NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Mode of attacking and devouring serpents. 



thought to bear some resemblance. The Hot- 

 tentots at the Cape of Good Hope distinguish 

 it by a name that signifies the serpent-enter; 

 and it would almost seem that nature had princi- 

 pally destined it for the purpose of confining 

 within due bounds the race of serpents, which io 

 very extensive ill all the countries that this bird 

 inhabits. 



The mode in which the secretary falcon seizes 

 these reptiles is very singular. When it ap- 

 proaches them, it is always careful to carry the 

 point of one of its wings forward, in order to 

 parry off their venomous bites ; sometimes it 

 iinds an opportunity of spurning and treading 

 upon its antagonist, or else of taking him on its 

 pinions and throwing him into the air. When 

 by this proceeding it has at length wearied out 

 its adversary, and rendered him almost senseless, 

 it kills and then swallows him at leisure. 



Le Vailtant informs us, that he once saw an 

 .engagement between a bird of this species and a 

 serpent- The battle was obstinate, and con- 

 ducted with equal address on both sides. But 

 ,the serpent at length feeling the inferiority of his 

 strength, employed, in his attempt to regain his 

 hole, all that cunning which is attributed to the 



* <j 



tribe; while the bird, apparently guessing his 



design, stopped him on a sudden and cut oil' his. 



.retreat, by placing herself before him at a single 



.leap. On whatever side the reptile endeavoured 



tp escape, ULs enemy still appeared before him. 



