There are some creatures which are commonly disliked and avoided because
they are not attractive to look at. Often this is a mere prejudice
against them, and careful study reveals a beauty not noticed before.
There is a very general and absurd feeling against snakes which is the
cause of much unnecessary suffering. This fear is so common that for
many children and grown people a walk in the woods and fields loses half
its pleasure.
Most of our common snakes are harmless and are useful in destroying
insects. Instead of shuddering with horror at the little green snake,
watch him as carefully as you can. Soon you will begin to wonder how he
can go so fast, what he eats, and where he makes his home. You will find
that he is not at all like the earthworm. He belongs to a very different
class of animals, but he is as innocent as the worm of any wish to do
you harm. He prefers to be left to himself in the long grass, but you
may be sure if he should glide over your feet, or across your hand, he
would not hurt you at all.
HUMANITY.
Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside,
Nor crush that helpless worm!
The frame thy wayward looks deride
Required a God to form.
The common Lord of all that move,
From whom thy being flowed,
A portion of his boundless love
On that poor worm bestowed.
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