Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-03-24

seventy-six being the common black snake
and twelve the ordinary milk snake.
Among the black snakes are several that
measure nearly seven feet and some of
them weigh nearly four pounds. This is
believed to be the largest capture of snakes
ever made at one time in Sussex county,
if not in the state"
We have described the viper as one Of
the venomous alternating serpents. The
cobra de capello may next occupy our
attention. The name signifies a hooded
snake. so called from its habit of dilating
the neck into a kind of hood which partly
covered the head. 1t is armed with poison
fangs. but its form is slight and graceful,
its head small and rounded and its scales
smooth. The top of the head is covered
with nine plates. Its poisoning apparatus
is less developed than in the rattlesnake
Its fangs are fixed in the jaws, which are
capable of only moderate extension. In
deed, the whole aspect of this serpent in
dictates mildness and docility when com.
pared with other species of the same race.
The power of dilation of the neck is
possessed by many other serpents, but in q
less degree. Two white spots with a
black centre, united in front by curved
line, are found on the top gifts neck, and
sometimes two spots are seen on the lower
surface also. They are found on both
male and female. Its color is u brownish
yellow of different degrees of brightness.
Its length is from three to four feet. and
its thickness about one inch. When at.
tackled, it faces the enemy and prepares fol-
battle by raising itself boldly, with bent
body and dilated neck. 1t presents for.
midable appearance, and if II collision en-
sues, it is likely TO intlict severe if moi
fatal injuries. Its food consists of frogs
toads, birds, small animals, and Other
snakes for variety.
This species are abundant throughout
the East Indies and on the islands in the
Indian archipelago. Like other thieves il
is nocturnal in its habits. and sometimes
crawls into houses in search of prey.
Indian jugglers make use of this serpent
in the practice of their arts. They. first
extract the poison fangs. In this harmless
condition the snakes are trained to execute
the motions of jugglers, keeping time
with music and resembling rude dance
So violent is the poison of the cobra de
capello that it proves fatal to dog in less
than twenty-seven minutes, and to chick.
en- in less than half minute. To man il
will always prove fatal, unless speedy
remedies are applied. 1t produces cold.
ness, fainting and commissions before
death. Its circulation through the sys
TEN is very rapid; so much so that anti.
dotes are seldom of any avail The cobra
does not wage an offensive war, and rarely
bites unless trodden upon.
The more agile creatures that live in
the same country avoid the bite of this
sluggish reptile with great care, and often
destroy it by stratagem. Like other SER
penis it possesses great tenacity of life.
One was exhibited in Boston n few years
ago that had eaten nothing for seven
months, and yet it seemed to be in good
condition.
The asp, which is kindred species. was
chosen by the ancient Egyptians as the
emblem OF the good deity, and the mark
of royal dignity. 1t was worshipped by
the IIindoos and still is in some of the
temples in India. They believe that the
asp is not inferior to man in sagacty and
righteousness.