The serpent is a bass wind instrument, curved to somewhat resemble a wriggling serpent.

Serpent

The serpent is a bass wind instrument, curved to somewhat resemble a wriggling serpent.

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to nine); opposite; edge of leaflets slightly toothed or entire; entire at base. Outline - of leaflet, long oval or long egg-shape. Apex - taper-pointed. Base - somewhat pointed. Leaf/Stem - smooth. Leaflet/Stem - about one fourth of an inch long, or more; smooth. Leaf/Bud - rusty-colored and smooth. Leaflet - two to six inches long; pale beneath; downy when young, but becoming nearly smooth, except on the ribs. Bark - of the trunk, light gray. In very young trees it is nearly smooth, but it soon becomes deeply furrowed - the furrows crossing each other, and so breaking the bark into irregular, somewhat square or lozenge-shaped plates. Then in very old trees it becomes smooth again, from the scaling off of the plates. The branches are smooth and grayish-green. The young shoots have a polished, deep-green bark, marked with white lines or dots. Winged seeds - one and a half to two inches long, with the "wing" about one fourth of an inch wide, hanging in loose clusters from slender stems. The base of the seed it pointed and not winged. Found - in rich woods, from Southern Canada to Northern Florida and westward. It is most common in the Northern States. The finest specimens are seen in the bottom lands of the lower Ohio River basin. General Information - a tree forty to eighty feet high. Often the trunk rises forty feet without branching. Its tough and elastic timer is of very great value, being widely used in the manufacture of agricultural implements, for oars, and the shafts of carriages, and in cabinet-work. Fraxinus from a Greek word meaning "separation," because of the ease with which the wood of the Ash can be split. I find in the notes of an old copy of White's "Natural History of Selborne" this comment: "The Ash, I think, has been termed by Gilpin the Venus of British trees." Gerardes' "Herbal" comments: "The leaves of the Ash are of so great a vertue against serpents, as that the serpents dare not be so bolde as to touch the morning and evening shadowes of the tree, but shunneth them afarre off, as Pliny reporteth in his 16 book, 13 chap. He also affirmeth that the serpent being penned in with boughes laide rounde about, will sooner run into the fire, if any be there, than come neere to the boughes of the Ash."In Scandinavian mythology the great and sacred tree, Yggdrasil, the greatest and most sacred of all trees, which binds together heaven and earth and hell, is an Ash. Its roots spread over the whole earth. Its branches reach above the heavens. Underneath lies a serpent; above is an eagle; a squirrel runs up and down the trunk, trying to breed strife between them.

Genus Fraxinus, L. (Ash)

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to nine); opposite; edge of leaflets slightly toothed…

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to nine); edge of leaflets nearly entire or slightly toothed. Outline - of leaflet, long oval or egg-shape. Apex - taper-pointed. Base - somewhat pointed. Leaf/Stem - velvety-downy. Leaflet/Stem - about one fourth of an inch long, or somewhat less, and velvety-downy. Leaf/Bud - rounded, nearly concealed by the leaf-stem, downy, and of a dark, rusty brown. Leaflet - two to six inches long, downy beneath, and pale, becoming reddish. Bark - of the trunk, dark ashy or granite-gray, or of a deep brown. It is slightly furrowed up and does, the furrows seldom joining or crossing. The branches are grayish. The young shoots are velvety, with a grayish or rusty down. Winged seeds - resembling those of the White Ash, but usually with the end of the wing more rounded. Found - along borders of streams and in low and swampy ground - New Brunswick to Minnesota, and southward to Northern Florida and Alabama; but rare west of the Alleghany Mountains. Its finest growth is in the Northern Atlantic States. General Information - A medium-sized tree, usually thirty to fifty feet high, of less value than the White Ash. Fraxinus from a Greek word meaning "separation," because of the ease with which the wood of the Ash can be split. I find in the notes of an old copy of White's "Natural History of Selborne" this comment: "The Ash, I think, has been termed by Gilpin the Venus of British trees." Gerardes' "Herbal" comments: "The leaves of the Ash are of so great a vertue against serpents, as that the serpents dare not be so bolde as to touch the morning and evening shadowes of the tree, but shunneth them afarre off, as Pliny reporteth in his 16 book, 13 chap. He also affirmeth that the serpent being penned in with boughes laide rounde about, will sooner run into the fire, if any be there, than come neere to the boughes of the Ash."In Scandinavian mythology the great and sacred tree, Yggdrasil, the greatest and most sacred of all trees, which binds together heaven and earth and hell, is an Ash. Its roots spread over the whole earth. Its branches reach above the heavens. Underneath lies a serpent; above is an eagle; a squirrel runs up and down the trunk, trying to breed strife between them.

Genus Fraxinus, L. (Ash)

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to nine); edge of leaflets nearly entire or slightly…

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to eleven, usually nine); opposite; edge of leaflet toothed. Outline - of leaflet, narrow, long oval or long egg-shaped Apex - taper-pointed. Base - rounded. Leaf/Stem - lacking. Leaf/Bud - deep blue or blackish. Leaflet - three to five inches long, smooth and green on both sides, excepting where it is slightly hairy along the lower part of the middle rib. When crushed it has an Elder-like odor. Bark - of trunk, dark granite-gray, somewhat furrowed and broken up and down with roughness, which continue in the old tree. The young branches are smooth and grayish and marked with black and white dots and warts. Winged seeds - nearly one and one half inches long, with the wing three eighths of an inch wide and extending around the seed. Ripe in July. Found - along low river-banks and in swamps, which it sometimes fills; in Delaware, the mountains of Virginia, Northwestern Arkansas, through the Northern States to Canada. It is the most Northern of the American Ashes. General Information - Usually a small or medium-sized tree. The wood is largely used for barrel-hoops, baskets, in cabinet-work, and interior finish. Fraxinus from a Greek word meaning "separation," because of the ease with which the wood of the Ash can be split. I find in the notes of an old copy of White's "Natural History of Selborne" this comment: "The Ash, I think, has been termed by Gilpin the Venus of British trees." Gerardes' "Herbal" comments: "The leaves of the Ash are of so great a vertue against serpents, as that the serpents dare not be so bolde as to touch the morning and evening shadowes of the tree, but shunneth them afarre off, as Pliny reporteth in his 16 book, 13 chap. He also affirmeth that the serpent being penned in with boughes laide rounde about, will sooner run into the fire, if any be there, than come neere to the boughes of the Ash."In Scandinavian mythology the great and sacred tree, Yggdrasil, the greatest and most sacred of all trees, which binds together heaven and earth and hell, is an Ash. Its roots spread over the whole earth. Its branches reach above the heavens. Underneath lies a serpent; above is an eagle; a squirrel runs up and down the trunk, trying to breed strife between them.

Genus Fraxinus, L. (Ash)

Leaves - compound (odd-feathered; leaflets, seven to eleven, usually nine); opposite; edge of leaflet…

Miraculous escape from the royal serpent of Ceylon. Caption bellow illustration: "In dreadful anticipation of the worst, I looked around, when I saw a monstrous serpent of enormous size crawling slowly out of the opening I had just entered but a few minutes before."

Escape from the Serpent of Ceylon

Miraculous escape from the royal serpent of Ceylon. Caption bellow illustration: "In dreadful anticipation…

"The Wavy Turbo is commonly known as the Australian Serpent's-skin."

Turbo Undulatus (Chemnitz)

"The Wavy Turbo is commonly known as the Australian Serpent's-skin."

"The most vicious as well as the most dangerous snake in Australia is the Tiger-snake."

The Tiger-Snake

"The most vicious as well as the most dangerous snake in Australia is the Tiger-snake."

"In all its movements this neck is a counterpart of the reptile, and imitates its undulations; therefore in the United States it has received the name of the Serpent-bird."

Darter

"In all its movements this neck is a counterpart of the reptile, and imitates its undulations; therefore…

Newspapers and speakers especially condemned the "land embargo" — the cutting-off trade with Canada. The trade so suddenly thrown into confusion by it was represented in a caricature by a bewildered serpent which had been suddenly stopped in its movements by two trees, marked, respectively, "Embargo" and "Non-Importation Act." The wondering snake is puzzled to know what has happened, and the head cries out, "What's the matter, tail?" The latter answers, "I can't get out." A cock, representing France, stands by, joyfully.

Non Importation Act

Newspapers and speakers especially condemned the "land embargo" — the cutting-off trade with Canada.…

The Sea Snake (Pelamis bicolor) is a tropical sea snake known for its black color on top and yellow belly.

Sea Snake

The Sea Snake (Pelamis bicolor) is a tropical sea snake known for its black color on top and yellow…

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a bird of prey known for hunting snakes and other reptiles.

Secretary Bird

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a bird of prey known for hunting snakes and other reptiles.

The serpent is "a musical instrument, properly of the trumpet family, having a cupped mouthpiece, a conical wooden tube bent to and fro several times and usually covered with leather, and nine fingerholes very irregularly disposed." -Whitney, 1911

Serpent

The serpent is "a musical instrument, properly of the trumpet family, having a cupped mouthpiece, a…

A girl amazed by the sight of a bicycle made out of a snake and spider-webs.

Snake Bike

A girl amazed by the sight of a bicycle made out of a snake and spider-webs.

Heracles and Achelous.

Heracles and Achelous

Heracles and Achelous.

The Serpent Cast a form created by both a viper and lizard. It was typically used for symbolic and decorative purposes, designed by Eberhard of Heilbronn in Germany.

Serpent Cast

The Serpent Cast a form created by both a viper and lizard. It was typically used for symbolic and decorative…

Serpent is a word of Latin origin, meaning something that creeps. It was typically used for symbolic and decorative purposes.

Serpent Cast

Serpent is a word of Latin origin, meaning something that creeps. It was typically used for symbolic…

This Serpent antique bracelet is in the form of a viper. It came from Pompeii, Rome.

Antique Serpent Bracelet

This Serpent antique bracelet is in the form of a viper. It came from Pompeii, Rome.

The Serpent Symbol is a snake signifying the essence of eternity.

Serpent Symbol

The Serpent Symbol is a snake signifying the essence of eternity.

"Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken." Genesis 3:23 KJV

Adam and Eve Driven out of the Garden of Eden

"Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was…

"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Numbers 21:9 KJV

The Brazen Serpent

"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had…

"Argent, a serpent nowed proper. NOWED. This word signifies tied or knotted, and is applied to serpents, wiverns, or any animals whose tails are twisted and enfolded like a knot." -Hall, 1862

Serpent Nowed Proper

"Argent, a serpent nowed proper. NOWED. This word signifies tied or knotted, and is applied to serpents,…

"Argent, a serpent crowned, or, vorant a (person). VORANT. Swallowing or devouring: any animal, in a charge, devouring another creature." -Hall, 1862

Serpent Vorant

"Argent, a serpent crowned, or, vorant a (person). VORANT. Swallowing or devouring: any animal, in a…

This wood carving shows an arrangement of the vine in Gothic form. The center is Virgin and Child with a serpent right below them.

Wood Carving

This wood carving shows an arrangement of the vine in Gothic form. The center is Virgin and Child with…

The Faithful Friend Sculpture is a story told by the sculptor. It depicts a boy and his dog attacked by a serpent, and the faithful dog defends the boy by destroying the serpent.

Faithful Friend Sculpture

The Faithful Friend Sculpture is a story told by the sculptor. It depicts a boy and his dog attacked…

The deliverer sculpture is a sequel to the faithful friend story by the sculptor. It shows the boy caressing the dog for saving his life from the serpent.

Deliverer Sculpture

The deliverer sculpture is a sequel to the faithful friend story by the sculptor. It shows the boy caressing…

This clock is made out of bronze with a design of a group of figures supporting a starry globe, with serpent clock hands.

Clock

This clock is made out of bronze with a design of a group of figures supporting a starry globe, with…

This brooch watch is designed to be pinned on a garment. It shaped in a snake that is formed into a circle, with a small watch in the center that is held by the serpents mouth.

Brooch Watch

This brooch watch is designed to be pinned on a garment. It shaped in a snake that is formed into a…

This monumental cross was made in Ireland. It depicts scenes from the Gospel as described in the Old Testament. These scenes are "Moses and the Brazen Serpent", "The Translation of Elijah", "Noah entering the Arc", "Abel's Sacrifice". The busts on the lower end of the cross are prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Monumental Cross

This monumental cross was made in Ireland. It depicts scenes from the Gospel as described in the Old…

Loki goes into Asgard with his daughter, Hela, and his pets, Jormundgand the serpent, and Fenris the wolf. The people of Asgard are afraid of Hela because one side of her body was black and one side was white. They were also afraid of the wolf and the serpent and had various plans to get rid of Hela, Jormundgand, and Fenris.

Loki and his Pets

Loki goes into Asgard with his daughter, Hela, and his pets, Jormundgand the serpent, and Fenris the…

This is a print by German artist Johann Otmar in 1502 . It depicts St. Francis reading a bible outside between trees. In each corner of the print are symbols of the four Evangelists: top left, St. John represented by the eagle; top right, St. Mark represented by the lion; bottom left, St. Matthew represented by the winged man; and bottom right, St. Luke represented by the ox.

Johann Otmar

This is a print by German artist Johann Otmar in 1502 . It depicts St. Francis reading a bible outside…

This plant features serpent like roots.

Spanish Salsify

This plant features serpent like roots.

"Across the fields two travelers journey slow, / One looks around to find the distant foe; / The other watches near with caution meet, / And finds a serpent hissing at their feet."—Barber, 1857

Two Heads Are Better Than One

"Across the fields two travelers journey slow, / One looks around to find the distant foe; / The other…

Its color is olive-gray or brown above, with black bands and spots, and checkered black and white beneath. The usual length is three feet. It is nearly related to the American water-snake, and haunts moist places, feeding on frogs, fish, and insects. The soft eggs are about one inch long, and are laid in manure heaps, in rich soil, or on heaps of weeds.

Grass Snake

Its color is olive-gray or brown above, with black bands and spots, and checkered black and white beneath.…

One side of the medal is engraved with the portrait of Proserpine, who was worshiped in Sardis.  The reverse shows her being carried by Pluto, whose horses are being directed by a cupid. Under their feet lies an overturned urn; a serpent is also present in the tableau.

Medal of Sardis

One side of the medal is engraved with the portrait of Proserpine, who was worshiped in Sardis. The…

"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it upon the standard: and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived." Numbers 21:8-9 ASV
<p>Moses holds up the brass serpent and all those who were bitten by serpents and who looked upon the brass serpent lived.

Moses and the Serpent of Brass

"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come…

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around another reptilian figure and a man with a staff. The serpent symbolizes that the bishop is responsible for the blood of his parish. The lower part is highly ornamented with vines, etc.

Bishop's Staff - Head with Serpent Design

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around…

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3:24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Adam and Eve as they are sent away from the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. Both are wearing animal skins and Adam is covering his face. Two angels, both holding swords, stand in front of a tree. A dog stands next to the angels.One angel points Adam and Eve away from the garden. The serpent is at Eve's feet with its mouth open. God is pictured looking down from the clouds. A small, oval image of Mary holding the baby Jesus is inset above Eve's head.

Adam and Eve are Punished and Cast Out of the Garden of Eden

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame…

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent." Exodus 7:10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh and his advisers. Aaron holds the tale of a serpent that used to be his rod. Moses stands next to him and gestures toward the serpent. Pharaoh, wearing a crown, holding a sceptre, and sitting on a throne, stares at the snake. His arm is outstretched. One of Pharaoh's servants gapes at the scene. Others stand behind him, befuddled. A doorway displays a pyramid and palm trees in the background.

Aaron's Rod Turning into a Serpent Before Pharaoh and His Magicians

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast…

"And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah, and against thee; pray unto Jehovah, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live." Numbers 21:6-8 ASV
<p>Illustration of Moses holding up the bronze serpent on the staff and all of the Israelites looking upon it to be healed. Numerous people lie in various states of disease. Snakes are on the ground, coiled around arms, and biting people. Moses is pictured with horns made of rays of light. Tents and mountains can be seen in the background.

The Brazen Serpent and the Healing of the Israelites

"And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel…

Illustration of Saint Patrick on the shores of Ireland, with bishop's miter and crosier, and other clergy behind him. He is holding his hand in blessing over several men, women, and children. Women kneel on the ground, one with a basket of fish. A little boy and girl watch the saint. A boat can be seen on the water and mountains rise in the background. Snakes slither on the ground in front of Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick Blesses the Irish and Banishes Snakes

Illustration of Saint Patrick on the shores of Ireland, with bishop's miter and crosier, and other clergy…

This worm is also called a fan worm, plume worm or red tube worm.
<p>
"A Linnean genus of worms, subsequently used with various restrictions, now type of the family <i>Serpulidae</i>. They are cephalobranchiate tubicolous annelids, inhabiting cylindrical and serpentine or tortuous calcareous tubes, often massed together in a confused heap, and attached to rocks, shells, etc. in the sea." -Whitney, 1889

Calcareous Tubeworm (Serpula)

This worm is also called a fan worm, plume worm or red tube worm. "A Linnean genus of worms, subsequently…

Illustration of a King cobra, <i>Ophiophagus elaps</i>, also called a Shiva snake or Siva snake because it is worn by the Hindu Lord Shiva.
<p>"A book name of <i>Ophiophagus elaps</i>, a very large and deadly cobriform serpent of India; so called from its powers of destruction." &mdash;Whitney, 1889

King Cobra

Illustration of a King cobra, Ophiophagus elaps, also called a Shiva snake or Siva snake because it…