The sun., 1894-08-19
FREAKS OF CONNECTICUT BE4srs.
The Lo.G Dry spell Has Stimulated Then
60 Play Trick. with snakes.

ASsoSIA, Aug. 1T.-Connecticut beasts have
been showing their enterprise during the dry
spell. Mrs. J. Z. Reemer OF West Ansonia
owns a big cat, which is the mother ot twp
hopeful kittens. Several days ago the old cat
brought into the house one OF those harmless
little green reptiles known as grass snakes.
Dropping II on the parlor carpet she called hc-
two kittens to see It and taught them how -
play with II. The two youn gsters. believing that
whatever their ma did must be about right. Went
out the next day TO emulate her. One of
them, after hunting about the yard and eardoa
all the morning without finding SNAKE
strolled into the parlor in the afternoon with al
angle worm large enough TO tempt the biggest
couldn't find snake or worm. but ouS in the gar
den came plump upon sedate. old toad. Catch
into the house and laid it by the side of the
worm. on the carpet. Their both kittens played
to be horriied at the exhibition OF sagscity.
The old mother cat saw with pride how nicely
sstistied M with little nree1 D'I snske. AK ~ So I shs
trotted of 10 swamp half way up to Seymour,
and late in the afternoon came in with fat
her mistress to admire. Mrs. Reemer screamed
and jumped upon chair. while the adder
cat. The latter stood aside. as II wondering
why IL wasn't petted. Mrs. Reemers screams
Albert steves. who lives on Silver Hill in this
city. has a small terrier hich Is a noted snake
hunter. silver Hill Is out IN the country, and adj
ders are numerous thereabouts. This dog has
killed six OF the hathead are said Ia
be poisonous without being bitten. Besides this
he has brought in a large number Of the ordina-
~ striped and green snakes. Last week the dog
went out into the lots alone, and came back
just q. night with the biggest black snake ever
seen hereabouts. II measured five and one-hAt
feet in length and was big around as a
broom handle. A hired man the dog
tackle the snake and knowing his ability in that
line did not interfere. but watched the combat.
The snake put up pretty good fight meeting
the dogs attack with vicious thrusts of its heaG,
and trying TO get its body around the dog To
squeeze 1t. The terrier was too active for thai.
and at last caught the reptile back of the head
breaking its neck and killingit.
Harry Windisch OF Derby has q fine flock ~
chickens, and one OF them, youngster OF last
other day Mr.. windisch noticed this particular
chicken acting very peculiarly. IL stood on one
leg. and danced and twirled itself around as II
initiating skirt dancer. Then she would lift
from side TO side. all the time keeping upa
chirping sound as IL furnishing music for her
own dance. Suddenly she thrust her heal
down, and when IL came up she had q gras|
snake half way down her throat. She had a
hard time OF IL. When she stopped TO swallow
the snake wriggled back a few inches Then
she clutched him with her bill and swallowed
another portion.
Her actions had aroused the interest OF all the
hen took hand in She grabbed the tail OF the
snake and pulled. The chicken at the other end
also pulled. IL really seemed as IL the snak-
clucks from the old hen caused the chicken T.
open her mouth to demonstrate. Then the old
hen sat back on her tail. the snake gave II
twitch, and, finding himself at liberty coiled
ready To- night The surprise OF the old hen Al
hen AT losing her prey gave the snake time "
collect itself and wtggle away in the grass.