That is easy.
But how does a small snake, the neck of which is an inch and a half in
circumference, swallow whole an egg 5 inches and more in circumference?
Actual observation enables me to explain. If the snake were to begin the
act straightforwardly, the egg, presenting but little resistance, would
be continuously pushed away. The snake slides its head and neck over the
egg, and pressing downward upon it with that part of its body which for
the present purpose may be termed the bosom, prevents it moving. The
head turns over as if the snake was preparing for a somersault; the jaws
fit over the end of the egg, the upper below and the lower above, and
begin to work. Presently the upper and lower jaws become entirely
disassociated, the egg is encompassed and forced down into the throat.
The process seems a most distressing one to the snake, for so great is
the distension of the flesh tissues and the skin that they become
semitransparent, revealing the colour of the egg. When the egg is safe
in the stomach, the shell submits to the action of the gastric juices,
and the meal is digested. That is if it is a hen's egg. A porcelain
counterfeit, which the most subtle snake cannot distinguish from a
natural egg, passes on its way unblemished,
PART II
STONE AGE FOLKS
CHAPTER I
PASSING AWAY
Some investigators tell us that the aborigines of Australia came out of
Egypt carrying with them their ancient signs and totemic ceremonies;
others, that they are representatives of the Neolithic Age; others
assert that Australia is the cradle of the human race, the primitive
inhabitants the stock whence all sprung.
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