Note 1672 — BOOK VIII. THE NATURE OF THE TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS.
John Bostock translation
In various countries, and more especially in Egypt, the magicians profess to charm serpents by incantations; and it appears that they are able to acquire some power over them by imitating their natural cries. Cuvier informs us, that Geoffroi St. Hilaire had witnessed the fact, and was himself able to produce the effect.—B.