ENEMIES. 27 
is stated that ‘‘ several well-known mammals and birds are im- 
mune by nature against snake venom, but most of them avoid 
being bitten. Some birds induce the snake to strike and bite 
frequently into their spread-out wings. Such more or less 
common creatures are the Mungoose, Hedgehog, Pig, Secretary 
Bird, Honey Buzzard, Stork, and probably other snake-eaters.” 
None of these creatures are immune to snake venom. If 
the venom is injected under their skins artificially, or naturally 
by a snake, they die just as rapidly as other animals. The hedge- 
hog, owing to its spine-covered body, is not likely to be bitten 
when attackingasnake. Pigsarenotactuallyimmune. Ifasnake 
should drive its fangs into the thick layer of fat under the skin 
of a pig, there is little probability of its being absorbed, unless 
at such an exceedingly slow rate that the animal suffers little 
or no inconvenience. Pigs, which are allowed to range in a semi- 
wild condition under natural conditions, develop a tough leathery 
hide, which the fangs of snakes cannot easily penetrate. I have 
found that if snake venom is injected into the tissues of a pig, 
among the capillary blood vessels and lymphatics, the venom 
is absorbed and produces characteristic symptoms of snake 
venom poisoning, as in other animals. The Secretary Bird, when 
attacking a snake, defends itself with its spread-out wings, which 
it holds in front of it like a shield. The instant the snake lunges 
at the quills, the bird throws the wings violently forward, casting 
the snake backwards with great violence. If the reptile should 
appear to be dazed, the bird at once seizes it by the neck in its 
powerful bill, and, with a severe nip, crushes the backbone, and 
thus incapacitates the snake. These birds often use their long 
stilt-like legs like arms, beating the snake to death with a quick 
succession of blows. The feet and legs of the Secretary Bird, as 
far up as the knee joint, are hard, brittle, horny, and so well-nigh 
impervious to the fangs of a snake. 
Snake-eaters all owe their comparative immunity to death 
from snake-bite to their agility, methods of attack, and natura] 
defensive coverings. 
DUELS WITH SNAKES. 
The following instance will illustrate how the Mungoose attacks 
and destroys snakes. The Mungoose (Herpestes pulverulentus) 
