THE BLACK SNAKE. I03 



vived fifty-six minutes. A chicken died in less than 

 half a minute, though others survived a couple of 

 hours, depending probably on the heat of the wea- 

 ther, and the condition of the serpent at the time. 



In India the Hooded Snake is carried about in a 

 basket to be publicly exhibited as a show, being first 

 deprived of its fangs to secure the men from the 

 danger of its bite. At the sound of a flageolet it 

 js taught to assume a kind of dancing attitude and 

 motions, which it continues as long as its master 

 continues his music. 



THE BIACK SNAKE*. 



The Black Snake is a North American serpent, 

 that grows to agreat length, but possesses no poi- 

 sonous qualities. It is very smooth and slender, 

 black on the upper parts, and of a pale blue beneath, 

 except the throat, which is white. 



Its activity is astonishing ; and in speed it will 

 sometimes equal a horse. The different motions of 

 these creatures are very diverting : they 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 occasions they present themselves half erect, 

 and in this posture their eyes and their heads appear 

 to great advantage. The former display a fiery 

 brightness, by means of which we are told they are 

 able to fascinate birds, and the smaller quadrupeds, 



* Synonyms. Coluber Constrictor. Linn. — Knot. Kerr"* La 



Zepede. Le Lin. La Cepede. Black Snake, in America. 



H 4 



