From the Scoharie Republican.
    A few days since, a farmer in the town of Jefferson, observed his dunghill cock engaged in mortal combat with a stripped snake of about 18 or 20 inches in length, the cock to all appearance, having the decided advantage, over his more wily though less nervous adversary, dealing his blows in quick succession, employing alternately his bill and spurs. But the cunning serpent, well aware that victory must declare against him by fair combat, brought into requisition a portion of the innate cunning for which that reptile has been celebrated from the beginning of the world to the present time; and seizing his antagonist by the thigh, in the rear, he completely secured himself from any further danger from him. Thus situated the cock very naturally thought his only “safety was in flight,” he accordingly “cleaved the air majestically with his wing,” the snake keeping fast his hold, and dangling like a tag-lock, underneath, until the cock, overcome with fatigue, alighted on a neighboring appletree. The snake immediately coiled his tail round a branch of the tree-the cock again attempted flight, but he could scarcely clear the limb, from which he hung with his head downwards, making every effort to escape, but all in vain, until the farmer came to his assistance-killed the snake, and set him at liberty.
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