432 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1893. 



ows, but it prefers rocky and mountainous places, where it can find 

 holes and crevices to hide itself, or sunny ledges, where it may enjoy 

 the lieat of the day. 



It has been repeatedly denied that the Rattlesnake climbs trees, and 

 it is certain enough that it does not do so habitually. It is but ill fitted 

 for climbing, yet there are unquestionable proofs that they do so occa- 

 sionally. Of course, they do not climb up tall, smooth, perpendicular 

 trunks, but it is not more difiicult for it to climb up a rough-barked 

 slanting tree with plenty of side branches than to wriggle up the rocks 

 of a mountain side. 



The food of the Banded Rattlesnake consists in all sort of smaller 

 warm-blooded animals which may come its way, as rabbits, squirrels, 

 rats, mice, and an occasional bird. Holbrook pictures this species as 

 remarkably slow aiul sluggish, lying quietly in wait for his prey, and 

 never wantonly attacking nor destroying animals, except as food, 

 unless disturbed by them. A single touch, however, will eft'ect this; 

 even rattling the leaves in his neighborhood is sufficient to irritate him. 

 On such occasions he immediately coils himself, shakes his rattles vio- 

 lently in sign of rage, and strikes at whatever is placed within his 

 reach. In his native woods, Holbrook continues, one iqay pass within 

 a few feet of him unmolested. Though aware of the passenger's pres- 

 ence, he either lies quiet or glides away to a more retired spot. He 

 never follows the object of his rage, whether an animal that has unwa- 

 rily approached so near as to touch him, or only a stick thrust at him to 

 jirovoke his anger, but strikes on the spot, and prepares to repeat the 

 blow, or he may slowly retreat like an unconquered enemy, sure of his 

 strength, but not choosing further combat. 



Conqiared with the Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, the Banded Rattler 

 is the more timid and less aggressive. Speaking of these animals one 

 does not quite feel like characterizing any of them as " gentle," yet this 

 is an expression used by many a one who has had plenty of experience 

 with them. The late Gen. Kirby Smith once told me of an incident 

 which illustrates the amount of provocation a Rattlesnake will pass 

 unnoticed under certain circumstances. Gen. Smith's home in Ten- 

 nessee was located on a high iilateau, and a narrow path led from the 

 house to the small railway station in the valley below. One day a 

 party of ladies went down the path in Indian file, the general in the 

 lead, and the rear being brought up by a barefooted lad carrying a 

 valise. Suddenly the latter siiouted. A Rattlesnake was lying coiled 

 in the path, and he had jus,t discovered it in stepping over it without 

 touching it. By the merest chance they had all avoided stepping upon 

 it, though it seemed almost impossible that the ladies' dresses should 

 not have touched it. Gen. Smith said he felt like si)ariijg the snake's 

 life. In captivity a Banded Rattlesnake may be handled with impunity 

 by a self-possessed man, if he moves quietly and tleliberately, not 

 frightening it by any sudden and unexpected movements. There even 

 seems to be trutli in some of the stories about children having been 



