[171]. Jonstonus, p. 20, 21.
These nimble Leapers are found among the West-Indians, especially in Hispaniola, where there are little Serpents in green Apparel, that hang by the Tail on the Branches, from whence they suddenly leap upon their Prey. Among the Sabæans are some cloathed in red, four Inches long, that thus leap upon Men unawares; and hurt, not only by striking, but touching.
This Serpent resembles the Ash in Colour, inclining to the white. It traverses the Lybian Provinces, where it makes travelling dangerous: It is also found in the Island of Rhodes; an Island on which, the Poets tell us, Golden Showers are rain’d, and where the Air is never so clouded, as to hinder the Light of the Sun. It appears also in Norway, according to Olaus Magnus.
One tells us, that he was inform’d by one John Vitus, a learned Hungarian, that there were in that Country little Serpents about six Inches long, and without a Tail, therefore called by the Vulgar, the curtail’d Serpent, the whole Body is much of an equal Thickness; and these, upon View of their Prey, leap upon it with the Swiftness of an Arrow[[172]].
[172]. Conrad. Gesner. in Verbum.
XVI. The Druina Serpent from δρυς, an Oak, by Scaliger called Querculus; it takes its Name from the Oak, in whose hollow places it seems to reside; and to which, it retires for Refuge, when assaulted by Hornets.——Some credulous Authors have said, that these Serpents take up their hybernal Lodgings about the Roots of the Beach-trees, and by Virtue of the Warmth, which those Roots derive from them, that Tree, so enhappy’d, flourishes all Winter.
This Serpent is of the amphibious kind, and a most venemous Creature, therefore rang’d with the first Order of the serpentine Race. ’Tis of monstrous bulk[[173]], guarded by a rough squammatick Armour, in the Cavities of which, ’tis said, little Flies build their Nests. Whether it appears in white or blue Habit, is not material, nor do I see what Honour it gets by wearing a Coronet on its Head.
[173]. It is a Load for a Porter.
In the Language of Tradition, to tread upon it, will cause an Excoriation in the Foot, (tho’ no Wound be given) and a Tumor in the Leg; yea, adds the Traditionist, the Hands that attend the Patient, will be in danger of losing their Skin: But he who believes all the Fables of Antiquity, is in more danger of losing his Reason.
The Druinical Serpent goes under various Denominations. ’Tis said to follow the Acontia in Authors, because its Figure exactly quadrates with Bellonius’s dart Serpent; and Scaliger was in the same Sentiment[[174]].