Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 October 1884 — A Rabbit Subdues A Boa Constrictor. [ARTICLE]

A Rabbit Subdues A Boa Constrictor.

According to a Paris newspaper, a rabbit was placed in a cage of one of the larger serpents iu the Jar des Plantes, 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 bad a peculiarly knowing and determined look. The boa hissed joyously at the sight of his dinner, and at once put all the power of iaseinatioa 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 latter, finding milder means of no avail, proceeded to unfold one of his coils. This menacing movement had the effect of producing a most marvelous 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 evidently'unaccustomed to such a show of fight on..tiie part of his victims* drew back, thoroughly intimidated. Profiting by this moment of hesitation, the rabbit, who Was decidedly the Bayard of his race, jumped upon the back of his adversary who now. utterly cowed and discomfited, 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 ot expectation; and in those positions —so the veracious history ends—lioth animals were found by the keeper next morning.— St. James' Gazette.