Charles Owen

The stupid Serpent, which they call Canaucoatl, in Character is contradictious; for as represented in History, 'tis dull, and in a manner destitute of Sensation, and yet a Creature full of Vitality and Spirit; and indeed is only remarkable for its Mettle. It is of the Tribe of Innocents, and very strong, and fears no Assault. In Dimension, monstrous; for Thickness, equal to a man's Body, and twice the Length. 'Tis said, some have sat upon it, apprehending it to be only the Trunk of an old Tree. Some other fabulous things are reported of it.

It lives in the Shadow of Woods, often concealing itself under Branches and Leaves of Trees, where it surprises the Prey, which, to speak with the Vulgar, it draws to him, by the Force of its Breath, as a Loadstone does Iron. The Authors of the Atlas mention a serpent of this attractive Power in the Philippine Islands; Birds and other Animals are drawn into the Trap by the Charms of the Breath; yea, Partridges, Weasels are made to run into its devouring Jaws. Ibid.

If this Serpent be indued with this magnetic Property, it is a living Loadstone, and more extensive in its Attractions than the real one; for this draws all animals Bodies to it, whereas the real Loadstone only attracts Iron. Attraction in the gross, is so complex a thing, that it may solve a thousand different things alike. - Owen 1742.

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