74 SNAKES. 



effect to the account given by Mr. Woodward, which, 

 simply from its appearance in a scientific journal, might be 

 received as authority. 



A few more well-known proofs of ophidian taste for eggs 

 may conclude this chapter. Of our own green or ring 

 snake {Colnher nairir), Mr. Bell says, ' It feeds upon young 

 birds, eggs, and mice, but prefers frogs.' In Balfour's India, 

 on the subject of cobra-worship, mention is made of the 

 snakes getting into larders for eggs and milk, and being 

 protected as the good genius of the house on such occasions. 



But the Hindu custom of placing eggs for snakes at their 

 serpent festivals must be too familiar to most of my readers 

 to need further comment. 



