For there are two kinds in the island, which may be seen alive at the Zoological Gardens in the same cage.

The true Boa, {277a} which is here called Mahajuel, is striped as well as spotted with two patterns, one over the other.

The Huillia, Anaconda, or Water-boa, {277b} bears only a few large round spots.

Both are fond of the water, the Huillia living almost entirely in it; both grow to a very large size; and both are dangerous, at least to children and small animals.

That there were Huillias about the place, possibly within fifty yards of the house, there was no doubt.