VENOMOUS SNAKES. 



27 



dread them beyond measure. It is true the snake will rarely attack a man, 

 and, as a rule, glides away from him ; but sometimes he may chance to come 



THE SECRETARY BIRD. 



too near it, as it lies coiled up, and if its terrible fangs do but touch him, he 

 is sure to die speedily. And there are many stories told of snakes that by 

 mistake have got into a house, and even nestled under a pillow. 



