58 COLUBER CONSTRICTOR. 
In the breeding season it is extremely irascible, and will frequently attack 
persons passing at a distance of several steps; its tail then quivers with rage, 
making a quick vibratory motion, which in forests and among dry leaves sounds 
not unlike the Rattlesnake; it now elevates the head one or two feet from the 
ground, and darts upon its adversary; luckily its bite is harmless, and not more 
painful than the scratch of a pin. 
It will even descend from trees to attack its enemy if teazed, as I have more 
than once experienced when in search of reptiles; yet I have never seen it 
endeavour to twine itself around the legs, as is commonly supposed. Even in 
confinement it carries with it the same irascible temper, is easily provoked, 
quarrels with its fellow prisoners, and bites at whatever may be offered it. 
The same power of charming its prey has been attributed to the Black, as to 
the Rattlesnake, and with still less appearance of reason; for this is a nimble 
animal, and can pursue his prey, while the Rattlesnake must he in wait for his. 
It is remarkable that the birds most commonly found “charmed,” according to 
Dr. Barton,* are the cat-bird (Turdus Carolinensis), or red-winged blackbird) 
(Icterus pheeniceus). These birds choose thick and shady places on the margins 
of streams for their residence, and generally build their nests on shrubs, as the 
alder, &c.; the latter bird not unfrequently takes the precaution to select such 
bushes as are on small islands, or such as have their roots surrounded by water, 
and thus her home is more secure. Now the Black Snake chooses precisely the 
same localities, knowing, probably, the haunts of its prey. The serpent begins 
the war by besieging the nest; the old bird, aware of its intention, attacks it with 
“fluttering and uncertain motions, accompanied by a plaintive cry of distress, and 
is then said to be charmed.” The snake is at last either driven off, or it 
succeeds in its enterprise, captures the young, and not unfrequently the old bird 
is killed in the struggle and devoured; though the birds most commonly found in 
the stomach of the Black Snake are young, and frequently unfledged. 
* Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., vol. iv. p. 103. 
