per part of the thumb, when the Kaffir's This warning was not to be neglected, for we were in a district which the old maps correctly describe as infested with serpents. For here the deadly cobra might be seen extending his hood as he threatened the approaching traveler. The fat, brilliantly-marked puff-adder was by no means an unlikely object to attract the hunter's attention, as it lazily basked in the sun, and seemed almost unwilling to move even to avoid being trodden upon. Endless varieties of smaller but most venommous serpents were common in the neighborhood, whilst the Natal rock snake was also an inhabitant of the locality, and might be seen of a size quite sufficient to induce caution in the visitor to his retreat, eighteen to twenty-three feet being by no means an unusual length. Thus the cry of "Inyoka," and the excited look of an experienced bush hunter, were sufficient caution to make me follow the Kaffir's example, and to spring to my feet. My attention was then directed to a small bare mound about seven feet from the spot on which I had been sitting, where I immediately saw a large, venomous-looking black snake. It had apparently just become aware of our intrusion, for although coiled up, it had raised its head about two feet, and was examining us. The Kaffir's gun was soon pointed at the reptile, but I would not allow him to fire, as we were in pursuit of large game, and expected to meet some buffaloes in a few minutes. A stout stick was quickly cut from a tree, and with it the black snake was assaulted. The monster was very vicious; it lunged forward at us, coiled and turned in every conceivable manner; but our agility was more than a match for all the serpent's cunning, and there in the wild wood the battle terminated in favor of man. The snake was fully six feet long, and quite a foot in circumference, whilst its deadly poisonous fangs were three quarters of an inch in length. After the snake had been killed, the Kaffir cut off its head, which he then carefully buried, a precaution not unnecessary where men walk about with bare feet. I then listened to a tale from my dark companion, and heard how a certain old Kaffir, who had been discovered bewitch 531 ; ing the cows in the kraal, and had used certain incantations to prevent an increase in the population, was banished from the village. The fact was announced to me, and changed himself into a black snake, that the bad old man thirsted for revenge, similar in all respects to that just slain. He then glided around the kraal, watching for victims, and at length succeeded in biting the most ancient Kaffir in the kraal, who died soon after the sun had set. "Chingarna yena!" (He was a rascal.) consisting of small roughly-made wattled The fences made by the Kaffirs, and hurdles, were favorite resorts for snakes and once, while climbing over one of these, I narrowly escaped the dart of a cobra. The fence was about four feet in height, and was so constructed that when any person trod on the upper portion he unavoidably compressed the various branches and sticks beneath him. a cobra was either crawling through this fence, or had located himself in it at the It happened that time of my climbing to the summit, and thus my weight caused the sticks to squeeze the body of the reptile. Fortutime I saw the head of the snake shoot nately I was looking down, and just in out from the hurdle. I sprang, as may be imagined, quickly and far, and was well out of reach when the head of the monster was thrown over the top of the hurdle, just at the spot where an instant before my feet had been placed. The cobra did not approve of having his body pinched, but still less must he have liked the penetration of his head by a broad-bladed Zulu assagy, a fate that quickly followed his attempt upon my life. bia, sheltered by its shade, and almost Beneath the branches of a giant Euphorlulled to sleep by the monotonous sound of a little bubbling mountain stream, I reclined one day, after a very successful foray amongst the guinea fowl which were occasionally found near the Bushman's river, a locality situated about one hundred and twenty miles inland from Port Natal. A quantity of long grass, which had been washed down quite flat, grew on each side of the little rivulet, and on this several dead branches were scattered, and old trunks of trees grouped, left in their places by the last periodical brownish-colored snake gliding towards flood. Over this grass I observed a large me. the broad arrow form of head, showed me His large size, and the absence of that he was not venomous; I therefore allowed him to approach me, whilst I remained perfectly still. Although I did not alter my position in the least, he yet became aware of my presence by some means, for he suddenly stopped when within twenty paces of me, then changed his direction, and took up a position under an old stump, from which he eyed me most suspiciously. His colors were very beautiful, and there was a bloom upon his skin somewhat similar to that which we see on a ripe plum. He was evidently puzzled at my appearance, but seemed not in the least afraid; whilst I, knowing that I could shoot him at any time if inclined to do so, had no hesitation in re maining within twenty paces of a snake fully twelve feet in length. After examining me for about two minutes the snake gradually approached me, keeping its head slightly raised, and looking steadily at my eyes. Its approach. was so slow, and there was no break in it, such as that made by putting one foot before the other, that I felt an almost irresistible inclination to remain still and quiet, and allow the snake to glide on towards me. Had the snake been forty feet in length, or had I been no bigger than a rabbit, I believe that, unless by a considerable exertion of the will, I should not have felt disposed to move. If the snake had been compelled to advance by a series of steps, each one would then have repeated the warning, and would have intimated that it was dangerous to stay; but the gliding, insidious approach of the snake appeared to produce a wish to wait until some decided movement should be taken by the reptile. Shaking off this singular temporary sensation by a decided action of the will, I raised myself on my elbow and stretched out my hand for my gun. The snake observing the movement stopped, and elevated its head, which it waved slightly in a horizontal direction. It was now not more than ten paces from me, and although tolerably certain that it was not a poisonous snake, yet, for fear of a mistake, I deemed it prudent to ward it off, and intimated my idea by means of a broken branch which I threw at it. The snake appeared disinclined to leave me, but yet slowly glided away, stopping occasionally to look round, as though desirous of further acquaintance. I let him go; our interview had been so close and so mysterious, that I could not have killed him. There was also something wild and interesting in thus alone making the acquaintance of a reptile in its native wilderness, in observing some of its peculiarities, and in feeling slightly that singular power by means of which there is no doubt many of the serpent race occasionally obtain their prey. It is by no means pleasant, when seated on the ground in localities where poisonous snakes abound, to place your hand unconsciously on a cold, moist creature, which immediately wriggles away from beneath it. I experienced this effect on the grassy flat of Natal, when waiting for my horse to be caught by my second Kaffir, my head man being seated opposite to me. Seeing my start and the alarm expressed in my face, the wily black hunter merely smiled, and said, "Not a snake; only a lizard." "I don't know," I replied; "neither of us has seen it," the grass being too long to admit of our doing so at a glance. "Yes," replied the Kaffir, "but a snake always glides over the grass, never through it near the roots; whilst a lizard glides between the roots, low down. Only a lizard." Having repeatedly heard of a very large snake, which was said to live on the banks of the Umganie river, I frequently went in search of it. The Kaffirs who had seen the creature estimated its length to be about thirty or thirty-five feet, considerably above the average length of the Natal rock snake. Whilst searching for this giant among his fellows, I had interviews at different times with three members of the same family, one of which was twenty-two feet in length. Powder and shot are far too much for these reptiles, and on a case of emergency I am convinced that an active man with a sharp knife would prove too much for a Python of twenty feet in length. One of the Pythons slain gave me great trouble in skinning, as I was at the time unacquainted with the orthodox way of divesting a snake of his hide. My attempt consisted in passing a knife under a portion of the skin, and ripping it up in the same manner that a rabbit's skin is taken off. This was the wrong method entirely. The correct plan is as follows: Get the skin cleared off the head and off a few inches of the neck of the snake, and turn the skin thus separated inside out. A FEW INTERVIEWS WITH SNAKES. 533 Then fasten the snake's head firmly | hand on the very animal that I was tryup to a high branch, so that the snake is ing to avoid. Any doubts that I might hung clear of the ground. Either by the have had as regarded the cause of the aid of the branch, or of the snake, cling noise were set at rest by my feeling a cold to the animal in the same manner as sailors object just touch the top of my head as it grasp by a rope. Keep the legs firmly glided past me, and seemed to halt by the hold of the snake's body, and grasp the side of my pillow. I was now perfectly separated skin with the hands; then by aware that if the snake were venomous I gradually allowing the hands to bear the was in extreme danger of being bitten; weight of the body, the skin is dragged for to move even might irritate the creaoff from the snake, and comes down in- ture which was now so close to me. To side out. although it was a severe trial to my wait, therefore, appeared most prudent, nerves; and when listening to the longdrawn breaths of my companions, I could not but envy their safe and unconscious condition. Snakes as a rule retire during the night to some secure retreat, but when the heat is very intense, even at night they will make a journey from their holes in search of food, or for some other reason. then that they are particularly dangerous, It is for they can not be seen, in consequence of the darkness, and thus they may be approached or trodden on unconsciously. They may also find themselves chilly, and may endeavor to obtain warmth by nestling close to a sleeper, who upon waking may by accident squeeze the reptile, and thus cause it to bite. have been ten minutes, that I lay almost It might have been one hour, it might fearing to breathe, when I heard one of my companions cease to snore, and begin to turn on his blanket. to break the silence, but I fancied there was a chance of release. Scarcely moving It required courage my lips, I asked in a low tone if he were awake. quick yet perfectly awake manner that a "Yes; why ?" he answered, in the light sleeper usually adopts when sudden menced with his box of lucifers to obtain a My nerves were once somewhat severely tried during the night; the circumstances were as follows. Having joined two friends, who were combining eland shoot-ly aroused. ing and the examination of the supposed residence of a predatory tribe of Bush-strike a light if you can, for there is a "Don't move much," I repeated, "but men, we had encamped for the night, and snake close to my head, and I daren't retired to rest in a bell tent. My two move." companions were soon asleep, whilst I could only obtain a temporary doze, the distant howl of a hyena, and some other similar noises, being sufficient to prevent me from sleeping soundly. More than once I fancied that there was a slight rustling noise near my head, but upon listening intently I believed that the wind was sufficient to have caused it. After some time had elapsed, however, I became convinced that something was moving on the blanket which served me for a pillow. My first intention was to put out my hand to feel what was there, but remembering that snakes were common in the neighborhood, I fortunately remained quiet. Again and again the creeping noise was audible, and then all would be still and silent. I knew that, unless alarmed or in self-defense, a poisonous snake would, in nearly every instance, rather avoid than attack a person; and therefore as long as I remained quiet, so long was I safe; whilst if I moved I might tread or put my lumined the interior of the tent, I heard a suggestion immediately acted upon, be- we intimated to the "body," as we flung it | on the nearly extinct bivouac fire, where the poison would be effectually burnt out, and all danger of treading on the head avoided. pace in either instance, I am certain, from the manner of the snake, that I should have been bitten. But there are, I believe, times when the poisonous snakes are oppressed by a superabundance of poison, and then they are impelled to bite any thing which their instinct tells them will enable them to get rid of their surplus stock of venom. The poison of the snake appears to act upon the circulation, and death seems to be caused by the circulation becoming These are some few of the interviews that I have had with snakes, but during some four years' residence in various thinly inhabited portions of South-eastern Africa, and when wandering day after day in the bush, along the ravines or over the plains, serpents became quite familiar objects, and unless something unusual hap-more and more feeble, until the heart at pened were merely knocked on the head, and no note made thereof in the memorandum-book. The interviews which I have had with various members of the serpent race induce me to adopt the following opinions in connection with them. In the first place, nearly always a poisonous snake will, if possible, escape at once from a man, and will not attempt to bite him unless in self-defense. On two occasions I almost placed my foot upon a snake which was concealed in long grass. The creatures were both poisonous, and each rose and drew back his head as though to strike; but fortunately I did not move a muscle, and the snake in a very few seconds lowered his head and glided away; one was a large cobra, and the other a smaller species, and very like the cobra. Had I advanced but half a length ceases to beat. Any thing, therefore, that would produce an increased action of the heart ought to be a useful remedy. Thus strong stimulants, or even running about, has been found highly beneficial in cases of snake bites. To suck the poison from out of the wound is also a remedy, whilst it is always a safe plan to bind a ligature tightly round the limb and above the part bitten; thus the poison is as it were insulated, and prevented from acting on the whole body. The failure of chemical tests to discover any thing very peculiar in the venom of a serpent, as well as several other facts in connection with the action of these subtile agencies on the human frame, remind us that there is yet a large volume to be read in explanation of the mysteries of human life. REMAINS IN VERSE AND PROSE OF ARTHUR HENRY | & Fields have given to the public in their usual neat HALLAM. With a Preface and a Memoir. ton Ticknor & Fields. 1863. Bos HENRY HALLAM, the historian, suffered a severe bereavement a number of years ago, in the early death of a most talented and promising son, who bid fair to become one of the most eminent writers in England. A second bereavement deprived him of another son almost of equal promise. The rich volume which Messrs. Ticknor & Fields now give to the American public contains the fruits of the gifted pen of Arthur Hallam, which are of a high order, and will be read with interest by all who appreciate his talents and beautiful thoughts. IN WAR TIME, AND OTHER POEMS BY JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER, Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1864. THESE war songs, which Mr. Whittier has struck from his well-tuned harp, and the Messrs. Ticknor and attractive dress, will stir the hearts of all whose WHITE'S VEGETABLE EXTRACT FOR THE HAIR. After long trial and much experience of hair tonics and preservatives, we volunteer an expression of entire preference of this extract and its good qualities for all purposes which the bair requires, over and beyond any thing we have tried. This natural and important to be trifled with or injured if it can and ornamental covering of the head is too valuable be prevented. We commend it for its usefulness and its cheapness. Made by P. A. White, Chemist, New-York. LITERARY MISCELLANIES LIFE OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.-All lovers of his- | tory will be glad to know that the life and times of Sir William Johnson, who was general superintendent of Indian affairs in this country, before the Revolution, is soon to be given to the public, by William L. Stone, Esq. The historic incidents of those early days can not fail to be deeply interesting. The materials for the work have been derived chiefly from original papers furnished by the family of Sir William, from his own diary, and other sources which have never before been consulted. The work is highly commended by George Bancroft, Esq., and other eminent historians, who are amply qualified to judge of its merits and of the industry and ability of the biographer, Mr. William L. Stone. It will be a rich addition to the historic literature of our country. GEOGRAPHICAL STUDIES. By the late Professor CARL We are glad to announce the publication in this STORIES OF OLD; OR, BIBLE NARRATIVES SUITed to THE CAPACITY OF YOUNG CHILDREN. BY CAROLINE HADLY. Illustrated by Six Engravings. First series-Old Testament. New-York: Sheldon & Co. 1863. THE number of stories in this volume is fifty; extending from the Creation, as given in Genesis, to the story of Daniel in the den of lions. come and commend all well-told stories which have We welfor their foundation the facts or historic incidents of the Bible. They are always instructive and al ways interesting, as few other narratives are to an equal degree. But it requires a peculiar talent and rare acquirement to embody the Bible narratives in new and fresh language in that pure and attractive dress which the case requires. We believe the authoress has performed her part well in this attempt at Scripture narrative, and we trust both the authoress and the publishers will find an ample reward for their labors. STORIES OF OLD; OR, BIBLE NARRATIVES. By the same authoress and publishers. Second seriesNew Testament. With the same number of illustrations, and also fifty stories to the Ascension of our Saviour to heaven. THESE two series, making a hundred stories, we hope will be read with interest and profit by those for whom they are designed. On one word we offer a criticism. In writing of Moses in the bulrushes, and the holy child Jesus, the authoress uses the word baby. We submit that this is not a Bible word. Babe is the preferable word. 535 THE ANABASIS OF XENOPHON; chiefly according to all lovers and students of classic Greek literature in PROF. OWEN has rendered an eminent service to Anabasis. The learning, talents, and long study of the Greek language render Prof. Owen amply and preparing this new and beautiful edition of the richly qualified for this work which he has so well performed. We take pleasure in indicating the excellences of the work. 1. Its clear and beautiful Porsonian type, and the valuable and accurate map which accompanies it. vised edition, and the latest and best results of philo2. The notes have all been re-written in the relogical learning applied to the elucidation of the text. cles, Crosby, and Hadly. Prof. W. W. Goodwin, of 3. Abundant references to the grammars of SophoHavard University, has contributed a table of referfor the study of the Greek language. Prof. Owen ences to his moods and tenses of the Greek verb, has availed himself of all means within his reach to thus rendering the book a most complete apparatus render perfect in all respects this beautiful volume. dents of the Greek language, both in schools and We commend it to the attention of scholars and stucolleges. SIGNING THE COMPACT.-We invite attention to an advertisement on another page of a valuable and beautiful historic print-engraving entitled the Signing of the Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower, by that memorable voyage to this western world, and just noble band of Puritans near the close of their ever before their landing on Plymouth Rock. An attentive perusal of the description of the engraving in the advertisement will impart an impression of its subject; the historic event which it preserves; the interesting historic value. The character of the the perils of old ocean in their stormy passage to noble band of devoted men and women who braved Plymouth; their appearance as represented in the cabin of the Mayflower; the twenty portraits which large engraving, make it well deserving a place, are there preserved, and the artistic beauty of the neatly framed, on the parlor walls of any dwelling. titled Pelayo, rich in the gathered charms and roTHE MOORISH OLDEN TIME.-An epic poem en from the graphic and gifted pen of a lady of this mances of the old chivalrous age of Spanish history, city, is now passing through the press of the AppleEmpire State, has gemmed her book with poetic beau tons. The authoress,a niece of Ex-Gov. Throop, of the ties, gathered with admirable taste, talent, and judg Spanish history in the olden time of the Moors. The ment from the wide fields and martial scenes of subject, the scenes, the historic allusions, the graphic rich poetic drapery and singularly felicitous rhythm delineations, the almost word paintings, clothed in so difficult of execution in such a theme, indicate mantic story, admirably told in song. The heroine rare poetic talent. and numerous attendants all appear and act well the 'Pelayo" is the hero of the ro parts assigned them in the various panoramic scenes. Bryant, Bancroft, and Willis, full competent judges |