The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-04-10

Sc6iuR 10 oOilONAh6, w se'yS
verb; and if any one Is anxious to nave
doubts removed on any subject. no pro-
CESS will be found so effectual as that OF
careful ocular emonstrations-more es'
pecially when that evidence is skeptically
examined before its reception as truth.
Such was my intention when, for the
first time in my life, was lately intro;
duced to an Indian snake-charmer.
During a professional ride through the
station in which I am quartered, l felt
somewhat fatigued with the heat OF the
sun, which was just then excessive, and
yentured to call on a friend for short
shelter, despite the full conviction that !
should find him indulging in that midday
"siesta," 30 common a luxury to the Eu-
ropean living in this climate, and yet so
fearfully productive of liver congestion,
plethora and splenic disease.
Twas not mistaken. Never mind me;
come in, old boy" was my friends salu-
tation, which l answered in person by
entering his bedroom, darkened and cool
ed by artificial means. Making my way
to his bedside ] was surprised at seeing
two very bright objects glistening in the
corner of the room. | advanced toward
them, but more quickly retired, on being
assai;ed by loud and unmistakable hiss.
Involuntarily scream in duet was per-
formed by my friend and myself, and the
native servants were somewhat startled
by shrieks Of "A snake, snake Get
gun"
A consultation was held, of course out
side the room, and, need not say, some
distance from the door. Various results
were arrived at, some suggested shoot
ing, other smoking One, apparently
more courageous than the rest, proposed
that the snake should first be caught and
then destroyed
However, as the originator of this
brief idea did not seem in haste to carry
his suggestion into practice, and as none
of us wished TO deprive him of the honor,
it was agreed to send to the native ba-
zaar for native snake charmer. In the
meantime we thought another look could
do no harm. Carefully and slowly was
the door opened. NervOusly and tremb-
ling we peeped in-gradually advanced,
looking everywhere-jumpeda at the least
rustic or sound, presenting sorry specta-
cles of Her Majesty's British soldiers.
But soldiers don't like snakes. Why
should theyl
why he's gone!" Take care" Look
in the bed, cupboard, drawers, hooks and
corners. No Snake!
Then for the first time we laughed.
Halo! what's this piece of stick near
the WALTZ" by jOve, it's his tail!''
"Phew, don't speak, we shall lose him!
Here's the charmer."
He came, a tall, muscular native, slip
e .l,k1 nrnnnA hso xuaicf his hair 1pn,r
and matted. except OIL tho centre of his
head, which was shaved close in circle,
and turban covering it, bearing over
his shoulder two baskets and his musical
instrument. made out of a gomd with II
single bamboo pipe, coming from its up
per end, and two smaller ones from its
lower, which, being pierced with holes.
are played upon like flute. while the
breath is blown through the upper and
single one Before he was allowed to
enter the room he was searched and his
baskets aud instruments taken from him.
Nothing could have been concealed, for
his clothing was reduced to its minimum,
and he only carried short iron rod.
lie was shown the hole in which we
supposed the snake to be. for HOW the
reptiles tail had disappeared He lay
down OH the floor, and placing his face
close to the hole, exclaimed, "Burra sap;
sahih; hubut burra." big snake, your
honor; very big.) Without any more pre-
paration, he commenced digging, round
the hole, and removed some of the brick
work. In few minutes he showed us
the tail of the reptile, and with sundry
lamentations in Hindostanee, and curious
contortiOns Of his body seized hold of
the tail, and gradually drew forth the
snake. 1t proved to be fine specimen
of the cObra-a black, shining, wrig-
Cling, Kissing, deadly cobra, about FIVE
feet long, at the thickest part eight in.
ches round, with a hood measuring
when extended, FIVE inches across This |
reptile he handed freely while il was
Kissing and darting its tongue out every |
second Taking it into the yard, or com
pound, he released it.
The brute wriggled toward him. and !
when withlna foot or SO, reared itself up,
spread out the enormous hood, and pre-
pared itself to strike at its captor But |
the charmer was not to be wounded He |
seized his primitive musical instrument |
and commenced very slowly to produce
low and soft tones, very harmonious but |
The snake seemed aston.
ished; his hood gradually collapsed, his |
head and about foot of his body that |
was raised from the ground, commenced |
to sway from side to side in perfect har-
Money with the music, and slower and
quicker, as the time was decreased or in
creased As the man played louder the
snake got more excited, until its rapid
and universal movements had exhausted
it, and it subsidized. |
Again the charmer seized it, aud quick
as lightning ran his hand up its body.
holding it firmly by the throat BY
pressing on its neck, the cobra's mouth
opened, and he disclosed the fangs, poh On
bags and apparatus complete; thus Or. 8
ing beyond doubt that it was not q
trained or tame reptile, which he had
been treating like q play thing.
Doubts still arose in my mind. howtS.
er, about the genuineneas of the per q
nance, for could not bring myself .
believe that man would willingly plaOo
himselfi In such close proximity to cor
tain DEATH. fea ''s bes ,f''@ |
A fowl was now obtained and placed
about foot from the reptile, which was
again set free. With the same moyes
nent,, IL raised itself foot from the
round, spread gut itsshood, and, with q /
u. - - A''', - .sstdss0 .aSoz X 8