124 TYPES OF ANIMAL LIFE 



not snakes ; as to what snakes are, considered as a group 

 in themselves ; and as to what are the exact resemblances 

 and differences which rattlesnakes, and every particular 

 kind of rattlesnake, bear to all other kinds of serpents. 



Of rattlesnakes there are at least a dozen, probably 

 fifteen, different species, though there are a good many 

 varieties ; a fact which makes them difficult to define. 

 The kind most common east of the Mississippi is 

 popularly known as the " banded rattlesnake," and 

 ranges at least from Maine to Texas. At one time it 

 was very common in Eastern Massachusetts, where it is 

 now, happily, very rare indeed, and only common in 

 thinly inhabited districts of more Southern and Western 

 States. It varies a good deal in colour, and may be 

 mainly brownish, yellowish, or blackish, while a series of 

 dark spots, frequently edged with yellow and of very 

 variable shape, run along the back and sides. The head 

 is very large, much flattened and triangular in shape, 

 the exterior angle being rounded. One very noticeable 

 feature is a deep pit which is placed between the eye and 

 the nostrils on either side of the head. The use of this 

 structure remains unknown. The snake often attains 

 a large size, that is, five feet in length. It feeds on 

 rabbits, squirrels, rats, &c., and is for the most part slow 

 and sluggish, waiting quietly until some suitable prey 

 approaches it. The notion formerly entertained that the 

 rattlesnake can charm or fascinate other creatiu-es is a 

 mere superstition, now quite exploded. But its sluggish- 

 ness makes it dangerous, as it may be unknowingly 

 stepped upon. Yet it never attacks spontaneously, or 

 pursues a retreating enemy. 



The structure from which the animal takes its name — 

 the "rattle" — consists mainly of three or more solid 

 horny rings placed at the end of the tail. These rings 



