264 
ANIMAL INTELLIGENCE. 
he observed a small mouse in similar agonising convulsions, 
about two yards from a snake, whose eyes were intently fixed 
upon it ; and on frightening away the reptile, and taking up the 
mouse, it expired in his hand . 1 
Many other observations, more or less similar, might 
be quoted ; but, on the other hand, Sir Joseph Fayrer 
tells me that 6 fascination is only fright ; 5 and this appears 
to be the opinion of all persons who have had the oppor- 
tunity of looking into the subject in a scientific manner. 
The truth probably is that small animals are occasionally 
much alarmed by the sight of a snake looking at them, 
and as a consequence of this more easily fall a prey. In 
some cases, it is likely enough, strong terror so unnerves 
the animal as to make it behave in the maimer which 
the witnesses describe ; in making half-palsied efforts to 
escape, it may actually fall or draw nearer to the object of 
its dread. Perhaps, therefore, Dr. Barton, of Philadelphia, 
is a little too severe on previous observers when he says 
that — 
The report of this fascinating property has had its rise in nothing 
more than the fears and cries of birds and other animals in 
the protection of their nests. . . . The result of not a little 
attention has taught me that there is but one wonder in the 
business — the wonder that the story should ever have been 
believed by any man of understanding and observation. 
But, be this as it may, it is certainly remarkable, as 
Sir J. F ayrer in his letter to me observes, 6 how little fear 
some animals show until the moment that they are seized 
and struck.’ 
As for snake-charming, the facts seem to be that 
cobras and other serpents are attracted by the sound of a 
pipe to creep out of their hiding-places, when they are 
captured and tamed. It is certain that the fangs are not 
always drawn, and also that from the first moment of 
capture, before there has been time for any process of 
training, a real snake-charmer is able to make the reptile 
6 dance.’ Thus, for instance, Sir E. Tennent publishes the 
following letter from Mr. Reyne. After describing all his 
1 Thompson, Passions of Animals, p. 118; see also Bingley, Animal 
Biography , vol. ii., pp. 417-8. 
