Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-04-22
New Poisonous Snake at the London
Geological Garden.

A wonderful poisonous snake, says the
London Daily Neaos, purchased from Mr..
Charles Jamrach, the well-known animal
dealer of st. Georges street, East, has
just found home in cage on the south
side of the snake-house in the Geological
Gardens. This is a snake-eating snake,
hence called Ophiophagus ElapsHama-
dryas Ophiophagus. Dr. Fayrer, in his
magnificent work on "Thanotophidia; or,
Venomous Snakes of the Indian Peninsu-
Ia" has ably described this creature. We
learn from this high authority that this
most formidable of poisonous snakes is
found, but not commonly, in India, the
Andaman and Philippine Islands, ETC.:
1t is the largest and most formidable of
known venomous snakes. 1t is not only
very powerful, but also active and ag-
gressive. DR.. Fayrer figures two speci-
mems in the act of striking in splendid
plates drawn from life by native artists.
One specimen is seven feet nine and the
other eleven feet ten. The specimen in
the Gardens is over seven feet in length.
The worst of the snake is he will not run
away when attacked; he will not only
turn upon his enemy, but will pursue
him. We read in DR.. Fayrer's book:
IAN intelligent Burman told me that
friend of his one day stumbled upon
nest of these serpents, and Immediately
retreated, but the old female gave chase.
The man fed with speed over hill and
dale, diDgle and glade, and terror seemed
to add wings to his flight till reaching
small river he plunged in, hoping he had
then escaped his fiery enemy; but, 10! on
the furious hymadryad, its dilated eyes
crlio of a nj N NTH Axy IN h,1r itc
fangs in his trembling body. In utter
despair he bethought himself of his tur-
ban, and in moment dashed it upon the
serpent, which darted upon it like light
ming, and for some moments reaked its
vengeance in furious bites. after which
it returned quietly to its former haunts."
The Bengal name Is Sunkerchor, or
breaker Of shells. 1t lives in the forest
and grass jungles, is especia ly fond of
hollow trees, and is q good climber. The
snake-charmers in India prize it highly,
but they say it i exceedingly dangerous
to catch and difficult to handle. The
specimen at the gardens Is in excellent
health. Shortly after his arrival he was
fed by Holland, the keeper, who put an
ordinary English snake into his cage the
ophiophagus quickly devoured the En-
glish snake by boiling him head first. In
general appearance the new snake is
very like . common cobra, except that
when he spreads his hood he is seen to
be marked in very pretty bands not un-
like the patterns on oil-cloth. The head
is somewhat almond shaped, exceedingly
lizard-like, not fiat and triangular like
that of the rattlesnake When sitting
up with his hood expanded the snake is
continually jerking his head in restless
manner, reminding US of the quick, dart
ing action of the common green lizard;
the eye is exceedingly clear and bright.
When disturbed he Kisses loudly and
shows his temper by extruding his long,
with marvellous celebrity. The lower
part of the window of the cage now in
habited by this snake has been painted
white, in order thai his naturally hasty
temper shall be disturbed rs little as
possible by the morning calls of visitors.