CROTALUS HORRIDUS. 



the intention of which is so obvious, that the most obtuse 

 cannot contemplate it without at once appreciating the beau- 

 ty of the contrivance. This singular rattle is formed of nu- 

 merous horny rings, that are in fact merely modifications of 

 the general scaly covering of the reptile, so loosely articu- 

 lated together that the slightest movement of their formida- 

 ble possessor is betrayed by the startling noise produced by 

 the collision of the different pieces composing the organ ; 

 even when at rest, the creature announces, by rapid vibra- 

 tions of the tail, the place of its concealment, apparently to 

 caution the inadvertent intruder against too near an ap- 

 proach. 



These animals feed principally upon birds, squirrels, and 

 other small animals, which it is believed they have the power 

 of fascinating. Whatever may be the nature of this power, 

 it is certain that its effects on the little animals are irresistible. 

 When the piercing eye of the rattlesnake is fixed on them, 

 terror and amazement render them incapable of escaping; 

 and while involuntarily keeping their eyes fixed on those of 

 the reptile, birds have been seen to drop into its mouth, as if 

 paralyzed, squirrels descend from their trees, and leverets run 

 into the jaws of the expecting devourer. Dr. Barton of Phila- 

 delphia published in 1796 a " Memoir concerning the Fasci- 

 nating Faculty which has been ascribed to the Rattlesnake 

 and other American Serpents," in which he maintains that 

 this supposed power of fascination does not exist, and offers 

 some ingenious explanations of the origin of what he consid- 

 ers a popular mistake. 



" In conducting my inquiries into this curious subject," 

 says Dr. Barton, " I endeavored to ascertain the two follow- 

 ing points, viz. first, What species of birds are most frequently 

 observed to be enchanted by the serpents ? and secondly, At 

 what season of the year has any particular species been the 

 most commonly under this wonderful influence ? I supposed 

 this would furnish me with a clew to a right explanation of 

 the whole mystery. 



" Birds have an almott uniform and determinate method of 

 building their nests, whether we consider the form of the nest, 

 its materials, or the place in which it is fixed. Those birds 

 which build their nests upon the ground, on the lower branch- 

 es of trees, and on low bushes, (especially on the sides of 

 rivers, creeks, &c., that are frequented by different kinds of 



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