Evening journal., 1916-05-11

Scouts. of Philadelphia:
During recent pleasure trip along
Elk River, at a point called Cove
Point, ex-Scout Gilbert Heacock, Of
Troop lSO. Philadelphia. had narrow
escape from being bitten by a large
black snake measuring four feet
seven inches. and only averted by the
warning and instinct Of an airedale
terrier
While ex-Scout HeacOck was plac-
ing n target in a crotch Of tree, hav-
ing some gun practice. which, al the
base was lmbedded with thick under
grow IN, he unconsciously placed his
foot on snake. and was only pre-
vented from remaining there by the
wonderful conduct Of the terrier that
was with him. The dog seized Hea-
cocks trousor leg and began to tug
until Heacock, thinking something
must be amiss, stepped back where
upon the dog began to bark furiously'
until Mr.. Snake made his presence
known by trying to attack the dog,
who. with the we'll known skill and
daring Of his breed. incensed the rep
/ tile to come out in the open, when
he Immediately seized him behind the
head and shook Il until subdued. When
the terrier had won the fight he laid
the snake down. and. with one foot
on its body. looked up at Heacock.
with all the intelligence that only =
faithful dog a friend OF man can eX-
hibit. as much as to say, Il told you
So" Heacock picked up the snake,
yet alive. and carried IL TO the porch
Of the house where he was staying,
and had others OF his party measure
It. Heacock's father. who was with
him. took photo Of the ex-scout hold
ing the snake up in front OF him.
Heacock has made a study OF snakes
and their habits. under the guidance
Of his father. who is we'll known TO
several Wilmington scouts and scout
officials.
Heacook claims that there are no
more dangerous snakes in this local
| ity. except the copper head. which is
rare i'm this section. To make snakes
perfectly harmless. take silk of any
description: tease the snake until he
opens his mouth: LET the snake take
hold. then pull, and all the teeth will
come with II.
Troop No. held its regular meet
ing at Old Swedes Church. Tuesday
evening. May 2. when the inter-patrol
contest was decided, for the month
OF April
The winners we're the Panther Pa
troll. with an average OF "a points.
The Blue Tortoise Patrol was a
close second. with an average OF % 1-2
points Owing to the close score. the
members Of both patrols will be
awarded prizes.
Troop No. Il. OF Silverbrook. held
its regular meeting on Friday April
2S. The meeting was opened as usual
by senior patrol leader Several cleo
tions were made during the evening
Many OF the boys passed tests for first
class scouts.
Friday. April 2S. being the last
meeting in the month. the merit sys-
ten ended Several boys received ex-
cellent marks.
Dick Taylor. treasurer. selected sew
eral different camping places. but nc
definite one was decided
There will be a meeting on Friday
May 5. at 7.45 O'Clock. sharp. at the
scoutmaster's home Do not fail Ia
attend
The troop went on a hike Saturday
While going along the road we came
in contact with a farmer who was
getting the ground ready to plant
some seed. The man looked as if he
was played out from the hot sun, and
we asked him il we could help him
He told us that he would be more than
pleased If we would assist him. We