Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1874-03-02
4 Reptile at Home in a Young Lady's
StOmach--It Comes up into
her Throat.
Prom 'ls Nashville Tenn I-uusr-

her Throat.
Prom tls Nashville Tenn. I-aue-.
There Is q Young lady living within 4
mile aud . quarter Of christiana, who Is
afflicted as singulaFly as was the ccle-
brated Miss Godsay, the Sleeping Beau
ty. For four years past she has been
suffering with violent fainting spells,
that come on periodically, and arc pro-
duced by the strangling caused by some
kind Of reptile that comes up into her
throat. She is choked to such an extent
that her muscles become rigid, her ex-
tremities cold, the pupils Of her eyes d.
luted, and the skin breaks on her hands
and face, and she is, in all other partic-
ulars, thoroughly convuIsed. Sheis only
relieved by the reptile itself being, as it
IS thought, partially choked, withdraw
ing itself into the stomach.
The reptile has at vatious times been
seen by different persons. On one occa-
sion Methodist preacher was visiting
at the home Of her parents. when she
was seized with one Of the usual attacks
aud the parasitical object even came out
Of her mouth and was grasped by the
minister Being Of very superstjtious
turn of mind she had conceived the idea
that its death was her death, and refused
to have it removed, although that could
at that time have been easily accomplish
ed. The minister avowed that the rep
tile felt as cold and clammy as any other
snake, but that it offered No particular
resistance when he clutcbed it with his
hand. When it made its appearance
outside tie mouth 1t curled its head
rather under the chin. but when loose
went Immediately down the young lady's
throat again. It frequently comes up
into the mouth, and the young lady saws
that whenever it does 50 it appears to
lick the roof Of her mouth with its bor-
rlble tongue, and then recedes again.
A neighboring physician mas been at
tending her during the period Of her in
disposition. and has been treating her for
tape-worms, believing that to be the true
malady, The symptoms are, however.
entirely different from those produced By
tape-wOrm. The girl still continues 70.
bust instead Of being emaciated. and
the appetite, instead of being raveDous,
IS tickle. at times scarcely taking aDv
food while at other times she has a very
good appetite. The strongest tape-worm
remedies were used, but without any ef-
ieet' whatever, and her physician, think
ing her case hopeless, gave it up a short
time ago, when two others were called in
who are using every means in their DOW.
er te effect a cure, with what result r.
mains to be seen. The first step to be
taken was TO disabuse her mind Of the
superstition that had taken possession Of
1t IN regard to her affection. She has
consented at last to allow the monster "a
be removed, if possible, and DESTROYED,
as she Is now convinced her life depeDds
upon it. The physicians in attendance
are anziOusly awaiting an opportunity
to effect a removal, and are keeping con.
slant watch for the appearance Of the
reptile.
Alcohol has already been prepared for
Its reception, 50 that when it shall ba
displaced, 50 strange phenomenon NAV
be preserved.
The reptile, 50 far as has been asoer-
tanned Is about half an inch in diameter
OF dark color with a sort Of hairy
coating but no one Is capable Of judging
Its length. 1t has never been 50 closely I
serutlnized by any one as to tell whether .
1t has eyes, but that, We believe. is hard /
ly possible, All that is vet known Of il
Is that 1t frequently comes up into the
mouth choking the girl and throwing
her into terrible commissions. 1t Is at
tracing universal attention about Chris /
tlana, and all the more 50 because the I
girls life has been seriously threatened .
by the peculiar movements Of the rcp-
tile.