The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-30

TO take place four or five times in one
year
As snakes have no ears, they are sup
posed to be quite deaf Snakes are very
sensitive to sound when there is a vibra
ton in objects in contact with their bod
les. 1t is said that they have also an APP
probation Of sound through the delicate
nerve Of the tongue
Many positively assert that snakes are
not fond of music. AS a rule, snakes are
fond of music 1 have had them wriggle
about, erect their heads and bodies, to the
sound Of the piccolo and flute. Loud music
such as the cornet and bugle, frightens
them While living in the East, l was
frequently invited by friends to accom-
pany small hunting parties to the forest.
On one occasion l had been out all day,
and our bungalow was left in charge of
servant. On our return, we were in
formed that large and dangerous serpent
had been seen to ascend to the matched
roof and secrete himself there. A fakir was
sent for and came Immediately. Seating
himself, with a companion, on the floor. in
the center of the house, he commenced to
play an instrument similar to a clarinet.
Soon the snake made his appearance, first
showing its head only; gaining confidence,
he soon moved to a position directly over
the head of the musician, letting himself
down full length holding on a minute by
and coiling up directly where the men were
seated, elevating its head and body about
twelve or fourteen inches, swaying back
ward and forward, keeping time to the
music for some minutes, when the must
clans assistant placed a basket over its
head and secured it. Snakes are very tim
id creatures, and always try to avoid man
when they can do so; but when cornered,
and find that they cannot escape, will turn
upon him. have had small garter snakes
do this, and have always given them their
liberty for displaying 50 much courage.
They are easily frightened, but if handled
carefully viii soon become very tame and
familiar Although have studied
them for many years scientifically, l am
always learning something new about
them-some new disclosure in their life
history. So it is in all branches of nature;
therefore, it becomes very important to
note down carefully observations for flu
ture reference and comparison. The prop
er way to study natural history is in the
field There are few works on natural
history that are professionally treated and
many of these are unsatisfactory. Those
who have been obliged to examine care
fully in the hope of collecting original
observations, statements of facts worthy
of repetition, or remarks properly illus
trative to obtain the information desired,
have been sadly disappointed. There is no
ent day study natural history improper
ly. collection of stuffed birds skins,
sea shells, reptiles in alcohol, scientifically
arranged, with Latin names, and. locality,
is all that is required Biology is ignorod!
l am not much surprised at the super
stition which many people entertain about
snakes. Most people have great antipathy
toward them, and the hand of man is all
most universally raised against Them
With the exception of the poisonous kinds
the snake should be protected as a friend
to mankind. They destroy an immense
amount of rats and mice, and are truly a
friend to the agriculturist Many people
have erroneous ideas which were instilled
into their minds in childhood, especially
concerning the serpent, and it is a very
difficult thing to eradicate such ideas OF
long standing. 1t seems incredible that
such things exist, and are countenanced
in this enlightened age, especially by
those who profess to be educated. But
such is a fact; and the object of this ar
ticle is to correct some of the most glar-
ing of these mistakes.