ENEMIES OF THE SNAKE 321 



are likewise met with in Asia ; but the still more formidable 

 I » ythons are confined to the hot regions of the Old World. They 

 are said to enlace even the tiger or the lion in their fatal embrace, 

 and to judge by their size and strength, this assertion seems by 

 no means improbable. 



The various serpent tribes are exposed to the attacks of many 

 ( iiemies, who fortunately keep their numbers within salutary 

 bounds, and avenge the death of the countless insects, worms, 

 toads, frogs, and lizards, that fall a prey to their strength or 

 1 lieir venom. Several species of rapacious and aquatic birds live 

 n|)on snakes, the American ostrich 

 tliins their ranks wherever he can, and 

 the African Secretary is renowned for 

 his prowess in serpentine warfare. 



" The battle was obstinate," says Le 

 A'aillant, describing one of these con- 

 llicts, "and conducted with equal ad- 

 dress on both sides. The serpent, secretary Bird. 



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 endeavoured 

 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 swelled with rage 

 and venom. Sometimes this threatening appearance produced 

 a momentary suspension of hostilities, but the bird soon re- 

 turned to the charge, and covering her body with one of her 

 wings as a buckler, struck her enemy with the horny pro- 

 tuberances upon the other, which, like little clubs, served the 

 more effectually to knock him down as he raised himself to 

 the blow ; at last he staggered and fell, the conqueror then 

 despatched him, and with one stroke .of her bill laid open his 

 skull." 



The secretary-eagle has now been successfully acclimatised 

 in the West Indies, where he renders himself useful by the 

 destruction of the venomous snakes with which the plantations^ 

 are infested. 



