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THE TROPICAL WORLD. 



greatest portion of their lives on trees. Nearer and nearer the squirrel came ; louder 

 and louder were his chipperings; he tried to run away, but could not. At last he 

 came within a foot of the snake. There was a pause ; then suddenly, like a flash of 

 lightning, the snake sprang. The poor little squirrel was in the folds of the ugly 

 reptile, and I soon saw his body gradually disappearing into its inflated mouth, and 

 the broken silence of the forest resumed its sway." Here I leave the vexed question 

 of serpentine fascination, with the expression of my own opinion that, while much can 

 be said on both sides, yet, upon the whole, the nays have it. 



CHARMIXG THE SQUIRREL. 



The various serpent tribes are exposed to the attacks of many enemies, who fortu- 

 nately keep their numbers within salutary bounds, and avenge the death of the count- 

 less insects, worms, toads, frogs, and lizards, that foil a prey to their strength or their 

 venom. Several species of rapacious and aquatic birds live upon snakes, the American 

 ostrich thins their ranks wherever he can, and the African " Secretary" is renowned for 

 his prowess in serpentine warfare. " The battle was obstinate," says Le Vaillant, 

 describing one of these conflicts, " and conducted with equal address on both sides. 

 The serpent, feeling the inferiority of his strength, in his attempt to flee, and regain 

 his hole, employed that cunning which is ascribed to him, while the bird, guessing his 

 design, suddenly stopped him, and cut off his retreat by placing herself before him at 

 a single leap. On whatever side the reptile endeavored to make its escape, his enemy 

 was still found before him. Then, uniting at once bravery and cunning, he erected 

 himself boldly to intimidate the bird, and hissing dreadfully, displayed his menacing 

 throat, inflamed eyes, and a head swollen with rage and venom. Sometimes this 

 threatening appearance produced a momentary suspension of hostilities, but the bird 

 soon returned to the charge, and covering her body with one of her wings as a buck- 



