CHAPTER VIII. 



Snake Charmers. 



Snake charmers havti existed for long ages in India. They are 

 referred to in ancient Sanskrit books. 



The typical dress of a snake charmer is yellow clothes and a 

 great turban. The musical instrument which they allege is 

 an indispensable adjunct in charming snakes is a double pipe 

 mounted on the dry shell or rind of a calabash or gourd. It is 

 known as a " Tubri." The sound produced is somewhat similar 

 to that of the Highland bagpipes. 



Snakes are very susceptible to strong vibrations of sharp 

 penetrating sound. The effect of the high-keyed notes produced 

 by the snake charmer's instrument, causes intense uneasiness and 

 alarm in wild snakes. Even snakes which have been kept for 

 a long period in captivity, and which have been habituated to the 

 sound, will invariably become active and assume a defensive 

 attitude when this instrument is played. 



When released from its dark prison in the snake charmer's 

 basket, a Cobra will always rear, expand its hood, and be in- 

 stantly on the defensive, if sharp and shrill music be played near 

 it. The onlookers imagine the music has charmed the snake. 

 The snake charmer fully understanding the ways and habits of 

 the Cobra, can therefore anticipate its movements. By swaying 

 the instnmient and his body from side to side, he can apparently 

 make the serpent imitate his movements. This swaying of the 

 reared portion of the snake's body is natural to the Cobra. When 

 reared and on the defensive, the Cobra carefully watches his enemy 

 and follows his every movement. By sitting on the ground in 

 front of a reared Cobra and gently swaying the body from side 

 to side, any one can made the reptile do likewise. When a Cobra 

 is alarmed, his first instinct is to face his aggressor and continue 



246 



