A Rabbit Subdues a Boa-Con strictor.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 72, 18 October 1884, Page 5

A Rabbit Subdues a Boa-Con strictor.

Accoivdino to a Pans newspaper, a rabbit was placed in the cago of ono of the lai'ger serpents in the Jardin dcs Plantes a day or two ago, for the daily meal of the occupant. A poorer specimen of the rabbit tribe, in point of appearance, it would not be easy to find, but it was noticed that the little creature had a peculiarly knowing and determined look. The boa hissed joyously at the sight of his dinner, and at once put all the power of fascination he possessed into his large round eyes. But the rabbit was not to be fascinated. Boldly, and even defiantly, he returned the reptile's stare, till the lattor, finding milder means of no avail, proceeded to unfold one of his coils This menacing movement had the effect of producing a marvellous display of saltatory activity on the part of the rabbit. His wild bounds and jumps, which he kept up uninterruptedly for several minutes, moving his ears terribly the while, could only be compared to those of a red Indian " brave " in the heat of a war dance. The boa, who was ovidently unaccustomed to such a show of fight on the part of his victims, drew back, thoroughly intimidated. Profiting by this moment of hesitation, the rabbit, who was decidely the Bayard of his race, jumped upon the back of its adversary, who now, utterly cowed and discomforted, retreated under the folds of his blanket. The rabbit squatted himself on his hind quarters at the other end of the cage in an attitude of expectation ; and in these positions— so the veracious history ends — both animals were found by the keepers next mornimg. — From the "St. James's Gazette."

The death is reported of Herr Pillott, who accompanied his wife, Mdme. Janauschek, on her professional visit to Australia. He was an ex-captain in the German navy, well-educated, and a brilliant linguist, for he could carry g\\ a, conversation jn eight Janpjviageg,