First Impression of a Tropical Forest—Exaggerated Fears—Comparative rareness of Venomous Snakes—Their Habits and External Characters—Anecdote of the Prince of Neu Wied—The Bite of the Trigonocephalus—Antidotes2—Fangs4 of the Venomous Snakes described—The Bush-master—The Echidna Ocellata—The Rattlesnakes—Extirpated by Hogs—The Cobra de Capello—Indian Snake-Charmers—Maritime Excursions of the Cobra—The Egyptian Haje—The Cerastes—Boas and Pythons—The Jiboya—The Anaconda—Enemies of the Serpents—The Secretary—The Adjutant—The Mongoos—A Serpent swallowed by another—The Locomotion8 of Serpents—Anatomy9 of their Jaws10—Serpents feeding in the Zoological Gardens—Domestication14 of the Rat-Snake—Water-Snakes.
On penetrating15 for the first time into a tropical forest, the traveller is moved by many conflicting emotions. This luxuriance of vegetation revelling16 in ever-changing forms, these giants of the woods clasped by the python-folds of enormous creepers, and bearing whole hosts of parasites17 on their knotty18 arms; this strange and unknown world of plants, harbouring in its impenetrable recesses19 a no less strange and unknown world of animals, all unite in filling the soul with pleasurable excitement; and yet the heart is, at the same time, chilled with293 vague fears, that mix like a discordant20 sound with the harmonies of this sylvan21 world. For in the hollows of the tangled22 roots and in the dense23 underwood of the forest a brood of noxious24 reptiles26 loves to conceal27 itself, and who knows whether a snake, armed with poisonous fangs, may not dart28 forth29 from the rustling30 foliage31.
Gradually, however, these reflections wear away, and time and experience convince one that the snakes in the tropical woods are hardly more to be feared than in the forests of Germany or France, where also the viper32 will sometimes inflict33 a deadly wound. These reptiles are, indeed, far from being of so frequent occurrence as is generally believed; and on meeting with a snake, there is every probability of its belonging to the harmless species, which show themselves much more frequently by day, and are far more numerous. Even in India and Ceylon, where serpents are said to abound34, they make their appearance so cautiously that the surprise of long residents is invariably expressed at their being so seldom seen.
Sir E. Tennent, who frequently performed journeys of two to five hundred miles through the jungle without seeing a single snake, never heard, during his long residence in Ceylon, of the death of a European being caused by the bite of one of these reptiles; and in almost every instance accidents to the natives happened at night, when the animal, having been surprised or trodden on, had inflicted35 the wound in self-defence. Thus, to avoid danger, the Singhalese, when obliged to leave their houses in the dark, carry a stick with a loose ring, the noise of which, as they strike it on the ground, is sufficient to warn the snakes to leave their path.
During his five years’ travels through the whole breadth of tropical America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, M. de Castelnau, although ever on the search, collected no more than ninety-one serpents, of which only twenty-one were poisonous; a proof that they are not more frequently met with in the primitive36 forests of Brazil than in the jungles of India or Ceylon.
The habits of the venomous snakes, and the external characters by which they are distinguished37 from the harmless species, likewise tend to diminish the danger to be apprehended38 from them. Thus, their head is generally flat, broad, lanceolate;294 they have an aperture39 or slit40 on each cheek, behind the nostrils41, and an elongated42 vertical43 pupil like many other nocturnal animals.
They are also generally slower and more indolent in their motions, and thus are more easily avoided. No venomous snake will ever be found on a tree, and on quietly approaching one in the forest or in the savannah, it will most likely creep away without disputing the path, as it is not very anxious uselessly to squander44 the venom1 which Nature gave it as the only means for procuring45 itself food.
‘There is not much danger in roving amongst snakes,’ says Waterton, who, from spending many a month in tropical wilds, may justly be called an excellent authority, ‘provided only that you have self-command. You must never approach them abruptly46; if so, you are sure to pay for your rashness; because the idea of self-defence is predominant in every animal, and thus the snake, to defend himself from what he considers an attack upon him, makes the intruder feel the deadly effect of his envenomed fangs. The labarri snake is very poisonous, yet I have often approached within two yards of him without fear. I took care to advance very softly and gently, without moving my arms, and he always allowed me to have a fine view of him, without showing the least inclination48 to make a spring at me. He would appear to keep his eye fixed49 on me, as though suspicious, but that was all. Sometimes I have taken a stick ten feet long and placed it on the labarri’s back; he would then glide50 away without offering resistance. However, when I put the end of the stick abruptly to his head, he immediately opened his mouth, flew at it, and bit it.’ But although accidents from venomous snakes are comparatively rare, yet the consequences are dreadful when they do take place, and the sight of a cobra or a trigonocephalus preparing for its fatal spring may well appal52 the stoutest53 heart.
Prince Maximilian of Neu Wied, having wounded a tapir, was following the traces of his game along with his Indian hunter, when suddenly his companion uttered a loud scream. He had come too near a labarri snake, and the dense thicket54 prevented his escape. Fortunately the first glance of the distinguished naturalist55 fell upon the reptile25, which with extended jaws and projecting fangs was ready to dart upon the Indian,295 but at the same moment, struck by a ball from the prince’s rifle, lay writhing56 on the ground. The Indian, though otherwise a strong-nerved man, was so paralysed by fear, that it was some time before he could recover his self-possession—a proof, among others, that it is superfluous57 to attribute a fascinating power to the venomous snakes, as the effects of terror are quite sufficient to explain why smaller animals, unable to flee the impending58 danger, become their unresisting victims, and even seem, as it were, wantonly to rush upon destruction. Thus Pöppig saw on the banks of the Huallaga an unfortunate frog, which, after being for some time unable to move, at length made a desperate leap towards a large snake that was all the time fixing its eye upon it, and thus paid for the confusion of its senses with the loss of its life.
A poor Indian girl that accompanied Schomburgk on his travels through the forests of Guiana was less fortunate than the Prince of Neu Wied’s companion. She was bitten by a trigonocephalus, and it was dreadful to see how soon the powers of life began to ebb59 under the fatal effects of the poison. The wound was immediately sucked, and spirits of ammonia, the usual remedy, profusely60 applied61 both externally and inwardly, but all in vain. In less than three minutes, a convulsive trembling shook the whole body, the face assumed a cadaverous aspect, dreadful pains raged in the heart, in the back, less in the wound itself; the dissolved blood flowed from the ears and nose, or was spasmodically ejected by the stomach; the pulse rose to 120–130 in the minute; the paralysis62 which first benumbed the bitten foot spread farther and farther, and in less than eight minutes the unfortunate girl was no longer to be recognised. The same day the foot swelled63 to shapeless dimensions, and she lay senseless until, after an agony of sixty-three hours, death relieved her from her sufferings.
A great many antidotes have been recommended against serpentine64 poison, but their very number proves their inefficacy. One of the most famous is the juice of a Peruvian climbing plant, the vejuco de huaco (Mikania Huaco, Kunth), the remarkable65 properties of which were first discovered by a negro, who observed that when the huaco, a kind of hawk66 which chiefly feeds on snakes, has been bitten by one of them, it immediately flies to the vejuco and eats some of its leaves.
296 It is a well-known fact that serpentine poison may be swallowed with impunity67; it shows its effects only on mixing directly with the blood. A tight ligature above the wound, along with sucking, burning, or cutting it out, are thus very rational remedies for preventing the rapid propagation of the venom. Suction is, however, not always unattended with danger to the person who undertakes the friendly office. Thus Schomburgk relates the misfortunes of a poor Indian, whose son had been bitten in the cheek. The father instantly sucked the wound, but a hollow tooth conveyed the poison into his own body. His cheek swelled under excruciating pains, and without being able to save his son, his own health and vigour68 were for ever lost. For such are the dreadful consequences of this poison, that they incurably69 trouble the fountains of life. The wound generally breaks open every year, emitting a very offensive odour, and causes dreadful pains at every change of the weather.
Although all the venomous snakes produce morbid70 symptoms nearly similar, yet the strength of the poison varies according to the species of the serpent, and to the circumstances under which it is emitted. It is said to be most virulent71 during very hot weather, when the moon changes, or when the animal is about to cast its skin. The effects are naturally more powerful and rapid when a larger quantity of poison flows into the wound, and a snake with exhausted72 supplies from repeated bitings will evidently strike less fatally than another whose glands73 are inflated74 with poison after a long repose75.
Before describing some of the most conspicuous76 of the venomous serpents, a few words on the simple but admirable mechanism77 of their delicate but needle-like fangs will not be out of place. Towards the point of the fang5, which is invariably situated78 in the upper jaw11, there is a little oblong aperture on the convex side of it, and through this there is a communication down the fang to the root, at which lies a little bag containing the poison. Thus, when the point of the fang is pressed, the root of the fang also presses against the bag and sends up a portion of the poison it contains. The fangs being extremely movable, can be voluntarily depressed79 or elevated; and as from their brittleness80 they are very liable to break, Nature, to provide for a loss that would be fatal, has added behind each of them297 smaller or subsidiary fangs ready to take their place in case of accident.
Unrivalled in the display of every lovely colour of the rainbow, and unmatched in the effects of his deadly poison, the bush-master or counacutchi (Lachesis rhombeata) glides82 on, sole monarch83 of the forests of Guiana or Brazil, as both man and beast fly before him. In size he surpasses most other venomous species, as he sometimes grows to the length of fourteen feet. Generally concealed84 among the fallen leaves of the forest, he lives on small birds, reptiles, and mammalians, whom he is able to pursue with surprising activity. Thus, Schomburgk once saw an opossum rushing through the forest, and closely followed by an enormous bush-master. Frightened to death and utterly85 exhausted, the panting animal ascended86 the stump88 of an old tree, and thence, as if rooted to the spot, looked with staring eyes on its enemy, who, rolled in a spiral coil, from which his head rose higher and higher, slowly and leisurely89, as if conscious that his prey90 could not possibly escape him, prepared for his deadly spring. This time, however, the bush-master was mistaken, for a shot from Schomburgk’s rifle laid him writhing in the dust, while the opossum, saved by a miracle, ran off as fast as he could. Fortunately for the planter and negroes, the bush-master is a rare serpent, frequenting only the deepest shades of the thicket, where in the day-time he generally lies coiled upon the ground.
Still rarer, though if possible yet more formidable, is a small brown viper (Echidna ocellata), which infests92 the Peruvian forests. Its bite is said to be able to kill a strong man within two or three minutes. The Indian, when bitten by it, does not even attempt an antidote3 against the poison, but stoically bids adieu to his comrades, and lays himself down to die.
The ill-famed wide-extended race of the rattlesnakes, which ranges from South Brazil to Canada, belongs exclusively to the New World. They prefer the more elevated, dry, and stony93 regions, where they lie coiled up in the thorny94 bushes, and only attack such animals as come too near their lair95. Their bite is said to be able to kill a horse or an ox in ten or twelve minutes; but, fortunately, they are afraid of man, and will not venture to attack him unless provoked. When roused to anger they are, however, very formidable, as their fangs penetrate96 through298 the strongest boot. One of the most remarkable features of their organisation97 is a kind of rattle6 terminating the tail, and consisting of a number of pieces inserted into each other, all alike in shape and size, hollow, and of a thin, elastic98, brittle81 substance, like that of which the scales are externally formed. When provoked, the strong and rapid vibratory motions imparted to the rattle produce a sound which has been compared to that of knife-grinding, but is never loud enough to be heard at any distance, and becomes almost inaudible in rainy weather.
RATTLESNAKE.
Naturalists99 distinguish at least a dozen different species of rattlesnakes, the commonest of which are the Boaquira (Crotalus horridus), which frequents the warmest regions of South America, and the Durissus (C. durissus), which has chosen the United States for its principal home. The chief enemy of this serpent is the hog7, whom it dreads100 so much that on seeing one it immediately loses all its courage, and instantly takes to flight. But the hog, who smells it from afar, draws nearer and nearer, his bristles101 erected102 with excitement, seizes it by the neck, and devours104 it with great complacency, though without touching105 the head. As the hog is the invariable companion of the settler in the backwoods, the rattlesnake everywhere disappears before the advance of man, and it is to be hoped that a century or two hence it will be ranked among the extinct animals. The American Indians often regale106 on the rattlesnake. When they find it asleep, they put a small forked stick over its neck, which they keep immovably fixed to the ground, giving the snake a stick to bite, and this they pull back several times with great force, until they perceive that the poison-fangs are torn out. They then cut off the head, skin the body, and cook it as we do eels107. The flesh is said to be white and excellent.
None of the American snakes inhabit the old world, but in the East Indies and Ceylon other no less dangerous species appear upon the scene, among which the celebrated108 Cobra de Capello is one of the most deadly.
299 As long as it is in a quiet mood, its neck is nowhere thicker than its head or other parts; but as soon as it is excited, it raises vertically109 the anterior110 part of its trunk, and dilating111 the hood112 on each side of the neck, which is curiously113 marked in the centre in black and white, like a pair of spectacles, advances against the aggressor by the undulating motion of the tail. It is not only met with in the cultivated grounds and plantations114, but will creep into the houses and insinuate115 itself among the furniture. Bishop116 Heber heard at Patna of a lady who once lay a whole night with a cobra under her pillow. She repeatedly thought during the night that she felt something move, and in the morning when she snatched her pillow away, she saw the thick black throat, the square head, and the green diamond-like eyes of the reptile advanced within two inches of her neck. Fortunately the snake was without malice117; but alas118 for her if she had during the night pressed him a little too roughly.
This is the snake so frequently exhibited by the Indian jugglers, who contrive119 by some unknown method to tame them so far as to perform certain movements in cadence120, and to dance to the sound of music, with which the cobra seems much delighted, keeping time by a graceful121 motion of the head, erecting122 about half its length from the ground, and following the few simple notes of the conjuror’s flute123 with gentle curves like the undulating lines of a swan’s neck. It has been naturally supposed, before this could be done, that the poisonous fangs had been extracted; but Forbes, the author of ‘Oriental Memoirs,’ had nearly been taught at his cost that this is not always practised. Not doubting but that a cobra, which danced for an hour on the table while he painted it, had been disarmed124 of its fatal weapons, he frequently handled it to observe the beauty of the spots, and especially the spectacles on the hood. But the next morning his upper servant, who was a zealous125 Mussulman, came to him in great haste and desired he would instantly retire and praise the Almighty126 for his good fortune. Not understanding his meaning, Forbes told him that he had already performed his devotions, and had not so many stated prayers as the followers127 of his prophet. Mahomet then informed him that while purchasing some fruit in the bazaar128, he observed the man who had been with him on the300 preceding evening entertaining the country people with the dancing snakes; they, according to their usual custom, sat on the ground around him, when, either from the music stopping too suddenly or from some other cause irritating the snake which he had so often handled, it darted129 at the throat of a young woman, and inflicted a wound of which she died in about half an hour. That the snake-charmers control the cobra not by extracting its fangs, but by courageously130 availing themselves of its timidity and reluctance131 to use them, was also proved during Sir E. Tennent’s residence in Ceylon by the death of one of these performers, whom his audience had provoked to attempt some unaccustomed familiarity with the cobra; it bit him on the wrist, and he expired the same evening.
The deserted132 nests of the termites133 are the favourite retreat of the sluggish134 and spiritless cobra, which watches from their apertures135 the toads136 and lizards137 on which it preys138. On coming upon it, its only impulse is concealment139; and when it is unable to escape, a few blows from a whip are sufficient to deprive it of life.
It is a curious fact that, though not a water-snake, the cobra sometimes takes considerable excursions by sea. When the ‘Wellington,’ a Government vessel140 employed in the inspection141 of the Ceylonese pearl-banks, was anchored about a quarter of a mile from land, a cobra was seen, about an hour before sunset, swimming vigorously towards the ship. It came within twelve yards, when the sailors assailed142 it with billets of wood and other missiles, and forced it to return to land.
The Egyptian Haje (Naja Haje), a near relation of the Indian cobra, is probably the asp of ancient authors, which Queen Cleopatra chose as the instrument of her death, to avoid figuring in the triumph of Augustus. Like the cobra, it inflates143 its neck when in a state of excitement, and as it raises its head on being approached, as if watchful144 for its safety, it was venerated145 by the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of divinity, and as the faithful guardian146 of their fields. Divine honours have, however, much more frequently been paid to the venomous snakes from the terror they inspire, than from far-fetched notions of beneficence. Several Indian tribes in North America adore the rattlesnake; and in the kingdom of Widah, on the coast of Guinea, a viper has its temple and ministers,301 and is no less carefully provided for than if it were an inmate147 of the Zoological Gardens.
The Cerastes, or horned viper, one of the most deadly serpents of the African deserts, is frequently exhibited by Egyptian jugglers, who handle and irritate it with impunity: they are supposed to render themselves invulnerable by the chewing of a certain root, but most likely, as in the case of the cobra-charmers, their secret consists in their courage and perfect knowledge of the animal’s nature.
Although the Boas and Pythons are unprovided with venomous fangs, yet, from their enormous size, they may well be ranked among the deadly snakes; for, as Waterton justly remarks, ‘it comes nearly to the same thing in the end whether the victim dies by poison from the fangs, which corrupts148 his blood, or whether his body be crushed to mummy and swallowed by a Python.’
The kingly Jiboya (Boa constrictor) inhabits the dry and sultry localities of the Brazilian forests, where he generally conceals149 himself in crevices150 and hollows in parts but little frequented by man, and sometimes attains151 a length of thirty feet. To catch his prey he ascends152 the trees, and lurks153, hidden in the foliage, for the unfortunate agutis, pacas, and capybaras, whom their unlucky star may lead within his reach. When full-grown he seizes the passing deer; but, in spite of his large size, he is but little feared by the natives, as a single blow of a cudgel suffices to kill him. Prince Maximilian of Neu Wied tells us that the experienced hunter laughs when asked whether the Jiboya attacks and devours man.
The Sucuriaba, Anaconda, or Water Boa (Eunectes murinus), as it is variously named, abounds154 in the swampy155 lowlands of tropical America, where it attains so enormous a size that, according to trustworthy witnesses,25 monsters more than sixty feet long are sometimes seen slowly crawling through the submerged groves156 of the Buriti palm. While lazily stretched out in the grass, it might easily be mistaken for the prostrate157 trunk of one of these noble trees. It passes most of its time, however, on the water, now reposing158 on a sand-bank with only its head above the surface of the stream, now rapidly swimming302 like an eel47, or abandoning itself to the current of the river. Often, also, it suns itself on the sandy margin159 of the stream, or patiently awaits its prey, stretched out upon some rock or fallen tree. With sharp eye it observes all that swims in the waters, as well as all that flies over them, or all that comes to the banks to drink; neither fish nor aquatic160 bird is secure from its rapid assault, and woe161 to the capybara that comes within its grasp.
When preparing for an attack, it attaches itself with its tail to a tree or rock, and then suddenly darts162 its prodigious163 length upon its prey, the bones of which it breaks in its resistless folds before slowly swallowing it. A large snake will thus engulph a horse and its rider, or a whole ox as far as the horns, which eventually separate from the putrefying body. Even water-boas of a smaller size are able to swallow enormous masses; a deer and two pecaris were found in the stomach of one forty feet long. The chase of these hideous164 reptiles is not dangerous, for they are slow and cowardly, and a wound in the spine165 soon renders them stiff and unable to move. Their flesh is unfit to be eaten, but their fat is considered a remedy for consumption, and their tanned skin makes excellent coverings for saddles.
The boas principally inhabit America, although some species are likewise met with in Asia; but the still more formidable pythons are confined to the hot regions of the Old World. They are said to enlace even the tiger or the lion in their fatal embrace, and, to judge by their size and strength, this assertion seems by no means improbable.
SECRETARY BIRD.
The various serpent tribes are exposed to the attacks of many enemies, who fortunately keep their numbers within salutary bounds, and avenge166 the death of the countless167 insects, worms, toads, frogs, and lizards, that fall a prey to their strength or their venom. Several species of rapacious168 and aquatic birds live upon snakes, the American ostrich169 thins their ranks whenever he can, and the African Secretary is renowned170 for his prowess in serpentine warfare171.
‘The battle was obstinate,’ says Le Vaillant, describing one303 of these conflicts, ‘and conducted with equal address on both sides. The serpent, feeling the inferiority of his strength, in his attempt to flee, and regain172 his hole, employed that cunning which is ascribed to him, while the bird, guessing his design, suddenly stopped him, and cut off his retreat by placing herself before him at a single leap. On whatever side the reptile endeavoured to make its escape, his enemy was still found before him. Then, uniting at once bravery and cunning, he erected himself boldly to intimidate173 the bird, and hissing174 dreadfully, displayed his menacing throat, inflamed175 eyes, and a head swelled with rage and venom. Sometimes this threatening appearance produced a momentary176 suspension of hostilities177, but the bird soon returned to the charge, and covering her body with one of her wings as a buckler, struck her enemy with the horny protuberances upon the other, which, like little clubs, served the more effectually to knock him down as he raised himself to the blow; at last he staggered and fell, the conqueror178 then despatched him, and with one stroke of her bill laid open his skull179.’
The secretary-eagle has now been successfully acclimatised in the West Indies, where he renders himself useful by the destruction of the venomous snakes with which the plantations are infested180.
ADJUTANT.
Gravely, ‘with measured step and slow,’ like a German philosopher cogitating181 over the nature of the absolute, but, as we shall presently see, much more profitably engaged, the adjutant wanders among the reeds on the banks of the muddy Ganges. The aspect of this colossal182 bird, measuring six feet in height and nearly fifteen from tip to tip of the wings, is far from being comely183, as his enormous bill, his naked head and neck, except a few straggling curled hairs, his large craw hanging down the forepart of the neck like a pouch184, and his long naked legs, are certainly no features of beauty. Suddenly he stops, dips his bill among the aquatic plants, and immediately raises it again triumphantly185 into the air, for a long snake, despairingly304 twisting and wriggling186, strives vainly to escape from the formidable pincers which hold it in carcere duro. The bird throws back his head, and the reptile appears notably187 diminished in size; a few more gulps188 and it has entirely189 disappeared. And now the sedate190 bird continues his stately promenade191 with the self-satisfied mien192 of a merchant who has just made a successful speculation193, and is engaged in the agreeable calculation of his gains. But, lo! again the monstrous194 bill descends195, and the same scene is again repeated. The good services of the giant heron in clearing the land of noxious reptiles, and the havoc196 he is able to make among their ranks, may be judged of by the simple fact, that, on opening the body of one of them, a land-tortoise ten inches long and a large black cat were found entire within it, the former in the pouch, as a kind of stock in trade, the latter in the stomach, all ready for immediate51 consumption.
The Marabou Storks197, though so intensely ugly, furnish in their superb white and downy plumes198, which grow under their wings, a highly prized ornament199 of beauty. To procure200 these valuable feathers, of which each bird generally yields but four serviceable ones, they are bred in some villages in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, but may also be seen stalking about the streets of the ‘City of Palaces,’ where, on account of their scavenger201 utility, a heavy fine is imposed upon their destruction.
Brehin, who chased the Marabou on the banks of the White Nile, found him a most provoking game, always regulating his steps after those of his pursuer and keeping at a safe distance of two or three hundred paces. Such is his caution that he places sentinels to give notice of approaching danger, which is the more remarkable as he is one of the most voracious202 of birds.
Trusting to his agility203 and the certainty of his eye, the Indian ichneumon or Mongoos attacks without hesitation204 the most venomous serpents. The cobra, which drives even the leopard205 to flight, rises before the little creature with swelling206 hood and fury in its eye; but, swift as thought, the ichneumon, avoiding the death-stroke of the projecting fangs, leaps upon its back, and fastening his sharp teeth in the head, soon despatches the helpless reptile.
The serpents sometimes even feed upon their own brethren. Thus a rat-snake in the Zoological Gardens was once seen to305 devour103 a common Coluber Natrix, but not having taken the measure of his victim, he could not dispose of the last four inches of his tail, which stuck out rather jauntily207 from the side of his mouth, with very much the look of a cigar. After a quarter of an hour the tail began to exhibit a retrograde motion, and the swallowed snake was disgorged, nothing the worse for his living sepulchre, with the exception of the wound made by his partner when first he seized him.
A python in the same collection, who had lived for years on friendly terms with a brother nearly as large as himself, was found one morning sole tenant208 of his den12. As the cage was secure, the keeper was puzzled to know how the serpent had escaped. At last it was observed that the remaining inmate had swollen209 remarkably210 during the night, when the truth came out.
MONGOOS.
When we consider that the snakes have neither legs, wings, nor fins211, and are indeed deprived of all the usual means of locomotion, the rapidity of their progress is not a little surprising. On examining the anatomical structure of their body, however, it will be remarked that while we have only twelve pairs of ribs212 united in front by the breast-bone and cartilage, the snake has often more than three hundred, unconnected in front, and consequently much more free in their motions, a306 faculty213 which is still further increased by the great mobility214 of the spondyli of the backbone215. Between the ribs and the broad transverse scales or plates which exist on the belly216 of all such serpents as move rapidly, we find numerous muscles connecting them one with another, and thus, amply provided with a whole system of strong pulleys and points of attachment217, the reptile, bringing up the tail towards the head, by bending the body into one or more curves, and then again resting upon the tail and extending the body, glides swiftly along, not only upon even ground, but even sometimes from branch to branch, as the smallest hold suffices for its stretching out its body at a foot’s length into the air, and thus reaching another sallying point for further progress.
The anatomy of the serpent’s jaws is no less remarkable than the mechanism of its movements. In spite of their proverbial wisdom, snakes would not be able to exist unless they were able to swallow large animal masses at a time. For, however rapid their motions may be, those of their prey are in general still more active, and thus they are obliged to wait in ambush218 till a fortunate chance provides them with a copious219 meal. The victim is often much more bulky than the serpent itself, but still, without tearing it to pieces, it is able to engulph it in its swelling maw. For the two halves of its lower jaw do not coalesce220 like ours into one solid mass, but are merely connected in front by a loose ligament, so that each part can be moved separately. The bones of the upper jaw and palate are also loosely attached or articulated one with the other, and thus the whole mouth is capable of great distension221. By this mechanism, aided by the numerous sharp teeth, which are so many little hooks with the point curved backwards222, each side of the jaws and mouth being able to act as it were independently of the other, alternately hooks itself fast to the morsel223, or advances to fasten itself farther on in a similar manner, and thus the reptile draws itself over its prey, somewhat in the same way as we draw a stocking over our leg, after having first, by breaking the bones, fashioned it into a convenient mass, and rendered its passage more easy by lubricating it with its saliva224. Slowly the huge lump disappears behind the jaws, descends lower and lower beneath the scales, which seem ready to burst asunder225 with distension, and then the satisfied monster coils307 himself up once more to digest his meal in quiet. The time required for this purpose varies of course according to the size of the morsel; but often weeks or even months will pass before a boa awakens226 from the lethargic227 repose in which—the image of disgusting gluttony—he lies plunged228 after a superabundant meal.
The reptiles in the Zoological Gardens are offered food once a week, but even then their appetites are frequently not yet awakened229, though great care is taken never to spoil their stomachs by excess.
This is the time for visiting the Reptile House, which otherwise offers but little amusement, as the great snakes have either retired230 from public life under their blankets, or lie coiled upon the branches of the trees in their dens13. Three o’clock is the feeding-time, and the reptiles, which are on the look-out, seem to know full well the errand of the man who enters with the basket, against the side of which they hear the fluttering wings of the feathered victims, and the short stamp of the doomed231 rabbits. The keeper opens the door at the back of the den of the huge pythons, for these he need not fear, takes off their blanket and drops a rabbit, who hops232 from side to side, curious to inspect his new habitation, and probably finding it to his taste, sits on his haunches and leisurely begins to wash his face. Silently the python glides over the stones, uncurling his huge folds, looks for an instant upon his unconscious victim, and the next has seized him with his jaws. His contracting folds are twisted as swiftly as a whiplash round his shrieking233 prey, and for ten minutes the serpent lies still, maintaining his mortal knot until his prey is dead, when seizing it by the ears, he draws it through his vice-like grip, crushing every bone, and elongating234 the body preparatory to devouring235 it.
The arrangement for feeding the venomous kinds, is, of course, more cautious. The door opens at the top instead of at the side of the dens, and with good reason; for no sooner does the keeper remove with a crooked236 iron rod, the blanket from the cobra, than the reptile springs with inflated hood into an S-like attitude and darts laterally237 at his prey, whose sides have scarcely been pierced, when it is seized with tetanic spasms238, and lies convulsed in a few seconds.
308 These instantaneous effects, almost as rapid as those of a mortal shot or of lightning itself, might at first sight seem to warrant the conclusion that the genius of evil had formed the venomous serpents to be his chosen agents of destruction; but at a nearer view, they afford but another proof of the beneficence of the Creator in providing weak, sober, and by no means cruel creatures, with a weapon which makes up to them for the want of speed, and at the same times abridges239 the torments240 of their victims.
Though generally the objects of abhorrence241 and fear, yet serpents sometimes render themselves useful or agreeable to man. Thus the rat-snake of Ceylon (Coryphodon Blumenbachii), in consideration of its services in destroying vermin, is often kept as a household pet, and so domesticated242 by the natives as to feed at their table.
The agility of this serpent in seizing its nimble-footed prey is truly wonderful. One day Sir Emerson Tennent had an opportunity of surprising a coryphodon which had just seized on a rat, and of covering it suddenly with a glass shade, before it had time to swallow its prey. The serpent, which appeared stunned243 with its own capture, allowed the rat to escape from its jaws, which cowered244 at one side of the glass in an agony of terror. On removing the shade, the rat, recovering its spirits, instantly bounded towards the nearest fence, but quick as lightning it was followed by its pursuer, which seized it before it could gain the hedge, through which the snake glided245 with its victim in its jaws.
The beautiful coral-snake (Elaps corallinus) is fondled by the Brazilian ladies, but the domestication of the dreaded246 cobras as protectors in the place of dogs, mentioned by Major Skinner, on undoubtedly247 good authority,26 is still more remarkable. They glide about the house, going in and out at pleasure, a terror to thieves, but never attempting to harm the inmates248.
The Tree-snakes offer many beautiful examples of the adaptation of colour to the animal’s pursuits, which we have already had occasion to admire in our brief review of the tropical insect world. They are frequently of an agreeable green or bluish309 hue249, so as hardly to be distinguishable from the foliage among which they seek their prey, or where they themselves are liable to be seized upon by their enemies. They are often able vertically to ascend87 the smoothest trunks and branches, in search of squirrels and lizards, or to rifle the nests of birds.
The Water-snakes which infest91 some parts of the tropical seas, though far from equalling in size the vast proportions of the fabulous250 sea-serpent, are very formidable from their venomous bite. They have the back part of the body and tail very much compressed and raised vertically, so as to serve them as a paddle with which they rapidly cleave251 the waters.
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1
venom
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| n.毒液，恶毒，痛恨 | |
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antidotes
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| 解药( antidote的名词复数 )； 解毒剂； 对抗手段； 除害物 | |
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antidote
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| n.解毒药，解毒剂 | |
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fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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fang
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| n.尖牙，犬牙 | |
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rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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hog
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| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
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locomotion
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| n.运动，移动 | |
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anatomy
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| n.解剖学，解剖；功能，结构，组织 | |
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jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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dens
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| n.牙齿，齿状部分；兽窝( den的名词复数 )；窝点；休息室；书斋 | |
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domestication
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| n.驯养，驯化 | |
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penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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revelling
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| v.作乐( revel的现在分词 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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parasites
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| 寄生物( parasite的名词复数 )； 靠他人为生的人； 诸虫 | |
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knotty
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| adj.有结的，多节的，多瘤的，棘手的 | |
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recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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sylvan
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| adj.森林的 | |
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tangled
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| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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noxious
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| adj.有害的，有毒的；使道德败坏的，讨厌的 | |
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reptile
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| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
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reptiles
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| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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dart
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| v.猛冲，投掷；n.飞镖，猛冲 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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viper
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| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
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inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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abound
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| vi.大量存在；(in，with)充满，富于 | |
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inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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primitive
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| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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aperture
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| n.孔，隙，窄的缺口 | |
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40
slit
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| n.狭长的切口；裂缝；vt.切开，撕裂 | |
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41
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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42
elongated
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| v.延长，加长( elongate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
vertical
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| adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置 | |
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44
squander
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| v.浪费，挥霍 | |
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45
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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46
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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47
eel
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| n.鳗鲡 | |
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48
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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49
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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50
glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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51
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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52
appal
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| vt.使胆寒，使惊骇 | |
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53
stoutest
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| 粗壮的( stout的最高级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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54
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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55
naturalist
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| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
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56
writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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57
superfluous
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| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
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58
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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59
ebb
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| vi.衰退，减退；n.处于低潮，处于衰退状态 | |
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profusely
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| ad.abundantly | |
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61
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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paralysis
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| n.麻痹(症)；瘫痪(症) | |
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swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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64
serpentine
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| adj.蜿蜒的，弯曲的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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hawk
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| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
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impunity
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| n.(惩罚、损失、伤害等的)免除 | |
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vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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incurably
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| ad.治不好地 | |
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morbid
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| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
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virulent
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| adj.有毒的，有恶意的，充满敌意的 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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glands
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| n.腺( gland的名词复数 ) | |
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74
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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75
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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mechanism
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| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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brittleness
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| n.脆性，脆度，脆弱性 | |
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81
brittle
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| adj.易碎的；脆弱的；冷淡的；(声音)尖利的 | |
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82
glides
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| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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84
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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infest
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| v.大批出没于；侵扰；寄生于 | |
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infests
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| n.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的名词复数 )；遍布于v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的第三人称单数 )；遍布于 | |
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93
stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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lair
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| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
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penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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organisation
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| n.组织，安排，团体，有机休 | |
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elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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naturalists
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| n.博物学家( naturalist的名词复数 )；（文学艺术的）自然主义者 | |
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dreads
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| n.恐惧，畏惧( dread的名词复数 )；令人恐惧的事物v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的第三人称单数 ) | |
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101
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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102
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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devours
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| 吞没( devour的第三人称单数 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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regale
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| v.取悦，款待 | |
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eels
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| abbr. 电子发射器定位系统（=electronic emitter location system） | |
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celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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vertically
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| adv.垂直地 | |
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110
anterior
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| adj.较早的；在前的 | |
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111
dilating
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| v.（使某物）扩大，膨胀，张大( dilate的现在分词 ) | |
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112
hood
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| n.头巾，兜帽，覆盖；v.罩上，以头巾覆盖 | |
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113
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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114
plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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115
insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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116
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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117
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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118
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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119
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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120
cadence
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| n.（说话声调的）抑扬顿挫 | |
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121
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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122
erecting
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| v.使直立，竖起( erect的现在分词 )；建立 | |
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123
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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124
disarmed
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| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
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125
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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126
almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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127
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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128
bazaar
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| n.集市，商店集中区 | |
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129
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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130
courageously
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| ad.勇敢地，无畏地 | |
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131
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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132
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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133
termites
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| n.白蚁( termite的名词复数 ) | |
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134
sluggish
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| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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135
apertures
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| n.孔( aperture的名词复数 )；隙缝；（照相机的）光圈；孔径 | |
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136
toads
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| n.蟾蜍，癞蛤蟆( toad的名词复数 ) | |
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137
lizards
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| n.蜥蜴( lizard的名词复数 ) | |
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138
preys
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| v.掠食( prey的第三人称单数 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
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139
concealment
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| n.隐藏, 掩盖，隐瞒 | |
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140
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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141
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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142
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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143
inflates
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| v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的第三人称单数 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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144
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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145
venerated
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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147
inmate
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| n.被收容者；(房屋等的)居住人；住院人 | |
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148
corrupts
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的第三人称单数 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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149
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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150
crevices
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| n.（尤指岩石的）裂缝，缺口( crevice的名词复数 ) | |
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151
attains
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的第三人称单数 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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152
ascends
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的第三人称单数 ) | |
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153
lurks
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| n.潜在，潜伏；（lurk的复数形式）vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的第三人称单数形式） | |
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154
abounds
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| v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的第三人称单数 ) | |
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155
swampy
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| adj.沼泽的，湿地的 | |
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156
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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157
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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158
reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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159
margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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160
aquatic
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| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
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161
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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162
darts
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| n.掷飞镖游戏；飞镖( dart的名词复数 )；急驰，飞奔v.投掷，投射( dart的第三人称单数 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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163
prodigious
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|
| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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164
hideous
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|
| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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165
spine
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| n.脊柱，脊椎；(动植物的)刺；书脊 | |
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166
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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167
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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168
rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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169
ostrich
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| n.鸵鸟 | |
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170
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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171
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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172
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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173
intimidate
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| vt.恐吓，威胁 | |
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174
hissing
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| n. 发嘶嘶声, 蔑视 动词hiss的现在分词形式 | |
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175
inflamed
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|
| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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176
momentary
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|
| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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177
hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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178
conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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179
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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180
infested
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| adj.为患的，大批滋生的（常与with搭配）v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的过去式和过去分词 )；遍布于 | |
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181
cogitating
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| v.认真思考，深思熟虑( cogitate的现在分词 ) | |
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182
colossal
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| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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183
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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184
pouch
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|
| n.小袋，小包，囊状袋；vt.装...入袋中，用袋运输；vi.用袋送信件 | |
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185
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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186
wriggling
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|
| v.扭动，蠕动，蜿蜒行进( wriggle的现在分词 )；（使身体某一部位）扭动；耍滑不做，逃避（应做的事等）；蠕蠕 | |
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187
notably
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| adv.值得注意地，显著地，尤其地，特别地 | |
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188
gulps
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| n.一大口（尤指液体）( gulp的名词复数 )v.狼吞虎咽地吃，吞咽( gulp的第三人称单数 )；大口地吸（气）；哽住 | |
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189
entirely
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|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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190
sedate
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| adj.沉着的，镇静的，安静的 | |
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191
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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192
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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193
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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194
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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195
descends
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| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
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196
havoc
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| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
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197
storks
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| n.鹳( stork的名词复数 ) | |
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198
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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199
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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200
procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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201
scavenger
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| n.以腐尸为食的动物，清扫工 | |
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202
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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203
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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204
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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205
leopard
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| n.豹 | |
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206
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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207
jauntily
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| adv.心满意足地；洋洋得意地；高兴地；活泼地 | |
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208
tenant
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| n.承租人；房客；佃户；v.租借，租用 | |
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209
swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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210
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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211
fins
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| [医]散热片；鱼鳍；飞边；鸭掌 | |
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212
ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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213
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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214
mobility
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| n.可动性，变动性，情感不定 | |
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215
backbone
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| n.脊骨，脊柱，骨干；刚毅，骨气 | |
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216
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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217
attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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218
ambush
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| n.埋伏(地点)；伏兵；v.埋伏；伏击 | |
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219
copious
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| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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220
coalesce
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| v.联合，结合，合并 | |
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221
distension
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| n.扩张，膨胀(distention) | |
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222
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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223
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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224
saliva
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| n.唾液，口水 | |
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225
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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226
awakens
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的第三人称单数 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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227
lethargic
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| adj.昏睡的，懒洋洋的 | |
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228
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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229
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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230
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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231
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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232
hops
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| 跳上[下]( hop的第三人称单数 )； 单足蹦跳； 齐足（或双足）跳行； 摘葎草花 | |
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233
shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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234
elongating
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| v.延长，加长( elongate的现在分词 ) | |
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235
devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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236
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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237
laterally
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| ad.横向地；侧面地；旁边地 | |
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238
spasms
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| n.痉挛( spasm的名词复数 )；抽搐；（能量、行为等的）突发；发作 | |
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239
abridges
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| 节略( abridge的第三人称单数 )； 减少； 缩短； 剥夺（某人的）权利（或特权等） | |
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240
torments
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| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
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241
abhorrence
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| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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242
domesticated
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| adj.喜欢家庭生活的；（指动物）被驯养了的v.驯化( domesticate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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243
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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244
cowered
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的过去式 ) | |
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245
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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246
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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247
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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248
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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249
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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250
fabulous
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| adj.极好的；极为巨大的；寓言中的，传说中的 | |
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251
cleave
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| v．(clave；cleaved)粘着，粘住；坚持；依恋 | |
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