SERPENT WORSHIP, 'CHARMING^ ETC. 519 



practice and an intimate acquaintance have given the 

 jugglers confidence and dexterity, while on the part of the 

 snake fear is the chief characteristic. Even the tamest 

 cobra is only watching the opportunity to escape, and the 

 moment the juggler ceases his performance, down it drops, 

 and makes for its basket. Should the performance not be 

 ended, the snakes are called to attention by being sharply 

 pulled back by their tail, when up they rise with hood 

 expanded, and with just enough of power and spirit left in 

 them to recommence the 'dance,' more truly to make one 

 more futile attempt to strike their tyrannical masters. It is 

 only a repetition of the same kind of ' obedience ' and 

 * intelligence ' that was accredited to that first rattlesnake 

 ever exhibited in England. 



That showman (introduced p. 285) had become well 

 acquainted with crotalus idiosyncracies, and knew how to 

 turn them to account before an ignorant crowd. 



Those who have to deal with venomous serpents tell us, 

 that with caution and expertness they are not difficult to 

 handle ; and this is verified by all who describe the perform- 

 ances of Oriental snake-charmers. Not only cobras with 

 fangs extracted, or mouths sewn up, or composition 

 'cerastes' with artificial horns fastened on to the heads of 

 harmless snakes, but those with perfect fangs and well-filled 

 poison glands, are handled with equal facility. By pressing 

 down the snake's head gently with a stick and then seizing 

 it firmly close behind the head, so close that it has no power 

 to turn it, you fetter its movements. Or to snatch up a 

 venomous snake by its tail and quickly support it festooned 

 on a stick which you draw gently towards the head, and then 



