SNAKES. 263 
citizens of Rome were suffering from a plague so troublesome that 
they were induced to consult the Sibylline books, and in them 
they read that their only hope of a remedy lay in bringing the 
god Asculapius from Epidaurus to Rome (see Livy, Book X., 
chap. 47). An embassy was, therefore, appointed for the purpose, 
which, after certain arrangements, persuaded the Epidaurians 
to part with their god, or rather, his representative. He was 
brought to-Rome, and the joy and gratitude of the people at his 
arrival were so great that they built altars all along the banks of 
the Tiber, and offered on them many sacrifices. The Romans 
intended to receive him within their city, and build him a temple 
there. But the god, it is said, decreed otherwise, and chose for 
his abode a small island on the River Tiber, to which he grace- 
fully swam. From that time the spot was called the Island of 
4Esculapius, and on it a temple was built and dedicated to the 
god, and enriched by many presents. The sick of the great city 
close by often visited and passed the night in the temple: and if 
by chance or imagination cures were wrought they were grate- 
fully ascribed to the power and mercy of their god. The healed, 
as a thank-offering, were expected to sacrifice a cock, the fowl 
which was not only sacred to Aisculapius, but which was also a 
symbol of that vigilance which is so necessary for the cure of 
disease. The plague is recorded to have ceased soon after the 
arrival of the Snake (See Cicero, ‘‘ Concerning the Nature of the 
Gods,”’ Book ITI.). 
The Romans so venerated this species of Snake that, it is said, 
they carried specimens with them during their expeditions, and 
gave the creatures liberty in those countries over which they (the 
Romans) had control. To this custom it is supposed to owe its 
wide distribution. This, however, appears a doubtful conclusion, 
as at the present time the reptile seems to be still extending its 
_range. 
The Asculapian Snake is not only interesting because of the 
circumstances referred to above, but also because of its beauty, 
hardiness, and docility. It is imported into this country in con- 
siderable numbers, and often may be bought for solow a sum as 
4s. Its food consists of birds, mice, and lizards. In captivity it 
will frequently take dead food, such as the bodies of dead hairless 
