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11 E r T I L I A — II A T T L E S N A K E. 



head, and by the head being smaller and longer. But that which, besides 

 their superior malignity, distinguishes them from all other animals, is their 

 rattle an instrument lodged in their tail, by which they make such a loud, 

 rattling noise, when they move, that their approach may readily be per- 

 ceived, and the danger avoided. This rattle, which is placed in the tail, 

 somewhat resembles, when taken from the body, the curb chain of a bridle ; 

 it is composed of several thin, hard, hollow bones, linked on each other, and 

 rattling npon the slightest motion. It is supposed by some that the snake 

 acquires an additional bone every year; and that from this its age may be 

 precisely known ; however this may be, certain it is, that the young snakes 

 of a year or two old, have no rattles at all ; while many old ones have been 

 killed, that had from eleven to thirteen joints each. They shake and make 



a noise with these rattles, with prodigious quickness when they are dis- 

 turbed ; however, the peccary and the vulture are no way terrified at the 

 sound, but hasten at the signal, to seize the snake, as their most favorite 

 prey. 



It is very different with almost every other animal. The certain death 

 which ensues from this terrible creature's bite, makes a solitude wherever it 

 is heard. It moves along most majestically; neither seeking to offend the 

 larger animals, nor fearing their insults. If unprovoked, it never meddles 

 with any thing but its natural prey ; but when accidentally trodden upon, 

 or pursued to be destroyed, it then makes a dreadful and desperate defence. 

 It erects itself upon its tail, throws back its head, and inflicts the wound in 

 a moment; then parts, and inflicts a second wound; after which, we are 

 told by some, that it remains torpid and inactive, without even attempting 

 to escape. 



