3o6 



SNAKES. 



as in the illustration below, you can curve a rattle so as to 

 discern the interior links on one side, but not on the other. I 

 have made the attempt with many rattles, but always with 

 the same result. The centre ficr. below is a section. 



Natural position when held. Straightened by force. 



This fine specimen, natural size, and also the Tapering Rattle, both from Mexico, were lent 

 to me by J. G. Braden, Esq. of Lewes, and copied accurately. 



Not the least important of all the speculations to which 

 the rattling tail has given rise, is the question, ' Of what use 

 is it ? ' for we know that nothing exists in vain. Apart from 

 the fact that the American savages make some medicinal use 

 of the rattle, this elaborated, curious, and not unsightly 

 instrument has as yet had no special and determined office 

 assigned to it to the advantage of its possessor, though 

 theories regarding it are numerous. 



Formerly, when only the dangerous powers of the reptile 



