Serpiente

The ancient Mexicans who took delight in rearing all kinds of animals, and who by long familiarity lost that horror which such animals naturally inspire, used to catch in the fields a little green harmless snake, which, being brought up at home, and well fed, would sometimes grow to the size of a man. It was generally kept in a tub which it never left but to receive its food from its master’s hand, which it would take, either mounted upon his shoulder or coiled about his legs.