214 
A NATURALIST ON THE PROWL , . 
But, by the way, I do not think it has a brain, not 
having, in truth, any proper place to keep one. Such 
brain matter as it requires to get through life with is 
spun out into a sort of chord, threading the beads of 
its supple spine. This is why a snake seems to think 
and act all over its length. Long after you have 
silenced the head the tail goes on protesting. It is the 
boasted principle of local self-government : there is nothing 
new under the sun. 
However, there must be some pretence of a central 
directing authority in the polity of this snake, for it can 
apparently form a purpose and take measures to carry it 
out; I see that it has decided to drop off my stick into the 
grass. By degrees it lets itself down till its head is near 
the ground, while its tapering tail is wound firmly round 
the stick. Then the weakness of all such systems comes 
out. The tail refuses to obey orders and will not let go. 
Then the head comes back to see what is the matter, 
climbing up its own neck with easy grace. But when it 
has got half-way up, it reconsiders the matter and allows 
that the tail has a right to its own opinion. Then general 
vacillation sets in. Every part begins to act for itself 
with wonderful energy, producing the most beautiful 
