_Serpents (Henushe)._—Of these there are various species in Barbary, but two only are extremely venomous; the one is of a black colour, about seven or eight feet long, with a small head, which it expands frequently to four times its ordinary size, when about to attack any object. This serpent is called _Bûska_, and is the only one that will attack travellers; in doing which, it coils itself up, and darts to a great distance, by the elasticity of its body and tail. I have seen it coil itself, and erect its head about twelve or eighteen inches above the ground, expanding it at the same time when it darted forward. The wound inflicted by the bite is small, but the surrounding part immediately turns black, which colour soon pervades the whole body, and the sufferer expires in a very short time. This serpent is carried about by the (Aisawie[103]) charmers of serpents. [Illustration:_Plate 4._ _The Bûskah._ _Drawn by J. G. Jackson._ _Engraved J. C. Stadler._ _London Published June 4. 1811. by G. & W. Nicholl Pall Mall._] _El Effah_ is the name of the other serpent remarkable for its quick and penetrating poison; it is about two feet long, and as thick as a man’s arm, beautifully spotted with yellow and brown, and sprinkled over with blackish specks, similar to the horn-nosed snake. They have a wide mouth, by which they inhale a great quantity of air, and when inflated therewith, they eject it with such force as to be heard at a considerable distance. These mortal enemies to mankind are collected by the Aisawie before-mentioned, in a desert of Suse, where their holes are so numerous, that it is difficult for a horse to pass over it without stumbling. [Illustration:_Plate 5._ _El Efah._ _Drawn by J. G. Jackson._ _Engraved J. C. Stadler._ _London Published June 4. 1811. by G. & W. Nicholl Pall Mall._]