HARMLESSNESS OF SNAKES. 
209 
but probably all at one time, as they preserve no regu- 
lar disposition of them, but place them in a promiscuous 
heap. At the time of protrusion they appear to be sur- 
rounded with a clammy substance, which, drying in the 
air, leaves the mass of eggs united wherever they touch 
each other. I have heard of forty eggs being found in 
these deposits ; yet, notwithstanding such provision for 
multitudes, the snake, generally speaking, is not a very 
common animal. The kite, the buzzard, and the raven, 
which prey on it occasionally, are too seldom found 
greatly to reduce the race ; and its deep retirement in 
the winter seems to secure it from fatal injuries by the 
severity of the weather : yet in the warm days of spring, 
when it awakens from its torpidity and basks upon our 
sunny banks, the numbers that appear are not propor- 
tionate to what might be expected from the number of 
eggs produced. Few creatures can assail it in its dor- 
mitory, yet its paucity proves that it is not exempt from 
mortality and loss. The mole may follow it in its re- 
tirement, but would hardly attempt to seize so large an 
animal. The polecat and the weasel too can enter its 
runs ; are sufficiently bold and strong to attempt the 
conquest ; and not improbably in the winter season re- 
sort to such food, the poor snake having no power of 
defending itself, or of avoiding the assault. The com- 
mon snake of this country is a very harmless, unobtru- 
sive creature ; so timid, as to avoid the presence of man 
whenever he appears, hiding itself as much as possible 
in bushes and rugged places from his sight. At times 
a strong fetor proceeds from it ; but this appears to be 
sexual, or made use of as the means of annoying its 
enemies. It possesses no power to commit injury, and 
has apparently no inclination to molest any thing beyond 
its requirements for food, as frogs and mice. When a 
young man, I have repeatedly handled it with impunity ; 
and though often bitten, a temporary swelling, with 
slight inflammation, was the only result ; but in these 
experiments the viper must not be mistaken for the 
common snake. Yet this poor creature, under the curse 
of ignorance and cruelty, never escapes unscathed from 
power and opportunity. All the snake tribe, innocuous 
S3 
