Reptiles 



have been extracted. This treatment does not render 

 them entirely harmless ; for poison flows from the wounds 

 left by the extraction of the venom-conducting teeth, 

 and the palate and teeth of the lower jaw are liable to 

 produce lacerations through which the virus may join the 

 circulation. But it must be acknowledged that the snakes 

 in this condition are not so liable to bite, and if they do 

 there is considerably less danger. 



" Well does the Hindoo know that if his cobras become 

 accustomed to handling and teasing, they will dance with 

 less energy ; so he keeps a supply of fresh and undis- 

 turbed serpents on hand. The cobra's natural attitude 

 of defence is, as has been previously explained in detail, 

 a rearing posture with hood spread widely. From this 

 position it follows with swaying motions every motion of 

 its aggressor. The Hindoo's swaying body elicits a like 

 motion on the part of the snake, as it alters its position 

 in aiming to strike. Thus is the dance explained. The 

 shrill notes of the reed appeal only to the imagination of 

 the spectators and, were the weird intonations to cease, 

 the dance would continue without interruption ; for snakes 

 exhibit absolutely no interest in music of any kind, an 

 unfortunate fact for the writers of romantic stories." 



240 



