only of the worship of the serpent.

Of all the dangerous creatures found in India, there are none that
occasion so many deaths as serpents. The people are very much exposed to
their bite, especially at night, when they are walking. They tread upon
them, and, as they generally do not wear shoes, the snakes turn their
heads, and strike their fangs into those parts of the feet which are
nearest to the place where the pressure is made upon their bodies.
Sometimes the bite is followed with instant death. The Cobra Capella is
one of the most common snakes, and one of the most poisonous. It is
said, that it has a thousand heads, one of which holds up the earth. It
has a peculiar mark on its back, just behind the head. This mark very
much resembles a pair of spectacles, without the handles. If you should
go near it, it would raise the fore part of its body about six inches,
widen out its neck, so as to be about double its common width, and
prepare to strike you. The reason why the Hindoos offer sacrifices and
adoration to it above all the other serpents is, because it is so
frequently met with, and is so much dreaded.

In order to induce the people to worship this dangerous enemy, the
Hindoos have filled their books with tales concerning it. Figures of it
are often to be seen in the temples, and on other buildings. They seek
out their holes, which are generally to be found in the hillocks of
earth which are thrown up by the white ants; and when they find one,
they go from time to time and offer milk, plantains, and other good
things to it.

[Illustration]

The Hindoos, as I before observed, have eighteen annual festivals. One