Catesby, Mark. Vol.II, Tab. 45, The Brown Viper

Mark Catesby The Brown Viper, Vol.II, Tab. 45 Etching with hand color 14" x 19" sheet From Volume II, Part 8 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama Islands London: 1737 - 1771 Currently known as the eastern hog-nosed snake, Heterodon platirhinos and what is probably the mole salamander, Ambystoma talpoideum*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: Vipera Fusca. The Brown Viper. This Viper is the Size of the precedent, in Length about two Feet, and large in Proportion. It is also a very slow moving and sluggish Reptile, advancing deliberately, even to escape Danger; yet will defend himself with much Fierceness when attacked, and its Bite is said to be as venomous as any: They retain their brown Colour in all Stages of Life. They are found in Virginia and Carolina, in the last of which Places they are called the Trunchion Snake. They prey on Lizards, Efts, and other Animals. Arum maximum Aegyptiacum, quod vulgo Colocasia. C. Baub. Pin. P. 195. Sloane Hi