NATURAL HISTORY. 321 



Where at each step the stranger fears to wake 



The rattling terrors of the vengeful snake." GOLDSMITH. 



It has been alleged that it is a signal of warning to keep 

 away animals that might hear it, from the deadly venom of 

 the snake. But it is altogether opposed to the economy of nature 

 to endow an animal with means to scare away the prey upon 

 which it must subsist. It is not unlikely that, as the snake does 

 not climb trees, nor move about with the graceful evolutions of 

 other tribes, but glides along the ground in low and secret places, 

 the rattle is used as a call to members of its own species. 



1024. Why have serpents the power of fascination ? 



Being deficient in organs of locomotion, the power of fascination 

 has probably been bestowed upon them as a compensatory endow- 

 ment. Otherwise, what chance would there be of a snake bringing 

 down a bird, or pursuing successfully a swift rabbit ? 



1025. Why are the Indian snake-catchers enabled to charm 

 snakes ? 



It seems to be well-established by observation that certain kinds 

 of serpents are exceedingly impressible by musical sounds. A 

 similar fact has been noted with respect to seals, rats, mice, and 

 other animals. But serpents appear to be impressible in a higher 

 degree, and the Indians, who study their habits, learn the exact 

 notes by which the serpents are most affected, and acquire the 

 power of what has been termed "charming them." 



ORDER IV. AMPHIBIA. * 



1026. Why is the fourth order of reptiles called amphibia t 



From two Greek words, meaning both and life. Amphibials are 

 animals formed to live on land, and to be also capable of living 

 for a long time under water. Their hearts have but one ventricle , 

 their blood is red and cold ; and they have such a command of the 

 lungs, as for a considerable time to suspend respiration. These 

 peculiarities, which characterise the amphibia in particular, 

 also generally to all the order of reptiles. 



14* 



