308 GENERAL AVERSION TO SNAKES. 



it and the seed of the woman" appears still in full 

 operation, and is possibly more extensively and 

 insensibly diffused among mankind than we are 

 aware of. The harmless nature of our snake seems 

 to be fully known to the little birds of the hedge, 

 as they in no way give intimation of its presence by 

 any warning of avoidance to their young, or that 

 insulting vociferation so observable when any really 

 injurious creature is perceived, but hop and sport 

 about the basking snake without fear or notice. 



All the human race seem to have inherited the 

 original anathema against this creature ; for though 

 the capricious cruelty of man is very frequently 

 exerted to the injury of many that his power ena- 

 bles him to tyrannize over, yet the serpent appears 

 to be a peculiar object of his enmity, as if it was 

 understood to be an absolute duty to " bruise 

 his head," whenever the opportunity should be 

 afforded. 



It is very remarkable how few noxious creatures, 

 animals which annoy man, inhabit with us; beasts 

 and birds we have none, for the petty depredations 

 occasionally made on his property are undeserving 

 of attention. The gnat, and perhaps a few in- 

 sects, may at times puncture our skin, but the 

 period of action is brief, the injury only temporary. 

 The wasp and the hornet, I believe, very rarely 

 use their weapons wantonly, only in self defence 

 and when persecuted ; thus leaving the balance 



