Covers the origins not only of baseball but of a score of related sports involving hitting, catching, throwing, or kicking a ball. This title traces the origins of ball sports to religious rites in ancient Egypt, where the ball represented a fertility symbol and opposing teams engaged in mock combat signifying the struggle of good against evil.

Ball, Bat and Bishop: THE ORIGIN OF BALL GAMES

Sports & Outdoors

Henderson, Robert W.

Baseball

University of Illinois Press

This meticulous book summarizes all available information on West Indian herpetofauna. Using data from more than 6,000 pages of field notes and 1,000 literature sources, Schwartz and Henderson present a detailed account of every known reptile and amphibian species existing on the numerous islands of the West Indies. For each (almost 600), they offer a complete synopsis, including description, holotype, source of illustrations, and range map. A section on natural history summarizes what is known about the habitat, microhabitat, economic bearing, food habits, and reproduction of each animal, and in some cases it shows how these traits change from island to island. In opening remarks, the authors plead eloquently for awareness of the rampant environmental degradation taking place on the islands. For every herpetologist, biologist, ecologist, or biogeographer with an interest in the Antillean biota, Amphibians and Reptiles will become the sou

Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies: Descriptions, Distributions, and Natural History

History

Schwartz, Albert

Americas

University Press of Florida

"The reference source that biologists interested in West Indian herpetofauna have been waiting for."--Steven Reichling, curator, Memphis Zoo
"A state-of-the-art compendium. The West Indies is one of the hottest of the world's biodiversity hot spots and will continue to be a focus of ecological research, now invigorated by this definitive synthesis."--S. Blair Hedges, Pennsylvania State University
The West Indies have become a major focus for biologists and conservationists. Its herpetofauna is considered one of the richest and most vulnerable in the world. These fragile natural environments are home to many unique animals that occur only on these islands. Loss of habitat, development of scenic areas for a burgeoning tourist industry, and the introduction of invasive species have contributed to an already tenuous situation for many of the region’s native species.
This volume summarizes the natural history of each of the more than seven hundred species of frogs and reptiles that live in the West Indies. Sure to be the starting point for all future research on West Indian amphibians and reptiles, it will be an essential companion to the biologist contemplating or conducting research in the area.

Natural History of West Indian Reptiles and Amphibians

Science & Math

POWELL, ROBERT

Biological Sciences

Pp. (8), 165, 87 text-figures, 19 color plates (with 39 watercolors by David C. Leber and 8 color photos). Original color pictorial stiff wrappers, lg 8vo. Detailed keys are provided for all species. The 39 fine color paintings are of various species of Anolis. No ownership marks and no signs of use.

A Guide to the Identification of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies Exclusive of Hispaniola)

Milwaukee Public Museum

This work covers the natural history and captive management of the genus Corallus, a small group of highly adapted tree-dwelling snakes from Tropical America. Related to the giants of the snake world, such as the anaconda and python, their striking appearance and often exorbitant coloration have long made them popular subjects for herpetological study and interesting animals for zoological exhibition.

Kaleidoscopic Tree Boas: The Genus Corallus of Tropical America

Stafford, Peter J.

Krieger Pub. Co

Tales of Giant Snakes, examines the natural history of four species of snakes known to exceed 20 feet in length. Based on the writings of explorers, missionaries, scientists, and adventurers over the past 200 years, the authors have pieced together exciting and informative glimpses into the lives of these legless giants. Included are chapters on where they are found (often around human habitations), what they eat (includes crocodiles, deer, and cows), how big do they really get (a controversial subject), attacks on humans (rare), exploitation by humans for their skins, and conservation. The book is illustrated with photos, historical lithographs, maps, and graphs.

Tales of Giant Snakes: A Historical Natural History of Anacondas and Pythons

Murphy, John C.

Boas of the West Indies is a comprehensive survey of booid snakes, commonly known as boas, found on the islands of the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles. Bringing together the expertise of leading herpetologists R. Graham Reynolds, Robert W. Henderson, Luis M. Díaz, Tomás Michel Rodríguez, and Alberto R. Puente-Rolón, this volume synthesizes current and new findings on the evolutionary biology, natural history, and conservation statuses of these iconic snakes. One of the most ecologically diverse snake families, boas have inhabited the West Indies for millions of years. From the Cuban boa, a feature of many folk legends that may grow over twice a person's height, to the Hispaniolan Vineboa, discovered only in 2020 and known to measure less than a meter long, Boas of the West Indies examines the eighteen species extant on these islands along with several others now extinct. Species accounts include details such as phenotypic traits, distribution, and behavior. Introductory chapters discuss the history of human-boa interaction, differences between West Indian and neotropical mainland boids, current conservation efforts, and more. Illustrated with over a hundred color photographs and range maps, Boas of the West Indies is a benchmark reference for herpetologists, conservationists, and snake hobbyists that expands our knowledge of?and celebrates?these fascinating creatures so integral to the ecology of these islands.

Boas of the West Indies: Evolution, Natural History, and Conservation

Díaz, Luis M.

Rodríguez-Cabrera, Tomás M.

Puente-Rolón, Alberto R.

Reynolds, Robert Graham

Comstock Publishing Associates

Treeboas (corallus) occur over much of the neotropical mainland and on a number of islands. They are often conspicuous members of neotropical snake fauna, and are known for their irascible temperaments and, in some species, their highly variable color patterns. The Corallus hortulanus complex of treeboas comprises four species: 1)C. cookii on St. Vincent; 2)C. grenadensis on the Grenada Bank; 3)C. hortulanus in Amazonia, the Guianas, and Brazil's Atlantic forest; and 4)C. ruschenbergerii from southern Central America and northern South America. This book summarizes what is currently known about the natural history of each of the four species, with strong emphasis on C. grenadensis. Topics covered include color and pattern; habitat and habitat use; activity; food and foraging; predators and defensive behavior; populations; ecological relationships with other boids; and the connection between treeboas and humans. This hardcover book includes 27 graphs, 24 tables, 9 maps, and 9 black and white photos, plus 32 color photographs.

Neotropical Treeboas: Natural History of the Corallus hortulanus Complex

Natural History of West Indian Boas

Tolson, Peter J.

Serpents Tale

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