The true Democrat., 1855-04-11
Snake Stories.

In Harper'S Monthly Magazine for the cur rent month is very interesting article on ''the Rattlesnake and its Congerers" A number of anecdotes bearing OH the subject are given, the authenticity of which must be of the strongest kind to entitle them to credibility. Among them are the following, which we subjoin, with the double purpose of interesting our readers in general, and of inducing such an examination of the stories as may lead to their substantial tion or their iDvalidation.
 "The southern negroes will never kill snake giving as a reason that 1t will cause them "bad luck" This idea is evidently traditonary with them, brought by their ancestors from Africa. Many of them also appear to have the power, if cultivated, of charming snakes; for if so dis posed, they will handle any snake they come across with impunity. A physician of Louisi- ana, who had desire to study the habits of the rattesnake, kept number in cage and, for fear of accident had it placed in the distant cor ner of large room in which he slept. It was the doctors custom, on his return home at night to take glance at the reptiles, to assure him. self that they had been properly cared for through the day, and also to see if the door of the cage was securely fastened. One night, having come home very late and much fatigued, he neglected his usual precautions, and at once retireu The weather was exceedingly bot, and notwithstanding his exhaustion, several hours glided away without his obtaining any sleep. Suddenly he heard light sliding noise along the tioor and cautiously looked out to learn the cause. The moonlight was shining full into the room, and to his horror he discov- cred the largest of his snakes roaming free about the room. What was to be done? A loaded gun was at the farthest end of the room; but was this the only serpent out of the cage? Were all the rest at liberty? The whole house. hold being asleep, the doctor concluded it was better to wait until morning, taking the pre- caution to tuck his mosquito bar with extra care around his bed, and thus imprisoned he impatientiy watched the issue. The snake continued his travels, finally approached the bed, and all became silent
 I At daylight the doctor heard the steps of his body servant, who was coming, according to custom, to perform his morning duty. The doctor cred out to him not to open the door, but to go tor an old African negro, named Isaac, who was known to approach all snakes with out lear. The negro came, and entered upon hls task confidently, and after moment or two found the cause ot the alarm quietly sleeping uuuCT Cuc Dtu lie OCnCr snakes were Tn the cage, although the door was open. The doc tor insisted upon the negro's shooting the snake, but he fatly refused, and declared himself able to seize the animal without the least fear of being bitten by him. Advancing towards the bed, he commenced whistling and pronouncing soothing words in the same manner as the snake charmers of India. After some minutes he venured to pass his hands over the back of the snake, all the time usingsoothng sounds. Fi- nally, he lifted up the snakes head, and in- duced it to repose upon his pended arm and body, the snake suffering all thls without be- traying the least fright or emotion.
 The doctor, agitated for the safety of his ser want, and wishing the matter to end desired 1 the said was impossible for him to do, and upon the negro approaching the prison house, the snake as if conscious of his purpose, immediately erec- ted its head in anger, and sprung its rattle Whereupon Isaac walked ill another direction, began his incantations, and the reptile was soon