Catalogue of the Reptiles of Connecticut. 45 



be in a stupor, much resembling their torpor during winter. It was then placed in 

 water, and remained with the wounded part above the surface in one position for 

 an hour, when it expired. On examination, one of the fangs was found broken 

 off in the tough head of the alligator. Thus was a doubt cleared up respecting 

 the effect of snake poison upon this amphibious animal, that they are not exempt 

 from its deadly influence. I have seen many hounds bitten by the rattlesnake, 

 and never knew but one to recover, and that was bitten in October, and was 

 always puny and miserable afterwards. In one instance, a dog lived but two 

 minutes after being struck, (and that was in July,) although I have known some 

 to survive from one hour to one day. But the result depends much upon the sea- 

 son of the year, which seems to have a powerful influence in regulating the venom 

 of all snakes. 



" It has been a current opinion that the rattlesnake possesses the power of con- 

 traction to such a degree as to defy the strongest man to hold it in his grasp, or to 

 keep his hands asunder. I was induced to try it with one seven feet long. Hav- 

 ing secured its head to enable me to seize it, I grasped it with one hand tightly 

 around the neck immediately below the head, and with the other far below the 

 middle; its head was then released. Although its power did not bring my hands 

 together, still by slow degrees, it crowded through my hands in spite of my utmost 

 pressure, until its head had gained a distance that made it unsafe for me to hold 

 on any longer. During the time I held it, I felt an indescribable faint sickness 

 from its horrible smell, and the cold creeping sensation it produced upon my 

 nerves. The rattlesnake no doubt [in reply to some queries I had written him, 

 Capt. F. adds] has the faculty to throw off or suppress a disagreeable effluvium. 

 Soon after I had cast away the snake I regained my usual feelings." 



Again, after stating his disbelief in the power of this snake to charm, he adds : 

 " That they do entice their prey within their reach by some indescribable attractive 

 power is possible, but I have never witnessed it ; I have often drawn near the 

 rattlesnake and looked it steadily in the eye until the intensity of my gaze became 

 confused and dim from the most natural cause, without having any strange effect 

 produced upon me. From the great number I have seen from time to lime in our 

 forests under a variety of circumstances, I am induced to discredit the power or 

 inclination of the rattlesnake to charm man or any animal which is too large to 

 supply its appetite. Still I doubt not that they possess some undefinable alluring 

 power as above remarked, in securing their food ; for otherwise, how could they 

 so frequently overtake the timid and fleet-footed rabhit, the agile squirrel, or the 

 aerial mock-bird, all favorite repasts with the rattlesnake, which is clumsy and 

 sluggish in its travelling gait, but quick as thought in its defense. I will here add 

 in conclusion, a circumstance which occurred about ten days since, and was related 



to me by Mr. H of Cumberland, a gentleman of veracity and observation 



in these subjects. I give his own relation : ' I had driven down to where the 

 road passed a scrub, when immediately in front of the horses, I discovered a huge 

 rattlesnake crossing the road. I dismounted and followed the snake into the 

 bushes, whilst it appeared perfectly regardless of my presence. I wondered at its 

 total disregard of me, and repeatedly touched it with a stick which I had broken 

 for the purpose, but it did neither arrest its progress, or in any way excite its 

 notice. This appeared truly strange in an animal usually so sensitive. Whilst I 

 was endeavoring to get an opportunity to kill it, I discovered the object of pursuit 

 in a full grown rabbit within fifteen feet, and immediately in front of the snake. 

 The rabbit appeared to disregard me, but with its attention fastened upon the 

 snake, made several springs in an oblique approximation to the snake's course, 

 which also changed its route to that of its victim. These maneuvres occurred sev- 



