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LIFE j IN ITS HIGHER FORMS. 



new struggles of the Black one gained an unexpected supe- 

 riority; it acquired two great folds likewise, which neces- 

 sarily extended the body of its adversary, in proportion as 

 it had contracted its own. These efforts were alternate ; 

 victory seemed doubtful, inclining sometimes to oue side, 

 sometimes to the other, until at last the stalk to which the 

 Black Snake was fastened suddenly gave way, and, in con- 

 sequence of this accident, they both plunged into the ditch. 

 The water did not extinguish their vindictive rage, for by 

 their agitations I could still trace, though I could not dis- 

 tinguish, their attacks. They soon reappeared on the sur- 

 face twisted together, as in their first onset : but the Black 

 Snake seemed to retain its wonted superiority; for its head 

 was exactly fixed above that of the other, which it inces- 

 santly pressed down under the water, until its opponent 

 was stifled, and sank. The victor no sooner perceived its 

 enemy incapable of further resistance, than, abandoning it 

 to the current, it returned to the shore and disappeared," 



