So THE BANDED RATTLE-SNAKE. 



vented from doing it, and in consequence it bit him 

 in the ear. He seemed somewhat stunned, and left 

 the place, but returned on being encouraged bv the 

 company. In the second encounter he received a 

 bite ill his lip, after which the snake bit himself. 

 The dog from that moment appeared senseless of 

 every thing around him, even the caresses of his 

 brutal master had now no effect, and in less 

 than half an hour both the animals were found 

 dead *. 



A Rattle-snake which had been highly irritated 

 by an Indian Dog, that had both cunning and agi- 

 lity enough always to keep out of his reach, was 

 observed at the time to contract the muscles that 

 moved his scales, in such a manner as to make his 

 body appear extremely bright : but immediately 

 after he had bitten himself all his splendour was 

 gone f . 



If they are not provoked, these animals are per- 

 fectly inoffensive to mankind, being so much alarm- 

 ed at the sight of a man as always, if possible, to 

 avoid them, and never commencing an attack. 

 Their anger is said to be easily known from the noise 

 of their rattle, which in this state is always loud 

 and distinct ; but when they are pleased it is said 

 to sound like a distant trepidation, in which no- 

 thing distinct can be heard. Negroes and others, 

 who have been bitten by them, have also frequently 

 recovered without any assistance ; and indeed the 

 Indian medicines are mostly so fanciful that na- 



* Brickell, 14-6. f Bartrim's Obs. on Pennsylvania, ir. 



