CHAPTER Vit: 
SNAKE CHARMERS. 
SNAKE charmers have existed for long ages in India. They are 
referred to in ancient Sanskrit books. 
The typical dress of a snake charmer is yellow clothes and a 
great turban. The musical instrument which they allege is 
an indispensable adjunct in charming snakes is a double pipe 
mounted on the dry shell or rind of a calabash or gourd. It is 
known as a “ Tubri.’”” The sound produced is somewhat similar 
to that of the Highland bagpipes. 
Snakes are very susceptible to strong vibrations of sharp 
penetrating sound. The effect of the high-keyed notes produced 
by the snake charmer’s instrument, causes intense uneasiness and 
alarm in wild snakes. Even snakes which have been kept for 
a long period in captivity, and which have been habituated to the 
sound, will invariably become active and assume a defensive 
attitude when this instrument is played. 
When released from its dark prison in the snake charmer’s 
basket, a Cobra will always rear, expand its hood, and be in- 
stantly on the defensive, if sharp and shrill music be played near 
it. The onlookers imagine the music has charmed the snake. 
The snake charmer fully understanding the ways and habits of 
- the Cobra, can therefore anticipate its movements. By swaying 
the instrument and his body from side to side, he can apparently 
make the serpent imitate his movements. This swaying of the 
reared portion of the snake’s body is natural to the Cobra. When 
reared and on the defensive, the Cobra carefully watches his enemy 
and follows his every movement. By sitting on the ground in — 
front of a reared Cobra and gently swaying the body from side 
to side, anybody can made the reptile do likewise. When a Cobra 
is alarmed, his first instinct is to face his aggressor and continue 
