704 REPTILIA—RATTLESNAKE. 
head, and by the head being smaller and longer. But that which, besides 
their superior malignity, distinguishes them from all other animals, is their 
rattle an instrument lodged in their tail, by which they make such a loud, 
rattling noise, when they move, that their approach may readily be per- 
ceived, and the danger avoided. This rattle, which is placed in the tail, 
somewhat resembles, when taken from the body, the curb chain of a bridle, 
it is composed of several thin, hard, hollow bones, linked on each other, and 
rattling upon the slightest motion. It is supposed by some that the snake 
acquires an additional bone every year; and that from this its age may be 
precisely known ; however this may be, certain it is, that the young snakes 
of a year or two old, have no rattles at all; while many old ones have been 
killed, th:.c had from eleven to thirteen joints each They shake and make 
@ aoise with these rattles, with prodigious quickness when they are dis- 
turbed; however, the peccary and the vulture are no way terrified at the 
sound, but hasten at the signal, to seize the snake, as their most favorite 
prey. 
Itis very different with almost every other animal. The certain death 
which ensues from this terrible creature’s bite, makes a solitude wherever it 
is heard. It moves along most majestically; neither seeking to offend the 
larger animals, nor fearing their insults. If unprovoked, it never meddles 
with any thing but its natural prey; but when accidentally trodden upon, 
or pursued to be destroyed, it then makes a dreadful and desperate defence. 
It erects itself upon its tail, throws back its head, and inflicts the wound in 
a moment; then parts, and inflicts a second wound; after which, we are 
told by some, that it remains torpid and inactive, without even attempting 
to escape. 
