ATTACKED BY A COBRA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1974, 19 October 1888, Page 2

ATTACKED BY A COBRA.

The Liverpool journals report an exciting scene which occurred m the menagerie at New Brighton. Mdlla. Bsmeralda, the snake oharmer, was attaoked by a large cobra, which was coiled round her body. The serpent, excite! at it is supposed by the roaring of the lions, flaw at the young woman, and lnflioted several wounds on her arm. Another make blfc her on the forehead from whioh the blood flawed freely. Mdllt. Eimeratdc although almost blinded with blood, fiaished the performance and managed to plaoa the oobra, as well as the other serpent*, In the large box where they ar« usually ooofiaed. A doctor was than called m, and oanterised the wounds on the arm and forehead. Thjs took place on the seoond of August, and the next day the performer when engaged with fire lions was again attacked. The yoaug lady had conolnded her performance m the den, and she was presenting the revolver which she had just discharged at the head of an animal named "'Flora," when the beast struck her with Its paw, infflotlne a serious wound on tho la-iy'a hand. Further mischief was averted by the keeper, who sprang forward and dealt the lioness a blow with his whip, whioh sont "Flora" to her corner growling fiercely. In the meantime the l»dy beat a hasty retreat and her Injuries were attended to by a dootor. The menagerie was crowded at the time, and great exoltement was caused by the inoldent.