Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-08-18
From the London Society Ks..x,n..
An Hour with n Snake Ca.=.S.S .eaano.

An Hour with q Snake Charn1er e"0"
During a professional ride through the station !,
which am quartered, felt somewhat fatipued uitb
the heat OF the sun which just then excessive and
ventured to call on friend for short shelter dec
pe tie tull conviction that should find him ndu0ino
10 that mid day "sesta," common to the Euronean
living in that climate and yet 30 fearfuly prodpct;Us
OF liver congestion, plethora and eplenic disease
| was not mistekpn. Never mind me : como IN
old boy" was my friends salutaton, which answeted
by artificial means. Making my way to his bedside,
was surprised at seeing too very bright objects gsep
ing 10 the corner of the room. I advanced towards
them but quickly retired, by being assailed by
loud and unmisakable hiss. InvoIuntariIy scream
In duet was performed by my friend and myself and the
native servants were somewhat startled by shreks Of
" snake | Get gun" A consultation was held
Of course outside the room, aud need not say some
distance from the door, Various results were arrived
at, some suggesting shooting, others smoking. Gas
apparently more courageous than the rest proposed
that tie snake should be caught and then DESTROYED
However, as the originator of this bright idea did
not seem in haste to carry his suggestion into practice
and rs more OF u wished to deprive him Of the honor
u was agreed to send to the native bazaar for In
dian snaSe-ch armer
He came, tell, muscular native slip of cloth
round his waist bis hair long and matted except in the
centre OF bis head, which shaved close in circle
and turban covering it, bearing over his shoulders
two baskets and his musical instrument made ont of
you're, with single bamboo pipe coming from the up
per end, and two smaller ones from the lower which
being pierced with holes played upon Ike the flute
whilst the breath is blown through the upper and single
one.
Before he was allowed to enter the room be vos
searched and his baskets and instruments taken from
him. Nothing could have been concealed, for his
clothing reduced to its minimum, and he only car
ried short iron rod.
He shown the hole in which we supposed the
snake to be- for the reptiles head had disappeared
He laid down on the oor and placing his face close to
the door, exclaimed, "Burra sap; GSbt bahut bmra"
big snake your honor, very big) Without any more
preparation, be commenced digging around the hole
and removed some of the brick work. In few mir
ues be showed US the tale OF the reptile, and with
dry lamentations in Hndoosanee and curious conor-
tons OF his body seized hold of the TAIL ard gradually
drew forth the snake. 1t proved to be fine specimen
OF the COBRA black shining wigging, Kissing, dead.
COBRA five feet long, at the thickest part eight inches
round, with hood measuring, when extended five inch
es across. his reptile be handled freely, whilst it
was Kissing and dartipg its tongue out every second
Taking it into the yard or compound he released It -
The reptile wrigged towards him, and when within
loot or so reared itself up, spread out the
hood and prepared itself to strike at its capo Bat
! the charmer was not to be wounded. lie sez91 bis
primitive musical instrument, and commeuced very
slowly to produce low and soft tones very harmonious,
but unconnected. The sDake seemed astoushed bis
hood gradually collapsed his head and about foot OF
his bo1y, that raised from the ground, commenced
to sway frOu eide sde in perfect harmony with the
s!OWeF a5 Tue was OeCEeas-
ed or decreased. AS the played louder the snake
got more excited until its rapid and unusual movements
| had quite exhausted it, and it subsidized
Ag ain the charmer seized it and quick as lightning
ran 8 hand up mis- body, holding it firmly by the
throat BY pressing on Its neck the cObras mouth
opened and he disclosed the faDgs poison bags and APP
paratus COMPLETE thus proving beyond doubt that it
not traneC tanned reptile he had been treating
like paythng.
| A fowl was now obtained and placed about foot
from the reptile, which was again set free With the
same movements it raised itself foot from the ground
spread out its hood and with loud hiss apparently OF
satisfaction, dared upon and seized the fowl by the
back of the neck Hanging there for few seconds it
let go its hold and the at the Instant seized it,
he had formerly done by the head. The fowl almost
instauaDecusy became drowsy, its head falling forward
and the beak striking with considerable force into the
ground This convulsiVe movement lasted ten seconds
ard thea the bird lay down if completely comatose
and powerIess 10 fifteen seconds it gave sudden Start
and fell back quite dead
As no deception could have been practiced in this
instance was most anxious to the reptile killed
but the charmer said he would not have it DESTROYED
that if it injured the power he had snakes
would be interertd with, and the next one would no
doubt bite and kill him.
However, we in sisted upon seeing him made harm
lees, comparatively 3d. and directed the man to re
move his faugs THIS he agreed TO do, and performed
Fit in this A piece OF wood was cut 1n inca
square, and held by the charmer to the head OF the
snake the reptile sezedt be had the fowl and with
deXterGus twist of the hand the most primitive per
Torrance Of dentistry accomplished The four argl
sticking into the wood extracted by the roots aud
gave to me. have them now, and look upon them
more sucidaly pleasant than pint OF prussc acid or
cask Of white arsenic.