but which "shoots" across a considerable space through the air,
between tall trees or elevated objects like cliffs, by means of
expanding a loose skin or membrane formed on both of its sides, and
which connects the front legs with the hind ones. This creature, like
the kangaroo, is indigenous, and only found in Australia.

We heard much said about the venomous nature of Australian snakes, and
were cautioned especially to avoid the places known to be frequented by
them. Doubtless there are plenty of snakes in Australia as in most other
regions, poisonous ones also in the bush, and that they do sometimes
fatally bite persons there can be no question; but we did not chance to
see any, either of the venomous or harmless sort. There is one quality
very commendable in the serpent tribe: as a rule, they show a
disposition to get out of the way of human beings. If trampled upon, of
course they will turn and bite or sting; but this is not to be set down
to their discredit, but to the natural instinct of self-defence. One of
the most venomous of all snakes is indigenous to our own
country,--namely, the rattle-snake; but even he never fails to give
ample warning of his presence before attacking any one. The habits of
these Australian snakes are similar to those of their species wherever
found; their usual resort is a hole in the ground under fallen leaves,
or in the decaying trunk of a tree, and they live by preying upon frogs,
mice, lizards, and birds. We were told of some instances of their power
to charm small birds,--an old story to be sure, and one for which we
must have ocular evidence before crediting it. New Zealand is happily
free from the pest of snakes,--there being no more there than in
Ireland. Doubtless Providence had some legitimate purpose to subserve
in creating tarantulas, poisonous spiders, and scorpions in Australia,
but the "why and wherefore" is rather a conundrum.

We heard while in Sydney a singular snake-story, which we have every
reason to believe to be true, the facts of which were said to have
occurred not long before near the town of Parametta. In the family of a
settler who resided some half a league from the town was an invalid
daughter, of an extremely nervous temperament. She was sleeping one
summer afternoon in a hammock swung between a couple of supporting
standards in the shade of the piazza, when she was suddenly awakened by
feeling something cold and moist clinging about her throat. She put up