Among the Andesian Mountains in America, is a Serpent called Juanna, big as a Rabbit, has a spotted Skin, four Feet, and is never observed to have any Voice, is much eaten by the Inhabitants, and counted better Meat than Rabbits, as it is prepared by the Barbarians[[69]].

[69]. Ray, p. 329. Atl. Geograph. America, p. 129.

The Kanina Serpent that feeds upon Birds, is eaten by the Inhabitants, the Brasilians, and their Negro-Labourers, after they cut off the Head and Tail. Ibid. The Dutch, Portuguese, and others in that Country, feed upon the Lyboya Serpent; ’tis of a prodigious, large Bulk, and described in another Place. Ibid. In old Mexico, we read how the Indians took a certain Serpent that carried thirty Young’s, which were each a Finger long, and crept about immediately; and the old one being above 20 Foot long, served the Natives for Venison[[70]].

[70]. Atl. Geograph. for America, from Laet. p. 628.

AMERICUS Vespusius, (a Florentine, who was the first, after Columbus, that discover’d America, and wrote the History of his four Years Voyages) says, he saw some Serpents in America, which the Inhabitants commonly feed upon: They were of diverse Colours, and as big as Kids. In the History of that Country, we find the Natives of the Land fed upon Adders, Serpents, Toads,——without any Scruple of Mind, or Injury to their Health.

The Natives of Tonquin, a large Kingdom of India, beyond the Ganges, in treating their Friends, give them Arrack, a rich Cordial, in which Snakes and Scorpions have been infus’d; and is esteem’d an Antidote against all Poisons.

INDIA breeds Serpents in abundance of all Sizes, and Variety of most charming Colours: The People of Siam catch prodigious Numbers of them in the Woods, and expose them to Sale in the Markets, as Eels in England, for Animal Food[[71]].

[71]. Le Comte’s Memoirs, p. 504.

Experiments have been made upon Animals, as Pigeons, Chickens—that were bit by Serpents, which have been eaten without any manner of Hurt, or painful Sensation; yea, Serpents that were slain have been given to Dogs, who fed upon them without danger, or any uneasiness[[72]].

[72]. Sr. Redi, p. 178.