Page:George Archdall Reid 1896 The present evolution of man.djvu/168

156 gradually to come near, but the entrance of my host and hostess, followed by two charming little children, put me at my ease again. After the first interchange of civilities, she and the children went at once to the boa, and, calling it by the most endearing names, allowed it to twine itself most gracefully round about them. I sat talking for a long time, lost in wonder at the picture before me. Two beautiful little girls with their charming mother sat before me with a boa-constrictor (as thick round as a small tree) twining playfully round the lady's waist and neck, and forming a kind of turban round her head, expecting to be petted and made much of, like a kitten. The children over and over again took its head in their hands and kissed its mouth, pushing aside its forked tongue in doing so. The animal seemed much pleased, but kept turning its head continually towards me with a curious gaze, until I allowed it to nestle its head for a moment up my sleeve. Nothing could be prettier than to see this splendid serpent coiled all round Mrs. M, while she moved about the room, and when she stood to pour out coffee. He seemed to adjust his weight so nicely, and every coil with its beautiful marking was relieved by the black velvet dress of the lady. It was long before I could make up my mind to end the visit, and I returned soon after with a friend (a distinguished M.P.) to see my snake-taming acquaintance again...

"These (the snakes) seemed very obedient, and remained in their cupboard when told to do so.

" About a year ago Mr. and Mrs. M were away for six weeks, and left the boa in charge of a keeper at the Zoo. The poor reptile moped, slept, and refused to be comforted, but when his master and mistress appeared he sprang upon them with delight, coiling himself round them, and showing every symptom of intense delight."—Severn, a distinguished artist, in a letter to the Times, quoted by Professor Romanes. Ibid. pp. 260–1.

We see, then, that animals so low in the scale of life as oysters, snails, and insects exhibit some power of acquiring mental traits, of varying mentally in response