The Fear of Snakes

1893

Why Many Children and Some Grown Persons Dislike Them

There are many authenticated instances of children becoming attached to snakes and making pets of them. The solution of a question of this kind is sometimes to be found in the child mind. My experience is that when young children see this creature, its strange appearance and manner of progression, so unlike those of other animals known to them, it affects them with amazement and a sense of mystery and that they fear it just as they would fear any other strange thing. Monkeys are doubtless affected in much the same way, although in a state of nature, where they inhabit forests abounding with the larger constrictors and venomous tree snakes, it is highly probable that they also possess a traditional fear of the serpent form. It would be strange if they did not.

The experiment of presenting a caged monkey with a serpent carefully wrapped up in a newspaper and watching his behavior when he gravely opens the parcel, expecting to find nothing more wonderful than the familiar sponge cake or succulent banana — well, such an experiment has been recorded in half a hundred important scientific works, and out of respect to one's masters one ought to endeavor not to smile when reading it. A third view might be taken which would account for our feeling toward the serpent without either instinct or tradition. Extreme fear of all ophidians might simply result from a vague knowledge of the fact that some kinds are venomous; that, in some rare cases, death follows swiftly on their bite; and that, not being sufficiently intelligent to distinguish the noxious from the innocuous — at all events while, under the domination of a sudden, violent emotion — we destroy them all alike, thus adopting Herod's rough and ready method of ridding his city of one inconvenient baby by a general slaughter of innocents.

It might be objected that in Europe, where animosity to the serpent is greatest, death from snake bite is hardly to be feared; that Fontana's 6,000 experiments with the viper, showing how small is the amount of venom possessed by this species, how rarely it has the power to destroy human life, have been before the world for a century. And although it must be admitted that Fontana's work is not in the hand of every peasant, the fact remains that death from snake bite is a rare thing in Europe, probably not more than one losing his life from this cause for every 250 who perish by hydrophobia, of all forms of death the most terrible. Yet while the sight of a snake excites in a majority of persons the most violent emotions, dogs are universal favorites, and we have them always with us and make pets of them in spite of the knowledge that they may at any time become rabid and inflict that unspeakably dreadful suffering and destruction on us.

This leads to the following question: is it not at least probable that our excessive fear of the serpent, so unworthy of us as rational beings, and the cause of so much unnecessary cruelty, is partly at all events, a result of our superstitious fear of sudden death? For there exists, we know, an exceedingly widespread delusion that the bite of a venomous serpent must kill and kill quickly. Compared with such ophidian monarchs as the bushmaster, fer de lance, hamadryad and tio polonga, the viper of Europe — the poor viper of many experiments and much (not too readable) literature — may be regarded as almost harmless — at all events not more harmful than the hornet. Nevertheless, in this cold, northern world, even as in the other worlds where nature elaborates more potent juices, the delusion prevails and may be taken into account here, although its origin cannot now be discussed. For my own part I am inclined to believe that we regard serpents with a destructive hatred purely and simply because we are so taught from childhood. — Macmillan's Magazine.

Life in Dreary Iceland; Romance in America

1878

Life in Dreary Iceland

Men and women, masters and servants, all inhabit the same room, while the cleanliness is not much attended to; but poor as they are, and accustomed to great privations, they set an example of cheerful contentment. The beauty of the young girls is remarkable; their fair hair falls in long plaits, partially covered by a black cloth coil, daintily worn on one side of the head, and finished at the top with a tassel of colored silk run through a silver or steel buckle, which floats on the shoulder. It reminds the traveler of the Greek head-dress, but the blue eyes, with their sweet, benevolent expression, soon recall to his mind their Danish origin. The dress is made of the cloth woven in the country, and on festive days the bodice is gaily adorned with silver braid and velvet, while the belt and sleeves are ornamented with silver devices, beautifully chased and often of great value. On wet and cold days the shawl becomes a useful mantilla, completely enveloping the head, and defending the wearer from the effects of the frequent storms. — Chambers' Journal.


Condensed Romance

1878

Who says that there is no romance in practical America? Who says that the days of chivalry and love-making are gone, and that this is a world of ledgers and blue stockings?

Why, the exchange table shows:

(a) that romance begins early: for a Chicago lad of fourteen eloped, last week, with a sweet little miss of thirteen;

(b) that it gets on fast: for a dashing naval officer proposed to a Washington belle last Tuesday, was accepted on Wednesday and married on Saturday;

(c) that it is numerous: for a woman in Coventry, Conn., swears that, like the good wife in Chaucer's tale, she has had seven husbands, and that they have annoyed her all her life by turning up after she had every reason to suppose that they had been hanged as pirates, or carried off by small-pox;

(d) that it is exceedingly uncertain: for "Clara," of Westfield, Mass., broke the engagement the moment she heard that her betrothed had been bitten by a mad dog, on the ground that it would be unsafe to marry a man who might have the hydrophobia;

(e) that it is never too late for it: for a farmer in Massachusetts, who confessed his seventy-third year, hired his neighbor's son to find a wife for him, insisting that she must be young and pretty, and the agent brought to the venerable widower an engaging lass of seventeen, who, rather than work out for a living, professed her willingness to marry him, and to inherit his money in the sweet by-and-by; but the marriage has cost the old man dear, for, besides the commissions charged by the neighbor's son, he has had to give his daughter, who was the bride's senior by eight years, $10,000 outright before she would consent to leave his roof and allow him to enjoy his honeymoon. — New York Tribune.

Hornets Got Him in Tree — and Other Painful Stories

1909

CHESTER, Pennsylvania — His head swathed in bandages, his sight temporarily gone, a leg and arm broken, and a rib splintered, Albert Thachrah, aged 15 years, of Aston Mills, is suffering from the effects of a fierce battle with a nest of hornets.

He was high up in the branches of an apple tree, when, in attempting to save himself from falling, he grabbed a branch to which a huge nest of hornets was attached. Immediately the angered insects began to sting him, and the boy tumbled to the ground, breaking his arm and leg and splintering his rib. Being unable to run, Thachrah was easy prey for the hornets until his cries brought relief and he was carried to a place of safety.


Mad Dog's Scratch Fatal

WAVERLY, New York — A scratch from the paw of a rabid dog was responsible for the death today of George Murray, the 4-year-old child of a local merchant. The boy was playing near his home one afternoon, three weeks ago, with two older boys, when they were suddenly attacked by a strange dog. The other two were bitten and were sent to the Pasteur Institute for treatment as soon as it became known that the dog was made. The Murray child's injury was so superficial, however, that no alarm was felt. yesterday he developed unmistakable symptoms of rabies and died today in great agony.



Tiger Chews Boy's Arm

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — During the arrival of Campbell Bros. show, Ernest Hammond, aged 13, leaned against a tiger's cage and the animal seized his arm, breaking it at the wrist, and lacerating it so that amputation may be necessary. The boy was held by the tiger for ten minutes before the keepers could pry its jaws open with iron bars.

Cat Goes Mad, Needs to Have Head Examined

Pennsylvania, 1922

CAT GOES MAD AND BITES THREE PEOPLE

Three residents of Hawk Run, Mrs. R. R. Schnarrs, Paul Lafey, and Norman Haywood, a child, are receiving treatment in Philipsburg hospitals for serious bites and scratches received from a house cat which suddenly went "loco" and pounced upon the persons named, severely biting them before they could escape its furious attack.

Before the crazy animal was killed it is known to have bit a couple of dogs and is also thought to have attacked other dogs and cats in the community. It is thought the cat was suffering from rabies and its head has been sent to Harrisburg for examination.

—The Clearfield Progress, Clearfield, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1922, page 6.

Local Laconics

Small Happenings About The City and Vicinity.

David Watkins, 81 years of age, has been in a very critical condition. His daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Hammond, of Akron, Ohio, came here Sunday morning to be with her father during his illness.

WANTED—Chestnut oak Tanbark. Apply to Middlesboro Tannery, Middlesboro, Ky.

Organ, in good condition, for sale cheap. Inquire at this office.

Oscar Liebig went to Louisville last Thursday night to enter Dr. Pope's sanatorium for treatment and will probably be there for five or six weeks.

We have just received a big lot of Pianos and Player Pianos, and can save you from $50 to $100 on your piano.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

J. A. McDermott, of Barbourville, came to Middlesboro on business Monday.

G. B. Perkins, a coal man of Williamsburg, Ky., was in town on business Monday.

We are factory distributors for the largest piano manufacturers in the world, and all our pianos come from the factory to the customer. Can save you big money on you piano.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro Kentucky.

A. B. Johnson, of Corbin, came up to Middlesboro Monday on important business.

John Lutz and John A. Creech, of Harlan, were business visitors Monday.

We handle the best brands Pianos made, such as the famous Everett, the artistic Krell, the celebrated Kimball, the well-known Chase. Write for catalogue and terms.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Mrs. E. J. Sanders, of Jefferson City, Tenn., who is visiting Mesdames T. A. and J. L. Sanders, of Shamrock, was in Middlesboro Saturday with them visiting friends and relatives.

We have 12 different brands of Pianos, worth from $150 to §1,000 We can please you. Call and see our big line.—Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Kentucky.

H. B. Willmott, of the K. U. Co. returned to his meter reading and repair work at Pineville Monday, after spending the week-end in Middlesboro.

For any pain, burn, scald or bruise apply Dr. Thomas' Eclectic Oil—the household remedy. Two sizes, 25c and 50c at all drug stores.

Mrs. W. H. Gildersleeve left Monday for her home at Johnson City, Tenn., after a visit of a week with Dr. and Mrs. C. K. Brosheer and other friends.

A prudent mother is always on the watch for symptoms of worms in her children. Paleness, lack of interest in play, and peevishness is the signal for WHITE'S CREAM VERMIFUGE. A few doses of this excellent remedy puts an end to the worms and the child soon acts naturally. Price 25c per bottle. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

P. S. Sampson, of La Grange, Ky., who is with a glassware, oils and paints company of Louisville, was in Middlesboro for the week-end for his firm and as the guest of Orin Lee and Harry Leete.

J. W. and C. C. McLin, the Rose Hill, Va., merchants, were in town on business Monday.

For the stomach and bowel disorders of babies McGEE'S BABY ELIXIR is a remedy of genuine merit. It acts quickly, is pure, wholesome and pleasant to take. Price 25c and 50c per bottle. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

E. D. Rymer, formerly manager of the Singer Sewing Machine Co's office here, but now located at Cincinnati as supervisor of the same firm, was in Middlesboro from Saturday until Monday.

John Dalton, who lately recovered from a sickness of many months, is at Gibson Station, Va., in attendance on his 93-year-old mother, who is very ill.

We have just received a big assortment of Malleable and Eternal Range Stoves. They are the best made. Call and see them at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

John Hutcheson started to work Monday in the F. L. Lee Drug Co's No. 1 drug store.

A. M. Cruse, an auditor from the Lexington office of the K. U. Co., is in this district auditing the books at the various plants of his firm.

There will be a special man from the factory, who will demonstrate the Malleable and Eternal Range Stoves for the next ten days at Gibson Bros., Middleshoro, Ky.

W. H. Gildersleeve, division superintendent of the Union Tanning Co., was in Middlesboro last week inspecting the local plant of his firm.

Mr. and Mrs. T. T. Lyttle and daughter, Annie, moved from the Frazee building Monday to the fourth floor of the Coal & Iron Bank building.

During the next ten days there will be given away free to each and every purchaser of a Malleable and Eternal Range Stove a ten-dollar magnificent set of Aluminum ware, at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Walden and daughter, Nancy Elizabeth, of Chenoa, but until very recently honored inhabitants of Middlesboro, came to town Monday, all to remain here for a week or so visiting friends, except Mr. Walden, who returned to his work at Chenoa Tuesday noon.

The Malleable and Eternal Range Stove will last you a lifetime. Call and see them. It pays to buy the best at Gibson Bros., Middlesboro, Ky.

J. D. Marsee, of Tinsley, Ky., was a business visitor early in the week.

Mrs. R. E. Moore, who is boarding at the Atkinson house and whose husband is employed at Wilhoit, Ky., and spends the week-end here, has as her guests her father, Mr. Kay, and his daughter and her sister. Miss Julia Kay, of Sidney, Ohio.

Bad breath, bitter taste, dizziness and a general "no account" feeling is a sure sign of a torpid liver. HERBINE is the medicine needed. It makes the liver active, vitalizes the blood, regulates the bowels and restores a fine feeling of energy and cheerfulness. Price 50c. Sold by A. T. Smith & Co.

Miss Laura Price, of Pineville, returned to her other home here Tuesday afternoon.

Mrs. C. E. Cooke arrived home on Tuesday morning from a ten-days business trip to Wichita, Kan.

Miss Phronia Evans will return home to-night, accompanied by Miss Alma Carter, one of Norton's most charming and desirable young ladies, who will be here until next Monday morning.

Sweet Potato Slips, 25c per 100; $2.50 per 1000; $4.50 for 2000; in quantities of 3000 or more at $2.00 per 1000. Tomato plants, 10c per doz.; 50c per 100; $3.50 per 1000. Peppers, sweet or hot, 15c per doz.; $1 per 100, Cabbage, 30c per 100; $2.50 per 1000. We have been growing and shipping plants for several years and will have the largest supply that we have ever had. All letters answered promptly. W. D. HURST, Middlesboro, Ky.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Woody, of Fork Ridge, spent first of the week with Mrs. Woody's sister, Mrs. C. Busic.

Miss Rachel Sanford has returned to her home at Tazewell, after two weeks visit with her aunt, Mrs. J. R. Hurst.

Henry Graham, of Harlan, is here on a few days visit with homefolks.

A dog was killed Saturday afternoon and its head shipped to Bowling Green for test and report was received stating that the dog was afflicted with rabies. Mayor Manring issued orders for owners of dogs to keep them on their premises on penalty of having them shot. Eight have in accordance been killed to date.

Harry C. Moss, who is a student at Centre College, Danville, came home to-day for Easter.

T. C. Anderson returned last week from a three-months residence in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Singleton Yeary returned Tuesday from a three-days visit to his cousin and family, Marshall Rowlett, at Rose Hill, Va.

Miss Lizzie May Pearcy, who has been visiting her uncle, John Pearcy, returned to Pennington Gap, Va., this morning.

W. M. Deuel, division superintendent of the Southern Railway at Knoxville, was in town Wednesday.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 8.

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First Boy: - My father's been everywhere.
Second Boy: - Has he been to heaven?
First Boy: - Well, no. But he's been to every place of more than five thousand population. -- Life.

--The Pinnacle News, Middlesboro, Kentucky, April 1, 1915, page 7.