The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1883-08-30

were not that the actions are authenti-
Gated from the most reliable sources. It
will readily be imagined in this connec-
ton that reference is here made to the
fascinating power of snakes, and to the
fact that they avail themselves Of this
power for the purpose of procuring their
food.
That such power is continually ex-
ercised on other reptiles, and even on
small quadrupeds, would not excite our
wonder so much, when their power of
locomotion was nearly on q par with that
of their captors; but that it should be
exercised over Birds. and that the latter
should be actually seized while on the
wing, appears much more singular, did
we not examine the secret of this sIngu-
lar fascination.
The manner in which the snake OBJ
tains its prey is exceedingly singular as
regards the capture of birds; but what
is commonly termed charmings when
considered in connection with attendant
circumstances, is Invested of all mystery,
and may be explained by that active
principle of curiosity found in all ami
mated nature.
Il
this climate, appears peculiar to one
species OF the reptile, which has3the
power of ascending small trees or shrubs
in which birds build their nests. In the
| jungles of the East, tree snakes of differ
ent species are common, and birds in
that region are guided by instinct TO
build their nests on dependant branches
| to avoid the intrusion of noxious rep
tiles into these places of their retreat.
| In this climate the black snake, having
| discovered the nest of bird, ascends
the bush in its vicinity, and having
| found a favorable position, remains
perfectly STILL The bird, on coming to
the spot, is agitated by the sight of the
strange creature. only part of which
! Is in view; or its attention is
directed to the place by a sud-
| den rustling of the leaves, caused
by the tail of the snake. Thus tho
bird attention is fixed on the mysterious
! object, with head erect and motionless.
| Inquisitiye to know the nature OF the
strange monster. now so near its nest,
it flies around in circles, gradually COM
/ ing nearer us its curiosity becomes more
| intense, till it reaches within q short
distance of its enemy's mouth, when he
suddenly seizes his prey. This explains
the nature of the charm; and although
much has been said about the fascinat-
ing eve, it is believed that the enemY's
| peculiar power is best explained by the
weakness of its captive, which is thus
| lured to ruin without an effort to es-
cape. have been credibly informed
| of birds that have been suddenly res
cued, when within few inches of tho
open Jaws ready TO receive them; when
some friendly hand has stirred the OBJ
jects near, so as to cause arustling noise,
alarming and driving away both the bird
and its intruding enemy.
| The principle inpelling to the kind OF
capture above indicated is familiarly ex-
planned by incidents that have come I'M
der the observation of many. Such have
been often witnessed on farms, where
domestic animals have been attracted to
some spot in fields or woods, where
some partly concealed animal has acct
dentally attracted the attention of one
of them. Presently the whole herd are
seen gazing intently at the spot, when,
by sudden motion, the illusion is dis
PEELED, and the true nature of the won-
/ 4CI bCGO1uSS hnOWA W uAA-
q mischievous boy, understanding this
property of grazing animals, by placing
himself behind large stump in past
ure field, and suddenly raising his hat
and Withdrawing it, fixes the attention
of the herd, when, after continuing to
play upon their inquisitiveness for few
moments he will succeed In bringing
them whiting few PAGES of his retreat.
In the forests and lungles of the East,
the boa-constrictor is known to wind
around trees till 1t rests upon limb
overhanging brooks which animals fire.
quent for the purpose of obtaining
drink. Suddenly the boa slips down on
the back OF the animal. which it iInme-
diatelY enfolds; and with crushing pow
er breaks the bones in its body, causing
its death. This il done to large class
of animals. such as goats and fawns.
The serpent then begins to slime over
It's victim, when the operation of swal-
lowing commences-Farm and Fireside.
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