The Moccasins 



hardy, thriving for years in a captive state and breeding regularly 

 if maintained under the proper conditions. 



In the " lowgrounds " along the Savannah River the writer 

 has found these serpents to be very common. They do not 

 frequent the main body of water in any numbers, but are abun- 

 dant in the adjoining swamps into which the river "'backs up" 

 during the heavy rains. In these swamps, as the river recedes, 

 the water is left in numerous pools, entrapping large numbers 

 of fish. Thus are the "Cotton-mouths" found, and in com- 

 pany with various species of harmless Water Snakes. They 

 are commonly observed on the branches of bushes and trees 

 that overhang the water, and if escape from danger be possible 

 they quickly drop into the water, where they swim beneath the 

 surface for some distance to emerge in some sheltered situation — 

 among reeds or aquatic growth. 



The writer remembers a hunt for these creatures in the 

 Black Swamp, located in Hampton County, South Carolina. 

 The swamp was circular, about five miles in circumference, and 

 through it ran a curving stream of varying widths, spreading 

 widely after the rains and filling numerous pools and bayous. 

 The swamp contained a dense mass of cane-growth. In some 

 parts the cane attained a height of eight feet. 



On entering the swamp we followed the stream. Con- 

 ditions were found to be in favour of snake-hunting. The stream 

 was very low, owing to a drought, and in stretches here and there 

 was little more than a series of pools, connected by trickling 

 courses of water. The banks of these pools were sandy and 

 progress into the swamp was comparatively easy in consequence. 

 Not long after starting into the growth, we spied the first Moc- 

 casin. It was a large specimen, sunning on a log that projected 

 from the water. This snake was stalked cautiously, and a noose, 

 on the end of a very slim pole, was passed over its neck before 

 it took alarm. The reptile was pulled quickly upon firm ground 

 where its head was pinned down with a stick, when it was grasped 

 by the neck and placed in a bag. In stepping over a fallen tree, 

 the guide had a narrow escape. Coiled partially under the trunk 

 v/as another Moccasin, w^hich, suddenly surprised, drew back its 

 head, opened its mouth and prepared to strike, but before it 

 could do so the man leaped to safety. 



This habit of the Moccasin, when surprised, of opening its 



417 



