United States Consul Plumacher sends to Washington from Venezuela a very remarkable report, especially interesting to students of natural history.
HOW THB VAMPIRE ATTACKS HIS VICTIMS.
The fabled vampire bat is found in Venezuela. Ifc is classed among the carnivorous animals, and in some districts is very abundant. It is very fond of human blood, and attacks sleepers at night by making a small incision in the great toe. Much blood can be lost in one night, although the puncture is microscopic. Consul Plumacher says that while many may be sceptical respecting this fact, personal experience has convinced him of its truth. The popular impression of the vampire's habits is that it fastens itself upon the throat of the sleeping victim, and while fanning him with its wings, so that he may not awaken, sucks his life-blood away. According to Consul Plumacher's account the Venezuelan vampire only attacks a man's big toe, and while he may lose considerable blood the attack is not fatal nor especially serious. " OMELETTES AUK CEXJF9 DB CAIMAN." There are plenty of alligators in Venezuela, and Borne of them are 25ft long. They are about like the alligators of the United States, except that they are generally larger, and they often attack persons who venture into the water. Alligator eggs are considered delicacies by the natives, and are eagerly sought for along the river banks. They are usually served in the form of omelettes. " OF SNAKES; " AND THE SINGULAR HABIT
OF THB SOBADOBA.
There are many serpents, both venomous and harmless, but the former predominate. The boa constrictor, called herearagavenado or deer swallower,is very common and grows to an enormous size. The anaconda is of the same species as the boa, but is a water snake. The flesh of the anaconca is very white and tender, and in many parts of the country is much esteemed as food. Consul Plumacher says that many foreigners who have eaten it inform him that anaconda meat is very palatable. Neither the boa nor the anaconda is venomous, but their constrictive powers render them terrible adversaries. The rattlesnake abounds in the savannas, and has been known to reach a length of Bft. The macaurel, viejital, tiger snake, and mapanare are the chief poisonous snakes. The last-named is found in great numbers among the trees along the river banks. Canoes in passing through narrow openings, where the branches overlap above, are sometimes surrounded by these serpents. Although very venomous, they rarely attack if not molested. The sobadora is a very peouliar snake, in some respects similar to the mythical hoop-snake of the United States. It is not poisonous, but when enraged will give chase, and upon reaching the object of its anger, whether man or beast, places its head upon the ground, and with its long, whip-like body, inflicts a severe flagellation. SOFT-SHELL CRABS, AND A POISONOUS APPLE.
Consul Plumacher tells a fairy-like tale about a poisonous apple upon which the soft-shell crabs of Venezuela feed. It is called the manzanillo, and the crabs eat it with impunity, although it is rank poison. The flesh of the crab becomes thoroughly impregnated with the poison, and is thus rendered a fatal diet. The manzanillo, or " little apple," is found along the coast. It is about an inch in diameter, and grows upon a tree similar in appearance to an apple tree. It is very pleasant to the eye and has a sweet, insipid taste. It is usually found where there is no fresh water, and may easily tempt a thirsty, inexperienced voyager. It is, however, a deadly poison, primarily
causing intense burning pains in the throat and stomach. Unless remedies are promptly applied death is inevitable. It is even dangerous to remain in the shade of one of those trees, and a person taking shelter under it during rain will suffer from painful blisters wherever a drop of water falling from the leaves touches his Derson.
THE DANGERS OF A MORNING DIP.
The gymnotus or torpedo eel abounds in the rivers and lagoons of the lowlands. It is much feared by travellers, for the reason, that it communicates an electric shock which is quite severe. It is not necessarily fatal except to a swimmer. The shock often paralyses him to such an extent as to render him hopeless and cause his death by diowning. The caribe is a most voracious little fish, seldom exceeding Gin in length, armed with a double row of needle-like teeth. It is found in many of the interior rivers, and is more dreaded than the alligator. A single scratch on the body of a swimmer exuding adrop of blood will instantly attract thousands of these fish, and their attack is so fierce and persistent that only a few minutes are necessary to disable the strongest man. SOME SPLENDID SPECIMENS OF SPIDERS.
There are venomous reptiles in abundance in Venezuela. Scorpions and centipedes are found in all sections. Some of the centipedes are 15in long. There are various classes of spiders, the tarantula being the largest and most hideous. Its body is about 3in in diameter, and its spread of claws is nearly a foot. The animal has a faculty of flattening itself on the ground until it can scarcely be distinguished, and thus it awaits its prey. When disturbed or attacked, ifc suddenly springs to an upright position, standing sin or 6in in height. It is then able to leap a distance of sft or Gft, and capture small birds with the agility of a cat. Its repugnant appearance is heightened by a. growth of hair on its body and legs, whence the native name of "hairy spider." The bite of one of these spiders is poisonous, often fatal. It is a common amusement in some sections of the interior to place, in a box half-filled with sand a tarantula and a centipede. A fierce combat ensues, in which, as a rule, the tarantula is victorious.
THE CHARMS OF THE CHASE.
There are many rodents in Venezuela, among which are squirrels, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, and three animals called by the natives acurito, aguiti, and lappa. All are used for food. The acurito is exceedingly prolific, and it is estimated that a single pair will produce at least 500 descendants in the course of a year. The wild hogs known in the United States and Mexico as peccaries are found in this country in large bands, and the chase is dangerous. They are utterly without fear, and many a hunter has been obliged to seek 'shelter in a tree and remain until nightfall, for so long as day lasts the peccaries will not withdraw. This animal when young can be easily domesticated, and will follow his master or mistress like a dog. In some interior districts a woman who is obliged to travel alone and on foot is very often accompanied by a peccary for protection. She thus feels secure from assault or ill-treatment, the peccary being an even more zealous defender than is the dog in other countries.
THE ZOOLOGY OP THE SECTION ZULIA.
Then Consul Plumacher proceeds to tell wonderful tales about the animals of the Section Zulia. There are monkeys without limit in this region, the most common being the araguate. It is a large monkey about 4ft in height. Thfe araguatos are always found in troops under the command of a chief. They are very vociferous, and the forests at sundown and sunrise are filled with their noise. There appears to be a certain system in their chants, which commence always with a solo performance, and afterwards all join in the chorus, thus alternating for hours. Then there are other monkeys of queer habits, the mono nocturno being rather remarkable. It sleeps during the entire day, and spends the night seeking food. As long as daylight lasts it remains drowsy, and will not even resist capture. The common monkey of Buffon is found in great numbers, and does much damage to corn and other crops. It is very difficult for the farmer to defend himself, as the depredators always have pickets on the watch, who give the alarm in time to ensure the escape of the entire band. All of the Venezuelan monkeys are easily domesticated and become much attached to their masters. The Venezuelan tiger, or properly the jaguar, is the principal carniverous animal. It is hardly so large as the InsHan or African tiger, but is of amazing strength, and can easily drag off the largest ox. It is not usually a man-eater, like the Indian tiger. It rarely attacks a man except when instigated by extreme hunger, and is not much feared by those familiar with its habits. The panther, ounce, puma, wild cat, and an animal similar to the latter called the guanaipe, are the principal members of the cat tribe. All are very ferocious and bloodthirsty. The puma especially is detructive, and will continue to kill from mere wantonness after his appetite is satisfied. — Brooklyn Eagle.
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