;j. ' THE HATTLE SNAKE. 91 



Another by Dr. Goldsmith. 



a skilful physician, however, being sent for, who 

 had heard of the preceding affair, suspected the 

 cause, and, by applying proper remedies, reco- 

 vered his patient. The fatal boots were now 

 carefully examined, and the two fangs of the 

 snake were discovered to have been left in the 

 leather with the poison-bladders adhering to 

 them. They had penetrated entirely through, 

 and both the father and son had imperceptibly 

 scratched themselves with their points in pulling 

 off the boots. 



Dr. Goldsmith also relates, that, as a gentle- 

 man in Virginia was walking in the fields for his 

 amusement, he accidentally trod upon a rattle- 

 snake that had been lurking in a stony place, 

 which, enraged by the pressure, reared up, bit 

 his hand, and shook its rattles. The gentleman 

 readily perceived that he was in the most dread- 

 ful danger; but, unwilling to die unrevenged, he 

 killed the snake, and carrying it home in his 

 hand, threw it on the ground before his family, 

 crying out, " I am killed, and there is my mur- 

 derer!" In such an extremity, the speediest re- 

 medies were the best. His arm, which was be- 

 ginning to swell, was tied up near the shoulder, 

 the wound was anointed with oil, and every pre- 

 caution taken to stop the infection. By the help 

 of a very strong constitution he recovered, but 

 not without feeling the most various and dreadful 

 symptoms for several weeks together. His arm, 



M 2 



