. The method adopted by the fishermen consists in twisting off the entire claw. A membrane immediately forms over the wound, and the bleeding is stopped. The new limb that is to supply the place of that which was lost, always sprouts from the centre of the scar. The accompanying illustration shows the com. mon Cray-fish, or Craw-fish( Astacus fluviatilis). This species has an almost exact resemblance to the marine lobster, which it resembles in many of its habits and qualities. Like that creature, it hides itself in some crevice, and does not issue from its concealment except for the purpose of obtaining food. It is equally quarrelsome, and also displays many tokens of its combats in the shape of lost or minute members. It is quite a rare thing to find a large Cray-fish with both its claws of the same size. The illustration is three-quarters of the natural size. This creature mostly hides under stones or holes in the bank, sometimes partially scooped out by the inhabitant, but mostly being the deserted tenement of a water-vole. Herein the creature sits, with its head towards the orifice, and its claws thoroughly protecting its home. Even the sharp spikes of the head form no inconsiderable protection, for, if the hand be thrust into a hole tenanted by a Cray-fish, a sensation is perceived as if the fingers had been pushed against a quantity of needle-points. From these dens it issues in search of prey, which consists of dead fish and any similar substances. Cray-fish can be caughtinvariousways. There are large ‘‘pots”’ or ‘‘creels,’’ made of wicker- work, into which the creature is enticed by a bait, but out of which it cannot escape. There are Cray-fish nets, by which many hundreds can be caught in an afternoon. These are simple cir- cular nets fastened inside an iron hoop and having a piece of meat tied in the centre by way of bait. A long string is attached to each net, and a forked stick, something like a clothes-prop, used for laying or taking them up. The fisherman always has several dozen of these nets, which he disposes along the river-bank in the spots which he thinks best suited to Cray-fish. By the time he has laid his last net, he must visit the first, which he pulls up quickly, and in which he mostly finds three or four Cray-fish eagerly eating the bait. The net is then replaced, and he proceeds to the second. On an average, each net produces three Cray-fish every round. The flesh of the Cray-fish is something like that of the lobster, but far more delicate and without the indigestible qualities of the larger crustacean. It is only in season for a comparatively short time, and in the other months of the year the flesh is soft, watery, and flavorless. CRAY-FISH, OR CRAW-FISH.—Astacus fluviatilis. THE next family includes the true Shrimps, and contains but one genus. The Shrimp, which is so familiar on our tables, and which, until the marine aquaria became so common, was equally unknown in its living state, inhabits the shores of England, where it is produced in countless myriads. In every little pool that is left by the retiring tide, the Shrimps may be seen in profusion, betraying their presence by their quick, darting movements as they dash about in the water and ever and anon settle upon some spot, flinging up a cloud of sand as they scuffle below its surface, their backs being just level with the surrounding sand. In con- sequence of this manceuvre, the fishermen call them ‘‘sand-raisers.’? The small prawns are often confounded with the Shrimps and popularly called by the same title. They can, THE RING-HORNED PRAWN. 467 however, be easily distinguished from each other, the beak of the prawn being long, and deeply saw-edged, while that of the Shrimp is quite short. While living, the Shrimp wears tints so exactly like those of the sand, that when it is lying motionless, it harmonizes exactly with the tawny bed of the sea, and cannot be discerned except by a practised eye. When boiled, it does not change to so bright a red as is usually the case with eatable crustacea, but assumes a duller and more opaque hue. During life the Shrimp is a most beautiful creature, nearly translucent in many points, and when seen against the light seeming to possess some inward illumination. Its habits are interesting, and can be successfully watched by means of an aquarium, though it is necessary to bestow some care on the creature, and keep it properly supplied with food, as it is, though so delicate, a very voracious animal and requires much feeding. Shrimps are caught for sale in a peculiar wide and purse-like net set crosswise upon a pole, and pushed along the sand at the depth of about two feet or a little more. By this method of procedure great numbers of Shrimps are gathered into the net as they dash along the sand, and together with them are various other inhabitants of the sea, quite useless to the shrimper, but very valuable to the seaside naturalist. Any one who is studying the habits of the marine animals will do well to pay a shrimper for the right of examining the net and retaining what- ever is useful or interesting. The method of burying itself in the sand is by using the hinder legs as scoops, settling into the small hollow made by them, and then flinging the sand over its back with its antenne. There are several species of true Shrimps, all good for food, and, although comparatively scarce, taken together with the common Shrimp, There is the BANDED Surimp (Créngon Jasciadtus), known by the narrow and rounded abdomen and the brown band that crosses the fourth ring. It is about an inch in length. It seems to be rather a rare species. Another Shrimp is called the Spryy Surrmp, on account of five rows of teeth-like points upon the carapace. It is of a rather light brown color, banded and striped above with grayish white, and spotted below with crimson. Another species, BELL’s Surimp (Crdngon sculptus),) is very small, being little more than three-quarters of an inch in length. There are several raised lines on the carapace, each with a few small teeth. In color it is extremely variable, but is mostly drab, with little black spots and chestnut specks, and is adorned with patterns of pale . brown edged here and there with blue. © THE SHORT-BEAKED RED SurimP belongs to the family of the Alpheide. This is a Japanese species. Its carapace projects over the eyes in a hood-like shape, and the beak is very small, sometimes indeed being altogether absent. The first pair of legs are always very stout and strong, and one claw is much larger and more powerful than the other. The greater number of the species belonging to the genus Alpheus live in the tropical seas, and those that have been found within the waters of moderate climates have clearly resided at a considerable dis- tance from land. One species, for example, Epwarps’ Rep Surimp (Alphéus ruber), has been found in the stomach of cod-fishes, mostly in fragments, but very rarely entire. Another species, the ScarLeT SurimP ( Alphéus affinis), is of a deep scarlet except the claws, which are marked with yellow. This Shrimp has been taken in the Channel Islands. Another species, Montacur’s Surimp (Athanas nitescens), is popularly thought by the fishermen to be the young of the lobster, its deep green color and large pincers giving it a great resemblance to that crustacean. Itis a sociable little being, congregating in some favored spot and assembling in considerable numbers. In fact, it is seldom found alone ; and in clear- ing out a little sand pool, six or seven may often be found in close companionship. WE now arrive at the Prawns, a family which is easily known by the long and saw- edged beak that projects from the carapace. This family is very rich in species, many of which are most lovely creatures, resplendent in scarlet, azure, green, purple, and orange, and of a beautiful transparency, which gives double effect to the colors with which they are adorned. In the Rine-HOoRNED PRAWN the beak is extremely long, and slightly turned upwards. 468 THE EDIBLE PRAWN. While it lives at some distance from the shore, it cannot be captured in the ordinary shrimp nets. The fishermen call it the Red Shrimp. The spines, or teeth in the upper edge of the long beak, do not spring at once from the substance of the beak, but are simply jointed to it, so that they can be moved slightly by pressure. A large number of species belong to the genus Hippolyte. In these creatures the beak is very large and strong. Several of the sop Prawns belong to this genus. They derive their popular name from the hump-like manner in which the abdomen is raised towards the centre and then bent downwards. Coucn’s Alsop (Hippolyte couchii) is perhaps the most common of these beautiful little creatures, and has the characteristic hump strongly defined. It may be found plentifully in the shore-pools, flitting about the water with a movement much like the flirting and fluttering of a robin in a garden, and displaying its beautiful colors to the best advantage. It is a lovely little being, very variable in color, but always marked with bright and peculiarly pure hues, mostly white, purple, and scarlet. Many of these Aisop Prawns are charming inhabitants of an S== = 1 TSN Ween ER = yd ie Se SSS ni SS —S ——— EDIBLE PRAWN.—Palemon serratus. aquarium, their pellucid bodies and beautiful colors making them fit inhabitants of the drawing-room or the conservatory. One species, Wurrr’s Hisop Prawn (Hippolyte whitei), is an especially beautiful creature, being green with a white streak running along the back, and having a number of azure specks scattered over the body. Even the large Ep1rst—E Prawn (Palemon serratus), the figure of which is drawn of natural size, is a beautiful inhabitant of an aquarium. No one who has only seen Prawns on the table, red, opaque, and with their tails folded under them, can form the least conception of their wonderful beauty while living. As they swim gracefully through the water, the light passes through their translucent bodies and their beautifully streaked integuments, rich with transparent browns, pinks, and grays of various depths. Their delicate and slender limbs are ringed with orange and purple, and stained with pale blue. : At night, when a Jamp is brought into the room, the effect produced by the Prawn is really surprising. The large globular eyes glow as if illuminated by some powerful light within ; and as the creature comes out of the darkness its eyes alone are visible, as they shine like two globes of living fire. It is very interesting to watch the habits of this beautiful creature. It is extremely voracious, and seems always to be ready for food. I used to feed my own Prawns with the bodies of shrimps, hermit-crabs, and other marine crustacea that had died in the aquaria. All MOUTH-FOOTED CRUSTACEANS. 469 that was needful was to drop the dead animal into the water so that it should pass the spot where the Prawn had made its home. As soon as it approached, the Prawn used to dart out like a tiger from its den, its long antennze waving in great excitement, and its forceps open and extended so as to be in readiness. The claws appear to be very feeble, but they are stronger than they seem, and are perfectly adequate to the task which they are called upon to perform. The creature would quickly grasp its prey with one claw, carry it off to its home, and there leisurely pick it to pieces, displaying considerable discrimination in choosing the most delicate morsels, and abandoning the remainder to its smaller companions who still lived in the same tank, and preserved their lives by hiding themselves in little nooks and crevices, wherein they were safe from their giant kinsman. The air of utter contempt with which the Prawn would twist off and fling aside the legs and antennze of a shrimp or a hermit- crab was very amusing. Its greatest dainty, for which it would leave almost every other kind of food, was the soft abdomen of the hermit-crab. The forceps employed for this purpose are those at the extremity of the second pair of feet, those of the first pair being used for a different purpose. Mr. Gosse has given the follow- ing account of those limbs and their use. After mentioning that they are covered with hairs set at right angles to the limb, like the bristles of a bottle brush, he proceeds as follows :— “These are the Prawn’s washing brushes, especially applied to the cleansing of the under surface of the thorax and abdomen. When engaged in this operation, the animal commonly throws in the tail under the body, in that manner which we see assumed in the finest speci- mens that are brought to table, which is not, however, the ordinary position of life, the body being nearly straight. Then he brings his fore-feet to bear on the belly, thrusting the bottle brushes to and fro into every angle and hollow with zealous industry, withdrawing them now and then, and clearing them of dirt by passing them between the foot-jaws. ‘“The reason of the inbending of the tail is manifest. The brushes could not else reach the hinder joints of the body, and still less the swimming-plates, but by this means every part is brought within easy reach. Sometimes the brushes are inserted between the edge of the carapace and the body, and are thrust to and fro, penetrating to an astonishing distance, as may be distinctly seen through the transparent integument. Ever and anon the tiny forceps of the hand are employed to seize and pull off any fragment of extraneous matter which clings to the skin too firmly to be removed by brushing; it is plucked off and. thrown away clear of the body and limbs. The long antennz and all the other limbs are cleaned by means of the foot-jaws principally.” Tur SworpD-sHRIMP, a native of Japan, belongs to another family, termed the Penazide. All the members of this family have a very long and much compressed abdomen, and the _ beak very small or absent. One of them is the Groovep Surimp (Peneus sulcdtus), 1 com- mon species in the Mediterranean. It has three grooves on the carapace, two long and one shorter in the middle. It is a large species, sometimes attaining the length of seven inches. Another species is the Sivapo, sometimes called the Sworp-sHrimp, or the WHITE Surimp, the last-mentioned term, however, being applied very loosely by the fishermen. It is a very beautiful little creature, being of a translucent white color, dashed and spotted with rich crimson. It is said that this species cannot endure exposure to the air, and that it dies immediately on being removed from the water. MOUTH-FOOTED CRUSTACEANS; STOMAPODA. ANOTHER order of crustaceans now comes before us, called the Stomapoda, or Mouth- footed Crustaceans, so called because their legs mostly issue from the neighborhood of the mouth. The gills are external, and are formed in a most curious manner of a series of tiny cylinders. The greater number of Stomapods live in the hotter seas, but a few are inhabitants of the English coasts. 470 THE GLASSY ERICTHUS. Our first example of these odd-looking creatures is the CHAMELEON-SHRIMP, perhaps the most common of its kind. This species is abundant on European coasts, and derives its popular name from the extreme variability of its coloring. It seems to alter according to the locality in which it resides. Those, for example, which live upon a sandy coast are of a gray hue, those which are found among the large dark sea-weeds are brown, and those that prefer the ulva and zostera beds are green, like the vegetation among which they live. These creatures are sometimes called Opossom-shrimps, from a curious modification of their structure. The last two feet are furnished with an appendage that forms a sort of pouch. In the male this pouch is small, but in the female it is large, and capable of containing a large number of eggs, which are carried about by the crustacean just as the opossum carries its young. In the Northern seas these Opossum-shrimps exist in vast multitudes, and form much of the food on which the great whale of those seas depends for its subsistence. Several species are thus eaten, and one of them, Mysis flexuosus, is largely eaten by the enormous shoals of salmon that visit these regions in the months of July and August, thereby aiding in giving to the fish that fineness of condition and fulness of flesh which ought to be possessed by a well-nurtured salmon. These creatures are fond of congregating at the mouths of rivers, probably because they find plenty of food in such localities, and during the winter, haunt the whole line of coast. Many species of Opossum-shrimps are found upon European shores, and can be captured by the simple plan of hauling up masses of sea-weed, and seizing the little crustaceans before they can escape. Another example of these beings is the CLUB-HORNED PHYLLOSOME, a member of another and a very remarkable family. These crustaceans are in the habit of floating on the surface of the water, extending their legs, and there lying quite at their ease. The body is beauti- fully transparent, and it would be almost impossible to see the Phyllosome were it not that the eyes are of a most beautiful blue, and’ serve as indications of their owner’s presence. This species is a native of the Atlantic Ocean. The name Phyllosoma is derived from the Greek, and signifies Leaf-bodied. One or two examples of this creature have been found floating near the Channel Islands. All the members of this family have the body exceed- ingly flat and leaf-like, formed by the cara- pace and part of the thorax. The abdomen is extremely small in proportion to the enor- mous size of the cuirass, and the limbs are PHYLLOSOME.—Phyllosoma. so formed that they can be spread from the body so as to present a large radiating out- line. Our illustration is a true repideagntd tet of a rare species of this family. It is drawn in natural size. The two next examples belong to the fomasieable genus of the Stomapod Crustaceans. In these creatures the upper part of the body is defended by a single and large cuirass, covering much of the head, being wide and free behind. The members of the genus Ericthus have the cuirass enormously developed, prolonged in front into a kind of beak, which projects over the head, and having behind several strong and rather long spines. These creatures have smaller claws than is found to be the case with the generality of the family, and all the limbs are of only moderate dimensions. The last segment of the abdomen is developed into a wide and flat fan-like blade. The eyes are large, round, and set on stout footstalks. - The Guassy Ertotuus derives its name from the translucency of its integuments, and the ARMED ErtoTuts is so called in consequence of the sharp spines that defend its shield. Both these species are inhabitants of the Atlantic. THE MANTIS-SHRIMP. 471 Brrore passing to the next family, we must cast a brief glance at a very strange-looking crustacean, called the TRANSPARENT ALIMA (Alima hyalina). This remarkable animal looks much as if an Ericthus had been drawn out like wire to a > considerable extent, retaining all the characteristics of the family, and some which belong to the genus. The abdomen is extremely long, something like the tail of a scorpion, and terminated by a flat paddle. The cuirass is so large and so loose that it hardly seems to belong to the creature, but to have been taken from some larger crustacean, and dropped upon its back. The eyes are large and globular, and stand L2G on slender curved footstalks, bearing no small resemblance > aN) to a dumb-bell with a long and rather curved handle, each eye y} § answering for the heads of the bell, and their united footstalks for its handle. The claw-feet are long, slender, and can be used with much quickness. These creatures are natives of the warmer seas, such as the tropical portions of the Atlantic, the South Seas, and New Guinea. They all live at some distance from the shore. WE now come to a curious family, called the Squillide. In these creatures the body is long and mostly flattened, and the first pair of legs are very large, and used for seizing pele prey ; the last joint folding over serves to answer the purpose i of a claw. The carapace is divided into three lobes. The om best known of these crustaceans is the MANTIS-SHRIMP, so VFA called from its great resemblance to the insect from which it if AS takes its title. As will be seen by reference to the accompany- \ i . ing illustration, the carapace of the genus Squilla is small but Wi Wrdndnra>: cans pe See long, and shields the mouth, the antenne, and their appen- (Somewhat diminished.) dages. The abdomen is very long and boldly jointed, and the appendages at its extremity are made in a manner that much resembles the fan-like tail of the lobster. All the Squille are voracious, fierce, and active beings, and can strike as sharply with their long claw-feet as can the mantis with the corresponding limbs. From all appearance it seems as if the creatures were in the habit of hiding themselves in dark crevices, and from their dens striking quickly at passing prey. This theory is much strengthened by the observations of Dr. Lukis, who kept a Mantis- shrimp alive for a short time. ‘‘It sported about, and after a first approach exhibited a boldness rather unexpected. When first alarmed, it sprang backwards with great velocity, after which it placed itself in a menacing attitude which would rather have excited the fear of exposing the hand to it. The prominent appearance of the eyes, their brilliancy and attentive watching, the feeling power of the long antennz, evinced quick apprehension and instinct. I brought a silver teaspoon near them, which was struck out of my hand with a suddenness and force comparable to an electric shock. This blow was effected by the large arms, which were closed and projected in an instant with the quickness of lightning.” The Squillz are seldom seen near land, specimens being mostly taken nearly six miles at sea, where the bed of the ocean is known to be of a sandy nature. They are good swimmers, darting quickly through the water by the action of the paddle at the end of the tail. The Goury Squrzta derives its name from the largely-tubereculated limbs, which look as if the animal were badly attacked with the gout. It is taken off the Mauritius. 4 Wi; ¥ Vy 472 THE SAND-HOPPER. SESSILE-EYED CRUSTACEA. Our attention is now drawn to the second great group of crustaceans, called the Sessile- eyed Crustacea, because their eyes, instead of being placed on footstalks, are seated directly upon the shell. The body is divided with tolerable distinctness into three parts, for which the ordinary titles of head, thorax, and abdomen are retained, as being more convenient and intelligible than the ingenious and more correct, though rather repulsive, titles that have lately been affixed to these divisions of the body. They have no carapace, like the stalk-eyed crustaceans, nor do they breathe with gills, but by means of a curious adaptation of some of their limbs. None of the Sessile-eyed Crus- tacea obtain any large size, an inch and a half being nearly their utmost limit in point of length. Most of these animals reside along the sea-shores, where they are of very great use in clearing away the mass of dead animal and vegetable matter which is constantly found in the sea. AMPHIPODA. THE first order of the Sessile-eyed Crustaceans is termed the Amphipoda, a word derived from the Greek, and signifying ‘‘both kinds of feet,’’ because they are furnished with limbs for walking and swimming; whereas, in the Isopoda, or similar-footed crustaceans, the feet are all of the same character. The females are in the habit of carrying their eggs under the thorax, mostly between certain flattened appendages attached to the base of the legs. Tue next family is called by the name of Orchestide, or J umpers, because they possess the power of leaping upon dry ground. The most familiar of these little crustaceans is the well-known SAND-HOPPER, or SAND-SKIPPER, seen in such myriads along sandy shores, leaping about vigorously just before the advancing or behind the retiring tide, and looking like a low mist edging the sea, so countless are their numbers. Paley has a well-known passage respecting this phenomenon, too familiar for quotation. The leap of the Sand-hopper is produced by bending the body and then flinging it open with a sudden jerk—in fact, the exact converse of the mode of progression adopted by the lobster and shrimp. The Sand-hopper feeds on almost anything that is soft and capable of decay, and seems to care little whether the food be of an animal or vegetable nature. Decaying sea-weed is a favorite article of food, and wherever a bunch of blackened and rotting sea-weed lies on the sand, there may be found the Sand-hoppers congregated beneath it, and literally boiling out when the sea-weed is plucked up. Wherever there is sand, the Sand-hopper is to be found, even though no traces may be perceptible ; and an experienced shore-hunter will seldom fail in obtaining as many as he wishes in the space of a few minutes. Even where the sand is extremely dry and level, and seems unfit to nourish Sand-hoppers, these little creatures are often snugly ensconced beneath, having burrowed deeper and deeper as the sand became dry. Ifa smart stamp of the foot be given, a vast number of little holes will make their appearance, as if by magic. These are the burrows of the Sand-hoppers, which have been made while the sand was still wet, and over which a film of moist sand had formed itself. The shock caused by the stamp of the foot breaks the dried films, and the hole is at once made apparent. . To catch the Sand-hopper in fair chase is no easy task, but it can be captured without any difficulty by simply digging up the sand and throwing it aside. The Sand-hoppers seem so bewildered with their sudden change, that they merely sprawl about listlessly, and can be picked up at leisure. The teeth of this creature are strong and sharp, as indeed is needful for the tasks imposed upon them. The Sand-hopper will eat anything; and on one occasion, when a lady had allowed a swarm of these little crustaceans to settle on her handkerchief, it was bitten to rags when she took it up. It is very fond of worms, will eat any kind of carrion, and sometimes, THE LONG-HORNED COROPHIUM. 473 when pressed by hunger, has no scruple in eating its own kind. It has many enemies, as is sure to be the case when a little creature is produced in absolute clouds, when it is quite harm- less, easily obtained, and excellent food. Sea-birds feed largely upon the Sand-hoppers, and many land-birds are in the habit of passing much of their time upon the shore, and eating their fill of these crustacea. The green crab is a terrible enemy to the Sand-hopper, even running it down in fair chase, as I have witnessed, and displaying wonderfnl ingenuity in pouncing upen the active little creature just as it descends from its leap. Even a little beetle, not a quarter its size, feeds upon the Sand-hopper, instinctively attacking it from below, where it is comparatively undefended by its shelly coat. Sometimes three or four beetles will unite in attacking upon a single Sand-hopper. The technical name of this beetle is Cillenwm laterale. The SHORE-HOPPER (Orchestia littorea) is also plentiful on sandy coasts, preferring those where the sand is sprinkled with rocks. It may be known from the sand-hopper by its more compressed body, the partly-clawed character of the two first pairs of legs, and the compara- tively small size of the first pair. Though it hops on the sand, like the preceding species, and has many similar habits, it is seldom found occupying the same locality, the sand-hopper taking to one part of the coast and the Shore-hopper to another. Another strange-looking creature is the common SAND-SOREW, an example of: the next family. In these creatures the antenne end in a lash-like point, called appropriately the flagellum, or little whip. The Sand-screw is so called from the odd movements which it makes when laid upon dry sand, wriggling along while lying on its side, and displaying an awkwardness, in this respect, which contrasts greatly with the wonderful power and freedom with which it can force its way through wet sand. In the course of its burrowings, it makes many tortuous tracks in the sand, that are generally taken for the trace of some worm’s passage. There are many fossil remains said to be the relics of certain worms, but which are now thought by Mr. Albany Hancock to have been produced by some crustacean of similar habits to the Sand-screw. He has given a most interesting account of this discovery, and the follow- ing passages are extracted from his account :—‘‘ I went down to the beach, just as the tide was leaving the spot where the broad tracks were usually in great profusion. The sand was quite smooth, all irregularities having been obliterated by the action of the water. Here and there, however, the tracks had already made their appearance, but were as yet of very limited extent, and there was no longer any difficulty in taking the whole in in one view, and, more- over, the extremities were perfectly distinct. It was only necessary to watch attentively, to note the formation of the numerous and labyrinthine windings that had been so long a puzzle. ‘‘T had not long to wait before the sand at one of the extremities was observed to be gently agitated, and, on this agitation ceasing, the track was found to have added nearly half an inch to its length. In the course of two or three minutes, the sand was again put in motion, and the track once more a little prolonged. These movements were repeated over and over again, until it was quite clear, that the track was formed by slow, intermitting steps, and not, as might have been supposed, by one continuous gliding motion. Having satisfied myself of this, I took up the morsel of sand at the end of the track, just as it was again becoming agitated, and found that I had captured a small crustacean, the species of which was unknown to me, though in general appearance it was not altogether unlike the common sand-hopper, but not quite so long. I soon took in this way five or six specimens, all of the same species, and all forming tracks of precisely the same character, namely, broad, slightly elevated, flattened, and grooved. ‘“ While forming its track, the animal is never seen ; it moves along a little beneath the surface of the sand, which it pushes upwards with its back, and the arch or tunnel thus formed partially subsides as the creature presses forward, and, breaking along the centre, the median groove is produced.” A more slender and delicate-looking crustacean is Kroyrer’s SAND-SCREW, a creature which possesses some of the same habits as the last-mentioned species. It burrrows horizon- tally beneath the sand, like the common Sand-screw, but differs in its mode of action, the back always appearing above the sand. The Lone-HorNED CoROPHIUM, a curious-looking and very interesting species, inhabits Vou. I1.—60. : 474 FLEMING’S HERMIT-SCREW. the muddy parts of the sea-shore. This creature is common in the summer and early autumn, at which times it walks boldly upon the wet shore. During the later part of autumn and the winter, it resides in holes which it burrows into the mud and clay, and in some places is so plentiful, that the mud is quite honeycombed by its tunnels. This species is very common on the French coasts, especially in the great mussel preserves near Rochelle. M. D’Orbigny, who observed their habits closely, has given a very animated account of their manner of feeding. The whole of the muddy deposit along the shores is inhabited by myriads of marine worms, such as the nereis and lug-worm, and upon these the Corophium feeds. As the tide rises, the worms ascend to the mouths of their burrows, for the purpose of eating the little animalcules that swarm on the shore. The Corophium wages continual war against these worms, darts at them with surprising speed, fastens on them, and eats them. Sometimes a great lug-worm will be surrounded by thirty or forty of these curious crustacea, all attacking it simultaneously, and forming a strange group as the worm writhes in its endeavors to escape, and carries with it the small but pertinacious foes under whose attack it is sinking. Hundreds of the Corophium may be seen beating the mud rapidly with their enormous antennze, for the purpose of discovering their prey, and the energy of the movement and the evident excitement under which the creatures labor partake largely of the ludicrous. They do not restrict themselves to the worms, being equally ready to prey upon fishes, oysters, or indeed any animal substance that comes in their way. The fishermen, who know it by the name of Pernys, are very angry with this little creature, and declare that it robs them of their mussel harvest. They even assert that it climbs the-posts of the complicated wood-work to which the mussels cling, cuts the silken threads by which these mollusks are attached, and, having thus let them fall into the sea, eats them at leisure. As is the case with the sand- hopper, the Corophium is greatly persecuted by larger creatures, and is eaten in vast numbers by birds and many fishes. All the members of this genus can be recognized by the enormous dimensions of their antennzes which are extremely thick at the base, and look much more like a very large pair of legs than true antenne. WE now come to some very curiously shaped crustacea, whose habits are fully as remark- able as their forms. Their scientific name is Phronima, and their best known species is FLEMING’s HERMIT-SCREW. This creature incloses itself in a nearly oval and transparent sac, which is found to be the body of one of the medusze. M. Risso tells us that, like the argonauts and carinariz, these creatures may be seen in calm weather voyaging along in their glassy boats, and rising to the surface or sinking through the water at will. They live on animacule, and for the greater part of the year remain in the muddy depths of the ocean, ascending to the surface in the spring. How they enter their habitations, and their general economy, are subjects at present obscure. There are several species of Phronima, all inhabiting similar dwellings. Phronima sentinella, fo. example, chooses the bodies of the zquoriz and geronize for its home. These creatures are called by the name of Hermit-screws on account of the solitary life which they lead, each shut up in its cell or cocoon, as it may possibly be called. In all the Hermit- screws, the head is large and vertical, with two little antenne, and the body is soft, nearly transparent, and ends in a number of bristle-like appendages. All the legs are long, slender, and apparently weak, except the fifth pair, both of which legs possess a large and powerful claw, and are directed backward. A little crustacean belonging to an allied genus is not uncommon on European coasts. It has habits of a somewhat similar nature, dwelling in the chambers within several common medus. It will occasionally leave this curious residence, and return to it at will. It is about half an inch in length, has the two first pairs of feet shortest, tipped with a claw, and has the three last pairs of legs longer than the others. The name of this crustacean is Metecus medusarum. Mr. Spence Bates separates all these parasitic animals into a distinct family, under the name of Phronimade. All the members of this family have the mandibles very large, some of the legs prehensile and oddly formed, and the head of enormous comparative size. Some of them attach themselves to fishes, and others to medusze, THE FRESH-WATER SHRIMP, OR FRESH-WATER SCREW. A475 Another strangely formed and closely allied crustacean is the Dactylocera niceensis, whose habits are, however, very imperfectly known, though it is presumed that they resemble those of the hermit-screw and its kin. In this genus, the head, though large, is not of such enormous comparative dimensions as in Phronima, and is rather squared inform. Some of the strange and grasping legs possess great muscular development, and are armed at their extremities with formidable claws, the movable joint bending over at right angles. A small, but very remarkable crustacean, one of the few which really construct a home for themselves, is the Cappis-sHRIMP, scientifically called Cerapus tabularis. The close resemblance between this creature and the well-known caddis-worm cannot but strike an observer. All the animals belonging to this genus inhabit a case which they are able to carry about with them. In spite of the awkwardness of such an appendage, the Caddis-shrimp passes along at a brisk pace, moving by means of the two pairs of long antennz, which not only look like feet, but are used for locomotion. The real feet are kept within the tube, with the exception of the two front pairs, which are almost wholly used for catching prey and feeding itself. : Some persons imagine that the tube of this creature is not of home manufacture, but is the deserted residence of some annelid. There is, however, no reason why a crustacean, which is much higher in the scale of creation, should not make as good a tube. The material of which these tubes are made resembles rough leather or papier-maché, and grayish-brown in color, and very tough. They are very small, in some species being not more than the sixteenth of an inch in length, and proportionately small in diameter. Sometimes the tubes are set so thickly upon the plant as to conceal its surface from view. They are set without the least order, and look as if they had been simply flung upon the sea-weed to which they adhere. The common carrageen (Chondus crispus), from which the well-known Irish moss is made, is the plant that is most favored by their presence. When taken out of its cell, the little animal is not unlike a sand-hopper, except that the two pairs of antennz are enormously developed, and the first few pairs of legs are furnished with small claws. The generic name Cerapus is taken from the Greek, and is very appropriate, signifying ‘‘horn-footed.’’ These strange antennz are continually flung forward, grasping at every- thing that comes within their reach, and reminding the observer most forcibly of the peculiar actions of the cirripedes or barnacles. The Caddis-shrimp does not love the very shallow waters, and, except by use of the dredge, cannot be obtained but at the very low tides of March and Sep- tember, those precious days so invalu- able to the practical naturalist, where he finds laid out before him large tracts of the ocean-bed that, except for a few days, at intervals of six months, remain covered with water, and hide their treasures from all eyes. The accompanying illustration represents the common FRESH-WATER ; SHRIMP, or FRESH-WATER SOREW. FRESH-WATER SHRIMP.—Gammarus pulex. (Twice natural size.) In common with the other Screws, : this creature derives its name from its movements when taken from the water and laid upon the ground. Not being able to stand upright upon its feeble legs, it is forced to lie on its side, so that the perpetual kicking of its legs only forces it round in a screw-like fashion, similar to the conduct of the marine screw-shrimp when laid on the sand. The Fresh-water Shrimp is extremely plentiful in every stream, and may be seen in great numbers even in the little rivulets that conduct the water from the fields. They lurk in recesses in the bank or under stones that form the bed of the stream, occasionally darting out to seize some prey, and then making their way back again. Occasionally they push them- selves a yard or two up the rivulet, but are sure to come floating back again before very long, 476 THE SKELETON-SCREW, OR MANTIS-SHRIMP. allowing themselves to be passively swept along by the force of the water as if they were dead, but starting suddenly into active exertion as soon as they reach their former haunts. In the water this crustacean moves by a series of jerks, and mostly lies on its side, though it often swims with its back uppermost, and frequently rotates as it passes along. It is a voracious creature, feeding upon dead fishes or any similar carrion. It is fond of the muddy parts of the stream, liking to conceal itself in the soft alluvium when fearful of danger. The eggs of the female are kept for some time under the abdomen, and the young remain in that situation until they have attained sufficient strength to shift for themselves. Three other species are marine. These are the Wood-boring Shrimp, the Skeleton-screw, and the Whale-louse. The Woop-Borine Surimp is a crustacean that nearly rivals the ship- worm itself in its destructive powers. It makes burrows into the wood, wherein it can conceal itself, and at the same time feast upon the fragments, as is proved by the presence of woody dust within its interior. Its tunnels are made in an oblique direction, not very deeply sunk below the surface, so that after a while the action of the waves washes away the thin shell and leaves a number of grooves on the.surface. Below these, again, the creature bores a fresh set of tunnels, which in their turn are washed away, so that the timber is soon destroyed in successive grooved flakes. According to Mr. Allman, its habits can be very easily watched, as if it is merely placed in a tumbler of sea-water, together with a piece of wood, it will forthwith proceed to work and gnaw its way into the wood. In this creature the jaw-feet are furnished with imperfect claws, and the tenth segment from the head is curiously prolonged into a large and long spine. The great flattened append- ages near the tail seem to he merely used for the purpose of cleaning its burrow of wood dust which is not required for food. The creature always swims on its back, and when com- mencing its work of destruction, clings to the wood with the legs that proceed from the thorax. The Wood-boring Shrimp is one of the jumpers, and, like the sand-hopper, can leap to a considerable height when placed on dry land. Another wood-boring shrimp will be described in a succeeding page. . In the illustration is WW) ~ |