T~HE KATTLE SNAKR. 387 



never becomes the assailant, and only acts on the de- 

 fensive, when trodden upon or attacked. 



I have now, my dear Sir, given you a view of an 

 order of animals different from all others in their con- 

 formation; and, by a peculiar mechanism, exhibiting 

 u new and singular display of the wonderful works of 

 the Creator of the universe. Without either legs, 

 wings, or fins, they are notwithstanding locomotive, 

 and tolerably swift in their movements. The want of 

 feet is wonderfully compensated by the disposition of 

 the muscles and fibres of their bodies, and shews that 

 the author of nature has a multiplicity of means for 

 accomplishing every purpose. 



You may perhaps be inclined to doubt the utility 

 of the serpent race, but you must, my dear Sir, re- 

 member that we, who only see by parts, cannot com- 

 prehend the whole complicated plan of infinite wis- 

 dom. We can discover the use of many of the rep- 

 tile race, and serpents, no doubt, have u part assigned 

 them to act in the general system for the purpose of 

 contributing to its perfection. In regard to their for- 

 midable qualities, they are rather terrific than hurtful 

 to the human species. Not a tenth part of them are 

 venomous, and, these, as already observed, act only 

 on the defensive. Their figure excites horror and 

 djsgust, and this antipathy against the serpent, 

 and most of the reptile race, has undoubtedly been 

 implanted in our nature, in order to secure us from 

 fehe danger of rashly approaching the noxious, which 

 we may not always be able to distinguish from the 

 harmless kinds. With every sentiment of affection 

 and esteem, I am, 



Dear Sir, 



Your's, &c.. 



