238 BOA, OR OX-SERPENT. 



singular mark of distinction, the rattle in the tail. With 

 this instrument it makes a very loud noise ; and it appears 

 to have been assigned by Providence for the purpose of 

 warning other animals of its approach, and thereby en- 

 abling them to avoid the danger. This rattle is composed 

 of several thin, hard, hollow bones, linked together, and 

 which sound on the least motion of the animal. It has 

 been supposed, and perhaps not without reason, that the 

 rattle-snake acquires an additional bone every year, from 

 which circumstance its age may be indicated ; at least, it 

 is certain, that the young are totally destitute of this 

 appendage. 



No sooner is this harsh and alarming rattle heard, than 

 the other classes of animals testify their fear by speedy 

 flight. The almost inevitable death that ensues from the 

 bite of this terrible reptile creates a kind of solitude 

 around its haunts. It is, however, very inactive and in- 

 dolent, unless when provoked ; and, conscious of its 

 superior powers of annoyance, is seldom the aggressor, 

 except when impelled by hunger to attack its natural 

 prey. 



Various antidotes have been recommended for the 

 bite ; but such is the malignity of the venom, that it has 

 been doubted whether the recoveries which have been 

 recorded have not been more owing to the slightness of 

 the wound and the strength of constitution, than to any 

 medicaments that have been prescribed. The pain soon 

 grows insupportable, and some have expired under it in 

 five or six hours, while others have survived the agony 

 a little longer ; but only to yield at last to a mortifica- 

 tion, which gradually, yet rapidly, overspreads the whole 

 frame. 



THE BOA, OR OX-SERPENT. 



There are several species of this enormous reptile, dis- 

 tinguished by the number of their abdominal and caudal 

 scuta. They are all terrible for their magnitude and bite, 

 but destitute of venom. The boa constrictor, to which 



