216 ANECDOTES. 



constantly pointing, each time we expected 

 to see partridges spring, but to our great sur- 

 prise, it was always, at cobra de capelloes; at 

 last we became so much alarmed, that we 

 hastened to pick our way back, as well, and 

 as fast as w r e could, in fear at every step of 

 meeting with a snake. 



We had not reached the boat many mi- 

 nutes when one of the pointers was seized with 

 a fit, and died instantly. No doubt was en- 

 tertained by any of us but that it was owing 

 to his having been bitten by one of the 

 snakes, and as long as he continued muscular 

 action in running about, the venom had not 

 its full effect, but as soon as that stimulus 

 ceased it had. 



Some months after this, as I was sleeping 

 on a bed without covering in the open air 

 under the thatch of a house, I was awakened 

 by a smart bite in my great toe; on turning 

 round, I perceived a large black snake on the 

 bed, I instantly ran into the house, but 



