There are several modes of catching guanas. In many parts of America they are chased by dogs, which are trained purposely to this pursuit. Frequently they are caught with snares placed near their haunts, and sometimes by a noose of cord affixed to the end of a long rod. 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. 201. _The COMMON EEL_ (Muræna anguilla, Fig. 55) _is distinguishable by its lower jaw being somewhat longer than the upper, and the body being of an uniform colour._ _It is an inhabitant of rivers and ponds in almost every country of Europe; and sometimes grows to the weight of fifteen or twenty pounds._ The _flesh_ of the eel affords a very rich and delicious food; and, were it not for groundless prejudices, arising from its serpent-like shape, this fish would be in much greater request for the table than it now is.