Essays on natural history : third series / by Charles Waterton, with a continuation of the autobiography and a portrait of the author.

  • Waterton, Charles, 1782-1865.
Date:
1857
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Essays on natural history : third series / by Charles Waterton, with a continuation of the autobiography and a portrait of the author. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    Aware that Mr. Vangordon’ s box was not well adapted for a scientific examination of the snakes, I had sent on before me, the large glass case which had been made to contain my great ant-bear. Whilst the assembled company seemed at a loss to know how the rattlesnakes were to be transferred from one cage to another, I stepped forward, and volunteered my services, having long been of opinion, that a snake in a box, is not so dangerous as a “ snake in the grass/’ “ Gentlemen,” said I, “ whenever we have to deal with wild beasts, or with serpents, all depends upon nerve and tact. Now, on this occasion, if you will only be spectators mute and motionless, the project which I have determined upon in my own mind, will be carried out with ease and with safety. Having first opened the door of the ant-bear’s cage, in order to receive its new tenants, I cau- tiously approached Yangordon’s box. Scarcely had I lifted up the lid, when one of the serpents, wearied no doubt with long imprison- ment, glided, about half its length, through the opening before it. The company instantly rushed out of the room, as though the apparition of Death were present amongst them. They brought to my mind, those lines of Scotland’s immortal poet.