Add to this another traditional Opinion, viz. that some particular Persons have an evil Eye, which affects Children and Cattle; yea, that some have this unhappy Faculty, tho’ at the same Time void of any ill Design. This has been an old Tradition, as appears from that of the Poet[[80]].
[80]. Nescio quis teneros oculus mihi fascinat agnos. See Martin on the Western Islands, p. 122, 123.
On the Mountains of Ceylon in the East-Indies, are Serpents of such vast Size, that they swallow young Cattle: Their Flesh is very delicate, and has a most pleasing Taste; therefore is very much eaten.
This Island of Ceylon is one of the most charming Situation on the Earth, the Key and Glory of the Indies; the Air so temperate, that, properly speaking, they feel neither Heat nor Cold; the Vales and Hills are always covered with Flowers, the Fields cover’d with Fruits of all Sorts; and in the Woods are Serpents call’d Lizards, full three Hands long, whose Flesh is excellent Meat[[81]].
[81]. Ribeyro’s History of Ceylon, presented to the King of Portugal, 1685, translated out of Portuguese into French, printed at Trevoux, 1701.
In the second Part is a more ample Description of Ceylon.
The Iguana Serpent is amphibious, lays numerous Eggs, grateful to the Taste, is very good Nourishment, preferable to Spanish Rabbits; and in the City of Mexico these Serpents are brought to the Markets, especially in the quadragesimal Days.
A Spanish Historian says, the Iguanas are shap’d like the Alligators, very ugly, as big as Lap-dogs, of several Colours; the Spaniards observe, that their Flesh tastes like the Pheasants, and feed upon it with pleasure[[82]].
[82]. Herrera’s Hist. Vol. ii. p. 14.
The learned Ray, speaking of the Liboya, that monstrous American Serpent, says, that after it has swallow’d a large Animal, its Head grows heavy and sleepy, that it can neither run nor fight; the Hunters finding it in this stupid Posture, soon strangle him with a Rope; and being kill’d, cut the Carcass into Parcels, and sell the Flesh for Food, which is reckon’d a delightful Entertainment[[83]]. The same Author adds, that both Africans and Americans having cut off the Head and Tail of the Kanina Serpent, eat the Body as part of their constant Repast. Ibid. 328.