4:62 SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



Bassett Smith mentions one 14 inches long trying to board 

 the flagship at Trincomalee when lying out about half a mile 

 from land. 



(b) Disposition : The cobra is usually not an aggressive 

 snake. When flushed in its native haunts, it nearly always 

 tries to escape, and usually succeeds in doing so, but is often 

 shot before it gets to a place of safety. I have encountered 

 many, and find that at close quarters, if suddenly disturbed, 

 or it may be if stepped upon, it quickly erects itself, hisses 

 loudly, sways backwards and forwards, and awaits an oppor- 

 tunity to strike. If one keeps still, the menace is quickly over, 

 and the snake drops its head, and slinks off. An incautious 

 movement, however, causes it to turn, erect itself once more, 

 and challenge the intruder again. Many good observers have 

 remarked on its timid nature. Mr. Phipson even went so far 

 as to describe it as an exceedingly timid snake. Elliot says : 

 " Of one thing I feel certain, the cobra is a timid snake, that 

 it is not at all inclined to bite, and unless assailed, and so 

 infuriated, will not bite, even if trodden on by accident so long 

 as the snake is not hurt." He cites two cases known to him 

 where a cobra was actually stepped on, but in neither case 

 did it inflict a bite. Wall (A. J.) remarks that a full-grown 

 cobra can be handled with perfect safety, and Flower mentions 

 one that was picked up in his garden by a servant, and brought 

 to him alive not having attempted to bite him. 



In Chitral one day an adult passed right through my pony's 

 legs, whilst I was walking along the road with another mounted 

 officer. The snake did not even erect itself though in danger of 

 being trodden upon, but glided through the pony's feet, and 

 then, when three or four yards distant, turned, half erected 

 itself for a second, and then glided off down a bank. I could 

 quote many more incidents and opinions illustrating the 

 unaggressive temper of this snake, but, on the other hand, 

 I have certainly witnessed many incidents of a completely 

 contrary character. The cobra is sometimes very fierce, and 

 when disturbed may be a very dangerous snake to encounter. 

 Whatever spirit and aggressiveness may be natural to it in 

 the early days of captivity, I think all will agree that it is 

 verv easily tamed. This is evident to anvone who has 



