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TH1T PITTSBURG- DISPATCH SUNDAY APRIL 3, 3892.
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A HUNTER OF SNAKES.
Naturalist O'fieilly Eelates
Thrilling Adventures.
Some
A BIG BOA UXDEE A LADY'S BED.
How
He Lived in Africa With a
Full of 'Hissing Keptiles.
Boom
WHERE LIFE DEFENDS UPOX SKILL
Mr. G. K. O'Beilly, a member of the
Eoyal Zoological Society of Ireland, has
made snakes the study of his life. Astudent
of literature and philosophy, he has irom
childhood surrounded himself with birdi
and beasts, and things that creep and crawL
Oa the dry karoo of South Africa, in the
oranf e groves of Andalusia, on the waters
of the Orinoco, in the forests of "Venezuela,
among the mountains of Columbia, the ruins
of Central American cities, or the swamps
of Staten Island, he has ever kept up his
untiring snake hunt Hi3 exertions have
from time to time enriched the zoological
gardens of London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin,
Philadelphia and .New York with snakes
that were large, beautiful or rare.
The most extensive and representative
collection of living snakes ever seen in this
country was that which he left on view 3t
Central Park, Kew York, during last sum
mer, to which considerable attention was
drawn by the newspapers at the time. The
largest part of it is now in the Zoological
Garden at Philadelphia, He is at present
in New York uncertain whither the weather-cock
of inclination may next point to.
To his pen The Dispatch is indebted
forthe following sketch of his strange hunt
ing, and of the methods he uses in catching
deadly snakes:
The Story or a Snake Hunter.
Though for years I have hunted and cap
tured snakes in various regions of the world
famous for reptile wonders, still it was in
South Africa that I had my earliest and
most startling experiences. There it was
that in a church, at prayer time, I caught a
and wander abroad in the shades of evening;
to seek food or drink, or meet their mates
in the wood path. Oitenest, where the ferns
wave in the crannies and screen him from
view in the deceiving light of their flutter
ing shadows, will the hunter find the rattler
taking his midday siesta. Yes, there he is!
lying close in an angle of the lichen-grown
rock. You can see him through the
leafy curtain. I'll press back the feral
with my stick and leave him clear of shade.
See how he lies, so beautifully mottled with
variations ot black and brown and gray,
with here and there a tinge of yellow. Al
though be is not colored like the rock nor
yet like the dried leaves or withered sticks,
still he harmonizes with all an indistinct
mass hf blending tints, arranged in nature's
beautiful way, in a certain irregular regu-
4 hi.
mBBaaBKS f
G. R. O'RexlJy.
snake gliding about among the kneeling
worshipers. It was there, also, that I
made close acquaintance with the spitting
cobra, vib.n, in catch'.nsj him, he squirted
out the venom in clear drops upon my face.
And it was likewise in the same and land
that, having secjred a young puff adder,
with nothing at hand to carry him home in,
I unscrewed one of the lenes of my large
binocular and safely stowed him therein. In
the college at Grahamstown I kept no less
than 40 or 50 snakes in my bedroom, many
of them run-iing about loose; and one of
these pests, a fatnale cobra (sepedon hse-machate-0,
aurprised me at bedtime on a
Saturdav night by depositing 18 young ones
on the dresOng table.
On entering that room the scene of hiss
ing and wriggling was startling to a
stranger. Its fame, safer than anv lock,
rendered the place an arcanum sacred to the
vhite "nmtacati," as the natives called me,
into .-hich no Kafir servant or workman
would dare to enter. I have carried snakes
"in my pockets in street cars and railroad
trains; and, bv the bye! once, on the crowded
sidewalk of Fifth avenue, Hew York, I was
unable to salute a lady because I had one iu
my hat.
A Tellow Boa Under a Bed.
The day after my arrival on the Isthmus
of Panama a friend sent his card requesting
that I would kindly come over to breakfast
and to do him the favor of catching a boa
pnndrictnr linilpr 1i?o luj Tr- jjj
..... . ..... tvu auuea
naively: "Encoutez Ies soupris de madame,
qui a la fete converte, encore se couche ae
cablee de peur, craignante de mettre dehors
du lit ses douces pieds." Mr stars! The
lady in bed with her head cohered up.
Mentally praying she would keep so, I
seized my hunting stick and a sack to stow
the beast in and hurried o2 without either
hat or coat Eight enough. There were
the bedclothes gathered up in a heap, while
from the bundle Droeeeded a murmur of
sighing and praying. My friend, with his
negro servants, crowded at the door. I
dropped on my knees at the bedside and
peeped beneath.
There was a great yellow tree boa coiled
in the remotest corner. It was impossible
to get at him there, but a jerk of the stick
soon shot him out into the middle of the
floor. The negroes fled screaming "Mv
---& ---.- ...otii iuuuit ana sprang
at me fiercely, while lrom the bed came a
larity, causing the eye to lose him, as it
were, in the sameness of his surroundings.
Stoop gently over him. He will not fly at
you. Is he asleep? Who can tell? Yet
his eyes are wide open round glassy balls
or gray, with a vertical pupu use me cms.
They never close, even when he sleeps. He
is ever thus wide-eyed, gazing alike on the
mysteries of day and night.
Catching a Kattlemako.
I touch him gently. The quiet coil be
gins to move within itself. He draws back
his head slightly. The tail, with its warn
ing rattle, starts up vertically from the cen
ter of convolution and the signal of alarm
is given. It vibrates so rapidly that the
eve cannot follow the movement. 'Tis a
blur upon the sight To the ear it is like
the rustling of withered leaves with some
resemblance to the whirring song of the
cicada. I touch him gently again, that the
head may be thrust forward clear of the
coils. Aha! There it comes. I press with
the bent stick on his neck gently but firmly
to the ground. Then stooping, steadying
the stick with my knee, I take him with
my hand around the neck, close behind the
jaws. ,In this way he cannot turn to bite.
Into one of the bags I have with me I drop
him, tail foremost, and carry him offin tri
umph. Other dangerous snakes of the same fam
ily are the copperhead and the water moc
casin, the former inhabitingthe hillside and
the latter the rivers of the Southern States.
Both these and the rattler are loth to strike,
and even when provoked will often be satis
fied with one bite. They are not to De com
pared for size or venom to the terrible Fer
de Lance. Unlike them, although belong
ing to the same family, he will strike again
and again, and is the cause of great mortal
ity where he exist', causing death often in a
few moments. Over the whole earth there
is none to compare with him, except the
notorious cobra of India. Although not a
water snake, he is fond of the river and of
the flat lands in its vicinity, seldom being
met with in the hills.
The Terrible Fer De Lance.
This denizen ot the reedy swamp and
sedgy river bank is found over the whole
north of the South American continent as
well as the islands of Trinidad, St Lucia
and Martinique. Of a dull yellowish or
clay tinted ground-color, he is ringed with
irregular, blackish bands narrowing to
wards the back and broadening downwards.
This arrangement of coloring makes him ex
tremely difficult to discern on the flat al
luvial lands.
One day as I sat on the bank of river
under a spreading mora tree I found myself
unexpectedly in the neighborhood of a large
Fer de Lance. The tall reeds of the opposite
bank were reflected In the placid stream. I
felt inclined to rest but was startled by a
sharp squeak from a bunch of weeds jnst be
low on a stretch of sand by the water. The
birds heard it too and showed .their agita
tion. Having no doubt ofits being a snake,
I climbed down to reconnoitcr. Seeing
nothing on one side of the weeds, I passed
to the other where lay a great log of drift
wood half buried in the sand. As there
was nothing to be seen there either, I put
forward the long stick and pressed back the
spreading leaves which shadowed the log,
bat what was my horror to find myself
within striking distance of a large Fer de
Lance half hidden in the weeds, and hold
ing in his mouth a goodly-sized water rat
Quickly I jumped backward; nor less quick,
did he relinquish his prey and throw him
self into a posture of defense.
Saved by an Instant's Delay.
Bnt to this momentary delay I owed my
safetr. To take a rattlesnake or a copper
head is easy, bnt for s Fer de Lance especial
care and promptness are requisite, for be
strikes repeatedly and with precision to a.
much greater distance.- As fie lay in a dis
advantageous position, it-was necessary to
shift him before making the attempt When
the stick was thrust in to dislodge him he
strnck Sercely several times; bnt finally
ciiuuu on toward me water, immediately
1 bounded forward to-nfn hfm tn thA nmtnnri
by the neck, but calculated wrongly, the
stick catonlng him several inches from the
head, so that be turned and bit it angrily.
For a moment I was puzzled. It was impos
sible to roll it down toward the head on ac
count of the bend at the bottom; so seizing
a favorable opportunity, when he ceased
biting, a dexterous movement transferred it
close enough to his jaws to allow my flngeis
to clasp his throat with security. Not with
out much wriggling and twining round my
arms did he resign himself to captivity.
While the rattlesnake -nrefera the wood.
land border and the unfrequented copse
and the moccasin and Fer de Lance oonflne
themselves to the flat lands by the river, the
bnshmaster roams over hilly regions in the
depths of the vast forests of South America,
where every bird and beast, even the fierce
Jaguar, leaves him undisputed king. With
A B, and being nnlnvolved, he can strike
to C; while in the line to D he loses his sup
port and his striking distance is reduced
one-balf. G. B. O'Bxiut.
'
fanes of wohdrous length and poison ex
ceedingly copious, 'tis especially his great
length, and consequent power of striking to
such a remarkable distance that renders
him truly the terror of the woods.
Power of the Bnshmaster.
He grows to the length of from 8 to 10 feet,
and has been found 13. Now deadly snakes
can usually launoh themselves to a distance
equal to two-thirds or even three-fourths of
their own length. What, then, must be the
peril of attempting to take an 8 ot 10-foot
bnshmaster with an 8-foot stick. The strik
ing distance depends altogether on the man
ner of the coll. If this is well laid he has
full power. But if, on the contrary, as is
usually the case, it is entangled within Itself
or with surrounding roots or branches, his
striking distance is curtailed. Should he be
encountered with untrammeled coil the
hunter must keep at a resoeotful distance
and force him to shift his position until he
becomes involved so as to reduce the biting
range and so allow a safe approach. Then
even me great ousnmaster may oe tasen
with little risk, as I once did a very large
one in the forests or Trinidad, although, bad
his coil been well laid, he could have struck
me in the face oi breast whet e I stood.
The accompanying diagrams show the
comparative distances to which a poisonous
snake can striko under various couditions.
In figure 1. with support on A B. be will
Strike to, C. In figure 2, without support, he
Din
SUCCESS TO WHOM IT IS DDE.
Faller & Cos Spring Opening.
As pretty a sight as one can see in a day's
walk is the one presented at the popular
clothing house or Sailer & Co., eor. Smith
field and Diamonds streets. A half hour
conld not be spent more pleasantly or profit
ably than by paying a visit of inspection
through this well-known establishment
The scene in one of the mammoth show
windows represents a "Spring Opening" of
fashionable ready-made clothing, artis
tically and beautifully displayed, while the
otner winuow is neatly ana attractively ar
ranged with all the nobby designs in plece
oloths for custom tailoring. To the left and
ngnt respectively as yon enter are
located the furnishing goods depart
ment and bat department On this
floor also is the enstom tailoring de-
artment under the personal charge of
Er. Sailer. The display on this floor is
simply immense. New suitings and trouser
ings In endless variety are here for inspec
tion, and ready to be made up peerless in
design, fit and workmanship, for which lir.
Sailer is so well noted.
But the climax Is capped when the men's
and boys' clothing department on the second
floor is reached. Friends and old patrons of
dauoi a irv. numu unieiy rocogulxo It. The
change is wonderful, and the sight that
greets the eyo Is original, noveland striking.
All this was wrought during the past month
by Mr. John O'Bara, the well-known nnlon
contractor, who nndertook the Herculean
task or entirely Removing n brick wall six
teen (16) inohes thick which separated the
rooms. With an endless amonnt of trouble
aud numerous obstacles to contend with,
Mr. O'Hara, with the aid of a small army of
workmen, successfully accomplished the un
dertaking. Painters. plasterers. cap.
? tenters, kalsominers, etc., put on
be finishing touohes, resulting in
the whole floor being transformed into a sur
prisingly large, commodious and well-lighted
salesroom, filled with long rows of tables
piled mountain high with stacks upon staoks
of stylish spring clothing for men, boys and
children, marked in plain figures at popular
low prices. Long and spacious aisles for visi
tors, and eighteen (18) large win
dows supply light and ventilation
seoond to none in the city. In
Short, with all the advantages of enlarged
space and Increased facilities, the progres
sive and pushing firm of Sailer & Co. invite
their friends, customers and the public in
general to come and Inspect the result of
their labor, taste and Judgment, as shown in
their remodeled store, and pass their op lnlon
thereon. Come in any day you please, but
be sure and cotne.
SPRING
GRAND
OPENING
-OIsT-
WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 1892. WEDNESDAY
We extend to you a cordial invitation to visit our spacious stores, corner TENTH STREET AND PENN AVENUE
We will show you the finest selection of FURNITURE, CARPETS and HOUSEHOLD GOODS ever before displayed in West
ern Pennsylvania.
Insist Upon Getting Excelsior
Crackers, manufactured bv E. Maglnn, 91S
and 915 Liberty Btreet, Pittsburg; 0 Federal
street, Allegheny.
A Fifth avknue property, near Market
street, for sale at auction. See lilack &
Baird's ad., 11th page. su
Order Tour Easter Shit Now
Of Sailer & Co, corner Smithfleldand Dia
mond streets. Every fabrlo, shade and
style in spring goods are in at prices lower
than ever. wsbu
otn
ho will not strike beyond C and
i those
directions. In figure 3, with support on
A B, and being free in the line to E, he can
strike to that point; while in the line to D a
kink, at C, will prevent his striking beyond
that point. In figure t, with support on
x5$ Ap
I'LL BET A THOUSAND
Dollars that there is no imitation of Dia
monds that can compare in any way with
VOLTAIC DIAMONDS.
I'll bet $2,000 that no Jeweler can sell yon
Voltaic Diamonds except
B. E. ARONS, 'jeweler, Sole Owner,
66 FIFTH AV. np3-3twsu
Whether you wish to buy or not, COME AND SEE US. You will be entertained and instructed. GENTLEMANLY
SALESMEN will show you through the various departments, and will quote you prices that will surprise you.
Every Lady Visiting Our Stores on the Above Date
Will Receive a Useful Present
HOn this date store will be open until 10 p. m. Sgr lpSCASH OR EASY PAYMENTS"
P
Cor. Tenth Street
AND
Penn Avenue.
COMPLETE
HOUSEFURNISHERS
" . 1 1
H- n.
Oolching the Rattler.
HATS.
OUR APRIL SHOWERS!
SHOWERS OF GOODS AND SHOWERS OF DOLLARS
Spring has come. The season of flowers, sunshine and gladness is here. The flowers of fashion that bloom in our Garden of Values furnish a feast
for contemplation that outrivals Nature. Jove of old came to Danae in a shower of gold. We come to you in a shower of bargains. Seasons may
come and go; spring beauty will depart, but we remain. We build no castles in the air, but deal in solid facts, and those who trade with us remain also.
Our fair dealing, honest values and low prices make PUBLIC PATRONAGE PERMANENT. -:- -:- -:- -.- -:- -:- -:- -:-
SPRING
SUITS.
SPRING
OVERCOATS.
SPRING
PAOTS.
terror stricken cry
suis malheureuse!
O Mon Dieu! Qceje
Before I could use mv
stick he had his long curved teeth entangled
4U LUG U.IMU l 414. IIUUBCIt, VUb WC liC Wllll-
drew them, my nimble fingers were clasped
round his throat. His eight-foot body flew
out like a whip lash entwining me tightly
round arms and neck as I rushed irom the
room and from the house, fearing an appari
tion at the bedroom door. But I never saw
the lady, either then, before or since. How
ever, the following week I received a pretty
little copy of "Paradise Lost." "Avecles
" remerclements de madame pour souvenir
de l'aventure du serpent"
rqulpment for Snako Hunting.
Generally setting out alone my equip
ment is neither heavy nor enmbersotne. A
haversack for refreshments, a cutlass to
clear the way through entanglements of
vines and bushes, a binocular glass with
which to search the open glade before break
ing through the screen of leafv branches, a
tew bags of coarse stuff in which to stow the
tapture, a stick about eight feet long, bav
in? the last six inches turned off at au angle
of 43 degrees with which to press the necks
of the deadly snakes to the ground so as to
protect the hands from a fatal bite, a sharp
penknife to lay open the seat of poison and
allow of its extraction; these complete the
list
As a rule venomous snakes sleep by day
Our Hats are on top in
price and style. They are
also on top of hundreds of
heads whose owners have
already bought their spring
derbys.
Every new block from
every popular maker is
here. Fit yourself at $1.49
or go as high as $3.24.
The style-'s as perfect in
one as in the other.
IN MEN'S CLOTHING
We are sowing seeds of gladness among
those who delight in fine, fashionable, perfect-fitting
clothing.
Surely Pittsburg never saw an equal to
the stock we display this spring.
For many weeks past heads and hearts
have been busy in bringing together this
choice collection of
SPRING APPAREL
The weather as well as the almanac now
tells you 'tis time to spruce up. Here's the
spot to do so and save money, ,
We will not weary you with a list of the
fabrics and makes nor puzzle you with a de
tailed description of our immense stock.
See it; it will bear out every word we have
ever written about it
OUR NEW DEPARTMENTS
In six or seven days (due notice of exact time will appear in the papers)
we will open up several new departments for the benefit of the Ladies,.
Misses and Children of the two cities and surrounding country.
WAIT
OUR CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT
Is a palace of style and beauty. Particular parents who take a pride in
seeing their children well dressed find shopping a pleasure when they come
to see on what a mammoth scale we have anticipated their wants.
We are ready to fit out the boys for Confirmation with a line of suits
specially adapted for the occasion
The materials and styles we guarantee to be correct; the prices shall
speak for themselves.
WORLD
'S
N
Begin to save up to visit the World's
Fair. We give you an incentive by
Presenting Each Patron of Our
Boys' Department
OF $2 OR OVER
WITH A BANK LIKE CUT OPPOSITE.
Departments
For the grand opening of our
CLOAK,
SUIT,
TEA GOWN,
WRAPPER,
SHAWL,
WAIST and
HOSIERY
PARIS, BERLIN AND VIENNA.
In our grand showing for the gentler sex. The very latest styles fron
ion's centers will be here; the only thing you'll miss will be the stylish
tnat usually accompany tnese lasnionaDie, foreign outnts,
SHOE
ru
from Fash-
prices
Facts are the foundation
of good advertising. They
are also the ground floor
and the second story of
ours.
It is the facts we have
told about shoes and the
facts in the shoes them
selves that have brought
us our immense shoe busi
ness. Like. John Brown's soul
we are still marching on.
We have made a '"lasting"
impression on the "soles"
of the community, and
have certainly got the
"upper" hand in the shoe
trade of the city.
Our grand spring stock
will more than maintain
our prestige.
WE SHALL ALSO DISPLAY
A full and complete line of Misses', Children's and Infants'
Wear from the cheapest to the finest
It will be well worth your while to defer making your
Spring purchases in any of the above goods till we are ready
to serve you. ,
I Ifff sB9ttt UIBs . finHr