26 Mr Audubon's Notes 07i the Rattlesnake. 



became torpid, or revived, at our pleasure, as often as we re- 

 moved or brought it near the fire ; until having put it in a jar 

 of spirits, it travelled to the Lyceum of New York. — That all 

 their faculties become dormant, and remain virtually dead during 

 torpidity, I have ascertained, by finding snakes, with great 

 quantities of food in the stomach, frozen and undigested, al- 

 though it had been there for several weeks ; when, if the snake 

 was removed to a warm situation, the operation of digestion 

 was daily perceptible, and the whole food in a short time con- 

 sumed. 



Rattlesnakes have the power of laying down their fangs 

 along their jaw-bones when at rest, and of raising them again 

 at will ; as sharks also do, and some other fishes. It is only 

 when inflicting a defensive wound that their fangs are used. At 

 this time, the snake, either coiled, or in any other position, has 

 the power of darting about two-thirds of its body towards its 

 object, and, with its mouth open to its utmost stretch, all its 

 fangs being erect, it strikes so violent a blow whilst it bites, that 

 I have been assured, by some Osage chiefs, that, on such occa- 

 sions, they felt, when struck, as if about being thrown oiF their 

 centre of gravity. The fangs make their way into flesh, or, in- 

 deed, tough leather, with perfect ease, and instantaneously. The 

 wound is generally mortal, if proper remedies be not at once re- 

 sorted to. Among the native Americans, cutting out the wound- 

 ed part, and searing, or, as it is termed in the country, scaring' 

 it with fire, is considered the most efi*ectual, — but even this re- 

 quires great promptitude to afford a chance of safety. The 

 quantity of venom infused is more or less, as the animal may 

 have been more or less irritated. If made to bite themselves, 

 their own flesh affords no antidote, for they die in excruciating 

 torments. The venom of a rattlesnake, while the animal is strik_ 

 ing against any object, will be sometimes ejected to a consider- 

 able distance. I have seen one confined in a wire-cage, when 

 much enraged, strike against the bars so furiously, that the poi- 

 son was sent several feet towards me. 



To give you an idea of the long time this poison retains its 

 property, I shall relate a curious but well authenticated series of 

 facts, which took place in a central district of the State of Pennsyl- 

 vania, some twelve or fifteen years ago. A farmer was so shght- 



