CXXI. DE Haro coloti genere. The Serpent Harus, according to the Historian[[285]], is a Native of the Philippines, and of the Lacertan Tribe: a very long Head (like the Philippine Queen) on a bulky Body, terminating in a sharp Point. It resembles the Quaquetzall, is in Mexico, and agrees therewith in most things, and of which it seems to be a Species.
[285]. Nierembergius, cap. xxiv. p. 276. Nascitur in Philippicis.
It chuses its Habitation among Shrubs adjacent to clear Streams, and never defiles a Body, so prettily coloured, with muddy Water, till constrained to make the Bulrush its Shelter against the excessive Heat of the Sun[[286]].
[286]. Ibid. p. 276.
CXXII. The Tamacolin, or a Serpent called Rubeta, of the Lineage of the red Toad: This kind is made up of Variety, differing only one from another in Magnitude, Colour, and Poison. The lesser kind not so venemous as the larger. Some are green, some are brown, and others black. In showery Weather they make an open Appearance, and in such Numbers, that none walk abroad without running the risk of a poisonous Touch.
NEW-SPAIN abounds with them, where they affect watry Habitations. In Peru are Toads as large almost as Cats or Dogs, but not so poisonous as those of Brazil, where they have a Fish called Amyacu, i. e. Toad-Fish; ’tis about a Span long, and oddly painted; its Eyes are fine and fair: It swells and snorts when taken out of the Water, which was the reason of giving it that Name: When flayed it may be eaten, but is otherwise poisonous; the Poison is drawn out by Application of Fire to the Part affected[[287]].
[287]. Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General.
CXXIII. TETZAUCOATL, or the rare Serpent; so called, because the least of Serpents; and though very little, scarce four Inches long, or in Bulk so big as a Goose-quill, yet its Wounds are most deadly. The Belly is red, and distinguishable by black Stains; the Back yellow, interlaid with divers Spots. It is an Inhabitant of the North, and delights in cold Apartments. This (though distinctly described by the Historian) seems to be the same with the Tetzaucoatl[[288]]. N. B. Little Things, greatly dangerous.
[288]. Nieremb.
The Poet weeps for a Person killed by the Fall of an Icicle, which is a little Drop of Water congealed[[289]]. Anacreon, the celebrated Lyrick Poet among the Greeks, was choaked with a little Kernel of a Grape. Little Things do great Executions. Little Worms destroy floating Castles. Tarantula, a little Spider, poisons a Giant. In Barbadoes is what they call the Poison-Tree, a little Drop of its Sap flying into a Workman’s Eyes, makes him blind; therefore Workmen cover them with Cypress.