APRIL DAYS 51 



called aggressively venomous, and that one, the 

 viper, is aggressive only when attacked. 



These timid descendants of former lords of the 

 world, now persecuted by numerous stronger 

 creatures, condemned mostly to flee for shelter 

 within the bosom of mother earth, who bore them 

 long ago, have not in recent times enjoyed the 

 opportunity for that association which is so 

 powerful a factor in the development of the 

 mental faculties. Man has destroyed them, too 

 hastily, as being things hurtful to himself, though 

 they have provided at least a valuable means of 

 illustrating Nature's methods. And certain rep- 

 tiles have been found amenable, almost affectionate, 

 by persons patient enough to win their confidence. 

 In one feature reptiles seem to excel other creatures 

 as pets their trustfulness. The dog may be too 

 eager in its own interest to return a caress, or may 

 lick one unpleasantly ; the pet bird must generally 

 be coaxed ; but many a reptile will repose on the 

 hand, glad of the genial warmth. The lizard will 

 lie on your palm, though the sun does not shine. 

 The blindworm or a snake will coil comfortably 

 around the wrist. Dread is not the only feeling 



