SERPENTS. 401 



element. From tliis preference the reptile is commonly known as the water-rattlor in 

 some portions of the south, though the name diamoml-rattler, given because of the 

 diamond-shaped markings of the back, is more general. Holbrook, in speaking of it, 

 says: "A more disgusting or terrific animal cannot be imagined thati this; its dusky 

 color, bloated body, and sinister eyes of a sparkling gray and yellow, with the pro- 

 jecting orbital plates, combine to form an expression of sullen ferocity unsurpassed in 

 the brute creation." 



The most abundant species east of the Mississippi is C. horridiis, popularly known 

 as the banded rattle-snake. It has a very general distribution from Maine to Texas, 

 being in some localities quite common, though the universal war waged against the 

 species has greatly reduced its numbers. At one time it was very abundant on a 

 low range of hills in eastern Massachusetts, where it was possible to obtain several 

 specimens in a short time, but it is now extremely rare, and is only met with on 

 the most unusual occasions. Further south, in some localities, the animal is still abun- 

 dant, though never occurring in such numbers as to, in any way, hinder — as a related 

 form of the west does, — the local sportsman from following his bent. It is naturally 

 sluggish, and will often remain perfectly motionless while an unsuspecting intruder 

 passes within a few feet, but the instant the reptile is perceived, it ordinarily coils itself 

 for an attack, and may remain thus on the defensive, ready to strike at whatever may 

 displease him, but never following the object of his rage ; after a short time he may 

 uncoil, and, as Holbrook says, " slowly retreat like an unconquered enemy, sure of his 

 strength, but not choosing further combat." That the reptile cannot strike unless 

 coiled, is a mistaken notion, for although this position is ordinarily chosen, — the animal 

 thereby having a greater reach, — when angry and confined it will strike right and 

 left, coiled or uncoiled. 



The rattler feeds on small rabbits, rats, and squirrels, which latter Dr. Bachman, 

 the intimate friend of Audubon, has observed the snakes to ^\'.atch as they sported 

 among the branches of a large tree ; undoubtedly waiting to pounce on some unfortu- 

 nate one that might descend for a fallen nut or acorn, or possibly to search for water. 

 The old belief that serpents ' charm ' is now obsolete, though not extinct. That 

 such a belief should once have been current is not surprising, since birds are often seen to 

 flutter around a marauding snake, but really more from maternal solicitude and friendly 

 sympathy on the part of the birds than from any rejitilian power of fascination. The 

 instinctive, and sometimes paralyzing horror which seizes on one when he knows he is 

 the object of some frightful monster's fixed gaze may also be adduced as a cause for 

 a belief so general until within a few years. 



The parietals and frontals are scale-like ; the nasal plate divided ; scales in twenty- 

 three or twenty-five rows, of which all but the lateral are strongly keeled ; the labials 

 are numerous, there being along the upjier border of tiie mouth from twelve to six- 

 teen on each side, and eighteen along the lower jaw. There is a <lorsal series of more 

 or less irregular and imperfect transverse bands ; the general coloration is variable, 

 some specimens have the ground of a bright yellow color, while others are almost 

 black. The length of four feet is seldom reached, though a specimen fifty-four inches 

 long has been captured. As many as twenty-three rings in good condition have been 

 known to compose the rattle. 



Crotahis enyo resembles ('. mo/ossus in general coloration, and is a very b(>autiful 

 animal. It can easily be distinguished from the s])ecies named, however, as it has a 

 peculiar scutellated muzzle, and there are only twenty-three rows of scales, molossus 



VOL. III. — 2(1 



