Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/45

ropes, knives, wands, and bands; and also a choice collection of beautiful birds and snakes. Occupying a prominent position among the former—at the head of the parrots and parroquets—is a specimen of the celebrated toto, a bird but little larger than a thrush, with wings of the most resplendent green. This little creature, as is well known, is held in superstitious veneration by the Indians, and its destruction was formerly punishable by death among them; but the individual who could capture it and pluck a few feathers from its tail, before setting it again at liberty, was judged fortunate. The serpents in the other cage are for the most part of great length, and most inviting appearance; some shine in green and gold; others appear covered with brilliant pearly scales; while the rest are of a magnificent crimson colour, streaked with black and white. Many of them have been originally of a dangerous character, but their poisonous fang-s have been carefully removed, and their proprietor plays all manner of tricks with them with impunity. A gaping crowd have gathered around, who regard him wonderingly as his eyes appear to roll in mortal anguish, when he stabs