turned about with any quickness; indeed, Viper catchers in England sometimes seize Vipers suddenly by the neck, and do not suffer from their boldness.

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When held by the neck the Viper opens its mouth in order to bite, when the person who holds it sometimes cuts off its poisonous fangs with a pair of scissors, which renders it incapable of doing injury. The best remedy against the bite is to suck the wound, which may be done without danger, and after this to rub it with sweet oil, and poultice it with bread and milk.

These serpents feed on small animals.

THIS formidable animal is found on the banks of the Nile, Niger, and Ganges. Its length is sometimes twenty feet, the tail being about five feet and a half long; its feet are webbed, its eyes very small in proportion, its mouth furnished with strong rows of teeth, and the space between the jaws large enough to contain the body of a man. It is the most daring and ferocious of amphibious animals, and, whether attacking or attacked, is nearly invincible, as its body is covered with a sort of armour which repels a musket ball.

The negroes of Africa, however, have little dread of this powerful animal, as they are so familiar with its habits, and so skilful in resisting its attacks. Mr. Park relates that one of his guides across the river Gambia was suddenly seized by a Crocodile and pulled under the water; upon which the negro thrust his fingers into the animal's eyes with such violence that it quitted its hold, but seizing

him again, he resorted to the same expedient, and with more success, as it again released him, appeared stupified, and then swam down the river.

A method used by the Africans for destroying the Crocodile is to thrust the arm well bound with ox hides down its throat, and to plunge a dagger into its vitals.

These monsters are providentially kept from being a scourge to mankind by the circumstance, that thousands of their eggs are constantly devoured by vultures, and even by negroes, who esteem them a great delicacy.

THE habits and appearance of this animal are similar to those of the Crocodile. It is known only in America, and is most abundant in the tropical regions. It does not exceed eighteen feet in length.

There is a very curious account in Mr. Waterton's Wanderings in South America, of the capture of a Cayman. A large one having been caught by means of a hook attached to a rope, in one of the rivers of Brazil, Mr. W. was anxious to secure it alive; he therefore collected a body of the natives together, and they drew the Cayman by main force out upon the bank of the river.

Upon this Mr. W. sprang upon his back, seized his fore legs, and twisted them over his neck. The people then dragged the beast and his rider over the sand with shouts of triumph.

THIS animal is found in all the countries near the Mediterranean, and is common in America. It is covered with a strong shell, which resists even the pressure of a waggon wheel; and it lives sometimes a hundred and twenty years. Its food consists of insects, worms, and plants of a milky It is nine or ten inches in length.

nature.

THIS animal, so long the delight of the epicure, is found in the East and West Indies. It ascends from the water, and crawls on the beach in search of food, where it some

times sleeps, and by throwing it on its back can be easily taken, as it cannot turn itself over again. Turtles have been found eight feet long; they commonly grow to nearly six feet. Their flesh is very sweet, without any fishy flavour, and has been introduced into England as an article of luxury eighty or ninety years.

So called from its colour, is an amphibious animal, and is found chiefly in warm countries, where it is sometimes two feet long. It is very gentle and harmless, but will defend itself if attacked. The upper parts of its body are of a beautiful green, variegated with yellow and brown; it is covered with scales, which, when exposed to the sun's rays, have a very brilliant appearance.

THE CHAMELEON.

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THIS singular animal, of the lizard genus, possesses neither beauty of form, nor agreeable proportions, to gratify the