74 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



" T ' ' 1 



Remarkable for speed and diverting motions. 



From its frequently moving along with great 

 part of its body erect, and with its head in con- 

 tinual action, as if looking aroiind with great 

 circumspection, this species is by the Indians 

 esteemed the emblem of prudence. It is also an 

 object of superstitious veneration among the 

 Gentoo Indians, founded on some traits of le- 

 gendary mythology : they seldom name it with- 

 out adding some epithet, such as the royal, the 

 good, the holy, &c. 



THE BLACK SNAKE. 



THIS species, which is a North American, 

 serpent, is very smooth and slender, black on the 

 upper parts, and of a pale blue beneath, except 

 the throat, which is white. It generally grows 

 to six feet long, but possesses no poisonous qua- 

 lities. It is remarkably active, as it will in speed 

 equal a horse. Its different motions are very 

 diverting. It will at times climb the trees in 

 quest of the tree frogs ; or, for other prey, glide 

 at full length along the ground. On some occa- 

 sions it presents itself half erect, and in this pos- 

 ture its eyes and head appear to great advantage. 

 The former display a fiery brightness, by means 

 of which they are able, it is said, to fascinate 

 birds, and the smaller quadrupeds, in a manner 

 similar to the rattle-snake, which we shall here- 

 after mention. Its body is also said to be so 



