The eggs of the guana, which are generally found in the sand near the sea-shore, are said to be preferable for sauces and other purposes of cookery to the eggs of poultry; but, when eaten alone, they are viscid in the mouth, and to an European palate have at first a very disagreeable taste.
199. SERPENTS.—Several kinds of serpents are adopted as food by the inhabitants of countries in which they are found. The American Indians often regale themselves on RATTLE-SNAKES (Crotalus horridus), skinning and eating them as we do eels. The GREAT BOA (Boa constrictor), which sometimes measures more than thirty feet in length, is a favourite food with the negroes of some countries. The flesh of the COMMON VIPER (Coluber berus) has been strongly recommended as a medicine in several complaints, such as leprosy, scurvy, rheumatism, and consumptions, but its virtues have been much exaggerated.
CLASS IV.—FISHES.
ORDER I.—APODAL FISH.
200. The ROMAN EEL (Muræna helena, Fig. 56) is a long and slimy fish, of serpentine form, variously marked and spotted, and destitute of pectoral fins.
It is an inhabitant both of fresh and salt waters, and is chiefly found in the Mediterranean sea, and the rivers that run into that sea.
By the Romans this fish was regarded one of the greatest delicacies which could be introduced at their tables; and instances have been recorded of wealthy persons having even fed them with the flesh of slaves that had been condemned to die, believing that they were thereby rendered still more delicious.
On many parts of the coast of Italy reservoirs were made in the sea for storing and fattening these fish in; and the luxurious Sybarites exempted from every kind of tribute the persons who sold them. Representations of them were made into ear-rings, and into other ornaments for female attire. Pliny tells us, that one of the Roman punishments for youths under the age of seventeen years was to flog them with whips made of eel-skin.