I met with a snake, of a whitish color, that appeared to have two heads. Never being able to closely examine this strange reptile, I cannot positively affirm that it possesses the two heads, but the natives repeatedly affirmed to me that it does, and certainly both ends are, or seem to be, exactly alike. In the Book of Genesis the serpent is described as “a beast,” but for its temptation of Eve it was condemned to crawl on its belly and become a reptile. A strange belief obtains among the people that all serpents must not only be killed, but put into a fire. If there is none lit, they will kindle one on purpose, for it must be burned. As the outer skin comes off, it is declared, the four legs, now under it, can be distinctly seen.

THROUGH FIVE REPUBLICS ON A HORSEBACK
(BEING AN ACCOUNT OF MANY WANDERINGS IN SOUTH AMERICA)
by G. Whit?eld Gray, F.R.G.S.
Pioneer Missionary and Government Explorer