CXX. The _Tapayaxin_, a little wonderful Serpent; some say of the Lacertan Kind, others say of an orbicular Form, not above four Inches Long. The Body is cartilaginous, or gristly, smooth and solid. This kind of Coverture is harder than a Ligament, and softer than a Bone, but is not covered over with any Membrane to make it capable of Sensation. It moves slowly, and recommends itself by Diversity of Colours: when touched, the Body appears to be cold. Now, Bodies are said to be cold or hot, as their Particles are in a greater or lesser Motion, than those of the sensitory Organs. All Changes in the created Globe, are the Effects of Motion, without which all Bodies would become unactive Masses[284]. Footnote 284: _Newton_’s _Opticks_, p. 375. This little Animal, is said to be pleased, or rather unconcerned, when taken up by human Hands; called on that account, the _Friend of Man_; that is, _he who is not against us, is for us_; therefore merits our Smiles. His Situation corresponds with his natural Disposition, for it is an Inhabitant of cold Regions. When its Head is comprest, Drops of Blood gush out of his Eyes, which he casts to a great distance from him; which agrees with a former Description, _&c._ 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. Footnote 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]. Footnote 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]. Footnote 287: _Harris in Atlas for Brazil in General._