304. REPTILES OF THE WORLD 



seven-eighths of an inch in diameter. About 50% of 

 the eggs proved fertile. They were kept in an average 

 temperature of 75° Fahrenheit, increased slowly in size, 

 assuming spherical outlines and began hatching seven 

 weeks after time of deposit. 



Snake Charming: Before leaving the species of 

 Naja let us look into a performance involving these 

 snakes and surrounded by much sensational theory. 



Under the trees of a public square, the idlers gather 

 about a solemn Hindoo, whose shrill-toned reed has 

 attracted their attention. Sitting cross-legged before 

 two round, flat baskets, he begins a refrain upon his 

 flute. The music is strange and crooning, suggesting 

 something strange to follow. With a bamboo stick he 

 presently removes the covers of the baskets and several 

 strange apparitions arise into view from a mass of tan- 

 gled bodies within. These are specimens of the deadly 

 cobra-de-capello, their hoods spread widely. While the 

 reptiles' eyes stare with a glassy monotony at the Hin- 

 doo, the spectacle markings upon their distended necks 

 seem to cast ghastly grimaces upon those assembled for 

 the exhibition. Seemingly imbued with a frenzy at the 

 appearance of the snakes, the performer quickens the 

 strains upon his flute. His body sways from side to 

 side in time to the music, when the spectators behold the 

 dreaded snakes are alike swaying to the refrain. The 

 celebrated cobra dance is on. 



With bated breath the onlookers witness this juggling 

 with the serpents, when there is a sudden murmur of 

 horror. 



Sinuously gliding from one of the baskets is a snake 

 of oriental hues and a head so flat and cruel that a glance 

 would instinctively suggest its deadliness. It is a "tic 

 polonga," known among the more learned as Russell's 



