264 ANIMAL INTELLIGENCE. 



he observed a small mouse in similar agonising convulsions,, 

 about two yards from a snake, whose eyes were intently fixed 

 upon it ; and on frightening away the reptile, and taking up the 

 mouse, it expired in his hand.^ 



Many other observations, more or less similar, might 

 be quoted ; but, on the other hand, Sir Joseph Fayrer 

 tells me that ' fascination is only fright ; ' and this appears 

 to be the opinion of all persons who have had the oppor- 

 tunity of looking into the subject in a scientific manner. 

 The truth probably is that small animals are occasionally 

 much alarmed by the sight of a snake looking at them,, 

 and as a consequence of this more easily fall a prey. In 

 some cases, it is likely enough, strong terror so unnerves 

 the animal as to make it behave in the manner which 

 the witnesses describe ; in making half-palsied efforts to' 

 escape, it may actually fall or draw nearer to the object of 

 its dread. Perhaps, therefore, Dr. Barton, of Philadelphia, 

 is a little too severe on previous observers when he says 

 that — 



The report of this fascinating property has had its rise in nothing 

 more than the fears and cries of birds and other animals in 

 the protection of their nests. . . . The result of not a little- 

 attention has taught me that there is but one wonder in the 

 business — the wonder that the story should ever have been 

 believed by any man of understanding and observation. 



But, be this as it may, it is certainly remarkable, as 

 Sir J. Fayrer in his letter to me observes, ' how little fear 

 some animals show until the moment that they are seized 

 and struck.' 



As for snake-charming, the facts seem to be that 

 cobras and other serpents are attracted by the sound of a 

 pipe to creep out of their hiding-places, when they are 

 captured and tamed. It is certain that the fangs are not 

 always drawn, and also that from the first moment of 

 capture, before there has been time for any process of 

 training, a real snake-charmer is able to make the reptile 

 * dance.' Thus, for instance. Sir E. Tennent publishes the 

 following letter from Mr. Reyne. After describing all hi& 



* Thompson, Passions of AniTnalSy p. 118; see also Bingley, Animal 

 Biograpliyy vol. ii., pp. 447-8. 



