THE RATTLESNAKE. 941 
current, that they possessed the power of fascinating 
their victims, which were thought to be so completely 
under the influence of their glance as to precipitate 
themselves of their own accord into the open throat of 
their enemy; but the truth appears to be that they 
actually inspire so great a degree of terror that the 
animals selected for their attacks are commonly rendered 
incapable of offering such resistance as might otherwise 
be in their power, or even of attempting to escape from 
their pursuit. 
Like most reptiles they retire during the winter into 
holes, in which they remain in a torpid state until the 
return of spring; and during this period they may be 
taken or destroyed without danger. Their flesh is eaten 
by the negroes, who also apply their fat, as well as their 
rattles, to various medicinal or superstitious uses. 
The number at present in the Tower exceeds a hun- 
dred, varying from four to six feet in length, and differing 
very considerably from each other both in colour and 
markings. 
