The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-18
SECRETS OF SNAKE CHARMING.
Feats which Are only Tricks of the
Trade.
From the New York Times.


From the New York Times.
A few days ago there appeared in one
of the daily papers a wonderful story OF
a snake which was charmed by the
strains of jew's-harp. The story was to
the effect that a countryman meeting
dangerous reptile in road, was Mortified
at seeing the creature prepare to attack
him. Being an enthusiastic performer up
on the jew harp he Immediately struck
up the tune "St. Patricks Day In The
Morning." which either paralyzed the ter-
pent with astonishment or sent a series
of sentimental chills down its undulatins
vertebrae. At any rate. it discarded all
hostile intentions and became motlonless'
when the countryman mercilessly ground
it's head into the dust
This is an example of the many "snake
stories" which appear constantly before the
eyes Of credulous humanity. II originates,
like all of its kind from superstitiouS
sources Snakes are utterly devoid of any
sense of appreciation of music. They nave
no ears, and, although they may distinguish
vibration of heavy sounds upon their deli
cate scales a voracious hungry serpent ls
entirely ignorant of the presence OF
chlrDln2 DlTQ, pTONlulIiS IL uOCS iiOt 9NN -
scent its prey The familiar exhibitions
of the East Indian fakirs, during which
the deadly cobra is made to dance" to
the music of a flute, have led many to be-
lfeve that these creatures are EXTREMITY
sensitive to the sound OF music. But eX-
hibitions of this character are only tricks
practiced by the clever Hindoo, ana the
cobra. instead of being in a quiescent,
charmed condition, as it waves its body
in, of
ger.
Not long ago large cobra was in the
possession of Dr. Joseph c. Thompson of
the United States navy. This reptile was
purchased by DR.. Thompson in South Al
RIGA 1t was then in possession OF some
professional snake charmers. After IL nad
left their hands it was made to go through
a lively performance without the accom-
paniment of the weird music of the faklr.
The operation of making the cobra
dance is very simple. The reptile has the
characteristic habit of elevating the for
ward part of the body from the ground
when annoyed spreading its neck or hood,
and glaring fiercely al the object OF IT'S
anger. When in this position its keen eyes
watch eagerly for a chance to deliver
deadly blow, observing every movement OF
the object or person in front of it. If one
moves. no matter how slightly, there is
corresponding nervous movement on the
mart of the snake. Here the entire secret
of The snake dance is explained. When
the Hindoo opens the snake basket the
cobras rise om.nously to their peculiar po-
sition of defense. He now commands the
snakes to dance, at the same time be-
ginning a lively tune upon his flute and
swaving his body from side to side in
tipoo 10 the music. The nervous cobras
follow every motion of the supposed
charmer. They are not dancing to the
music. but, intensely angered, are seek
ing to revenge themselves upon their hui
man captor.
The snake charming act of the be-
spangled female, with the giant boas and
pythons at the circus, is even more SIM
pie. The large snakes used In these ex-
hibitions are in the first place of a harm
less nature. Secondly, they are most
inoffensive in their habits. The lazy boa
will lie for hours. or days. motlonless in
its cage when suddenly awakened
from a long nap is utterly Indifferent to
what is going on around 1t. After few
weeks in captivity these huge reptiles be-
come very tame and seem to enjoy being
handled by one familiar with their move
ments. The chief requisites of snake
charmer'' are great elaboration and suf-
ficlent nerve to handle a 10-foot boa or
anaconda without the slightest hesita-
ton. A nervous movement is apt to an
nov the serpent. and cause II to bite, while
If treated gently and handled with move
ments corresponding 20 its sluggish habits
It evinces the utmost good nature.
Accounts have been published of large
snakes coiling themselves about the object
of their annoyance and demonstrating in
an exceedingly uncomfortable. if not dan
gerous, manner the power of their scaly
bodies. This characteristic is popularity
supposed to be commonly resorted 20 by
the "boa constructor" but the idea is pure
" erroneous and originates from an aver
sion to the serpent race from which have
u,v,,yor lnnt4n,erab HE faIlac;es and sinner