CHAPTER XXI. 



THE CROTALIDM. 



IN the several chapters in which the rattlesnake has been 

 introduced, the reader has seen that for about 250 

 years it has been an object of interest and of study among 

 naturalists, and that first one and then another has made 

 fresh examinations of its various parts, giving to the world 

 new items of information as the results of such observations. 

 And can there remain anything further to find out about 

 it } we may ask in surprise. Yes, there is. There yet 

 remains to comprehend and decide upon one feature which 

 thus far has defeated conjecture and investigation — the ' pit ' 

 (p. 277). Possibly among the indefatigable observers in the 

 land of rattlesnakes, recent labours may have been rewarded 

 by some new evidence of the utility of this peculiar orifice, 

 and already their zoological journals may have enlightened 

 ophiologists on its functions. At the present moment I am 

 not aware of such information ; and time will not permit of 

 further delay to enable me to send a message of inquiry 

 across the great deep. 



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