The Royal Rock Snake inhabits Western Africa. It is black in colour, marked on the middle of the back with a series of oblong white spots, the sides being marked by another series of large white spots, with one or two black spots in the upper part; the head black, with a streak over the nostrils and the top of the eyes, another from the lower edge of the eye, the lips and chin beneath are white. The Natal Rock Snake (_H. natalensis_, Fig. 13) is described by Sir Andrew Smith as being gigantic in size, he having seen a skin measuring twenty-five feet, although part of the tail was absent. "It feeds," he says, "on small quadrupeds; and for some days after swallowing one it remains in a torpid state, when it may be easily destroyed." Of this opportunity, however, the South Africans never avail themselves; they have a horror of the reptile, but believe that it has an influence over their destinies, and affirm that no one has ever been known to kill one and prosper. The Guinea Rock or Fetish Snake (_H. Sebæ_, Fig. 14) is typical of the genus, and has also been referred to the Boa-constrictor, and closely resembles the Natal Rock Snake. It is a native of the warmer parts of Africa. A living specimen at the Zoological Gardens is estimated to weigh a hundredweight. Of the genera _Liasis_ and _Nardoa_ there are five species, very imperfectly known. [Illustration: Fig. 14.--Guinea Rock Snake (_H. Sebæ_).] IV. _Epicrates_, an American and West Indian species, having the crown scaly; the forehead with symmetrical shields. The Aboma (_E. cenchria_) is one of the largest of the group, sometimes attaining dimensions quite gigantic. It is yellowish in colour, with a row of large brown rings running the whole length of the back, and variable spots on the sides; these are generally dark, with a whitish semi-lunar mark. This formidable Reptile has all the habits of its congeners; it is found in the marshy swamps of tropical America, and near the rivers, where it lies in wait for its prey. [Illustration: Fig. 15.--Aboma (_Epicrates cenchria_).]