12 CROTALUS DURISSUS. 
~ 
choosing further combat. It is remarkable that he never strikes unless coiled; so 
that if once thrown from this position, he may be approached with less danger. 
As to the fascinating or charming power of the Rattlesnake, I have every 
reason to believe it a fable; a modification of that of the basilisk of the ancients, 
“a creature whose deadly glance would alone prove fatal.” Indeed, this belief in 
fascination does not, according to Dr. Barton, belong to the Indians, as the reply 
of a “much respected Delaware” to Heckwelder may prove: “The Rattlesnake 
obtains its food merely by slyness and a persevering patience; it knoweth as well 
where to watch its prey as a cat does, and it succeeds as well.” 
The Rev. Dr. Bachman, an excellent naturalist, also informs me that he has 
more than once observed Rattlesnakes watching for hours at the root of large 
trees, on the branches of which sported some innocent squirrel, unconscious of 
the “charmer below;” but woe betide him should he descend to the earth in 
search of water, or of fallen nuts or acorns. There are even still more tales of 
the charming power of the Black than of the Rattlesnake, to whom it would be 
useless, for he is bold, lively, active, and climbs the loftiest trees in pursuit of his 
prey, while the Rattlesnake waits patiently below.* 
Mr. Rittenhouse once observed the peculiar melancholy, and fluttering, tremu- 
lous motion of a red-winged maize-thief, like a bird “said to be charmed.” 
“Suspecting that it was disturbed by a serpent, he threw a stone at the place 
whence the noise proceeded; the bird flew away, but soon returned, and, on 
* Much has been said lately about the Rattlesnake’s power of climbing trees. For this 
his organization seems to me ill adapted; his body is thick and clumsy, the tail short, and the 
rattles too, which are easily broken, would form an awkward appendage in climbing; while 
in those snakes that climb with great facility, the body is slender, the tail very long and 
delicate, and may at times be used as a prehensile instrument. But a full account of the 
curious organization of the Rattlesnake—of its poison, and of its effects on other animals— 
will be given in the anatomical part of this work. 
