196 LEAVES FROM THE 



consciousness of tlie power, with a firm conviction that 

 no serpent, however venomous, can injure the operator. 



That most of the priests and jugglers availed themselves 

 of the obvious and mechanical means of rendering such 

 serpents as the cerastes and both species of naia innoxi- 

 ous, there can be little doubt. But when we come to 

 examine the evidence, we shall feel as little that some 

 snake charmers may handle the most venomous serpents, 

 while in full possession of their power of inflicting death, 

 with perfect safety. 



Conjurors (writes Hasselquist) are common in Egypt. They 

 are peasants from the country, who come to Cairo to earn money 

 this way. I saw one, the 24th, who was expert enough, and in 

 dexterity equalled those we have in Europe ; but can do one thing 

 the Europeans are not able to imitate ; namely, fascinate serpents. 

 They take the most poisonous vipers with their bare hands, play 

 with them, put them in their bosoms, and use a great many more 

 tricks with them, as I have often seen. The person I saw on the 

 above day had only a small viper, but I have frequently seen them 

 handle those that are three or four feet long, and of the most 

 horrid sort. I inquired and examined whether they had cut out 

 the viper's poisonous teeth ; but I have seen with my own eyes they 

 do not : we may therefore conclude, that there are to this day 

 Psylli in Egypt ; but what art they use is not easily known. 

 Some peojjle are very superstitious ; aud the generality believe 

 this to be done by some supernatural art, which they obtain from 

 invisible beings. I do not know whether their power is to be 

 ascribed to good or evil ; but I am persuaded that those who 

 undertake it use many superstitions. I shall hereafter give a 

 plainer description, mth some observations on this subject.* 



This was in June, and, according to his promise, 



Hasselquist thus resumes the subject : — 



The 3rd (July). — Now was the time to catch all sorts of snakes 

 to be met with in Egypt, the great heats bringing forth these 

 vermin ; I therefore made preparation to get as many as I could, 

 and at once received four different sorts, which I have described 

 and preserved in aqua vitce. These were the common Viper, the 



* Voyages and Travels in the Levant, in the Years 1749, 50, 

 51, 52. 



