SNAKES. 209 
several small Snakes, which at once made themselves at home on 
the writing-table among pens, ink, and books. I was at first a good 
deal startled, especially when the two large Snakes coiled round 
and round my friend, and began to notice me with their bright 
eyes and forked tongues ; but soon finding how tame they were, 
I ceased to feel frightened. After a short time Mr. M. expressed 
a wish to call Mrs. M., and left me with the Boa deposited on an 
armchair. I felt a little queer when the animal began gradually 
to come near, but the entrance of my host and hostess, followed 
by two charming little children, put me at my ease again. After 
the first interchange of civilities, she and the children went at 
once to the Boa, and caliing it by the most endearing names, 
allowed it to twine itself most gracefully round about them. I 
sat talking for a long time, lost in wonder at the picture before 
me. 
‘*<Two beautiful little girls with their charming mother sat 
before me with a Boa constrictor (as thick as a small tree) twining 
playfully round the lady’s waist and neck, and forming a kind 
of turban round her head, expecting to be petted and made much 
of like a kitten. The children over and over again took its head 
in their hands and kissed its mouth, pushing aside its forked 
tongue in doing so. The animal seemed much pleased, but kept 
turning its head continually towards me with a curious gaze 
until I allowed it to nestle its head for a moment up my sleeve. 
Nothing could be prettier than to see this splendid serpent coiled 
all round Mrs. M. while she moved about the room, and when 
she stood to pour out our coffee. He seemed to adjust his weight 
so nicely, and every coil with its beautiful marking relieved by 
the black velvet dress of the lady. It was long before I could 
make up my mind to end the visit, and I returned soon after 
with Lord Arthur Russell to see my Snake-taming acquaintance 
““«These (the Snakes) seemed very obedient, and remained in 
their cupboard when told to do so. 
‘““* About a week ago Mr. and Mrs. M. were away for six weeks, 
and left the Boa in charge of a keeper at the Zoo. The poor 
Reptile moped, slept, and refused to be comforted, but when his 
master and mistress appeared, he sprang upon them with delight, 
P 
