CHAP. XVI.] RATTLE-SNAKES. 229 



known, before we can expect to comprehend why certain types 

 were originally selected for certain areas, whether of land or water. 



In the museum of the Medical College, Professor Shepard 

 showed me a fine specimen of the large rattle-snake of South 

 Carolina (Crotalm adamantinus), preserved in spirits. It 

 was said to have been nine years old, having six rattles, the 

 tail acquiring one annually after the third year. When brought 

 into the laboratory in winter in a torpid state, an electric shock 

 had been communicated to it, which threw it into a state of 

 extreme excitement. Two tortoises, nearly torpid, were also 

 put by the professor into a glass bell filled with laughing gas, and 

 they immediately began to leap about with great agility, arid con 

 tinued in this state of muscular excitement for more than an hour. 



In both my tours in America, I heard stories not only of dogs, 

 which had died suddenly from the bite of rattle-snakes, but men 

 also ; and the venom is said to be more virulent in the south. I re 

 joiced, therefore, that I had chosen the coldest season for my visit 

 to these latitudes ; but it seemed singular that in my wanderings 

 to explore the rocks in various states, I had never yet got sight of 

 a single snake, or heard its rattle. That they make a much greater 

 figure in books of travels than in real life, I can not but suspect. 



Almost all the best houses in Charleston are built with veran 

 dahs, and surrounded with gardens. In some of the streets we 

 admired the beautiful evergreens, and remarked among them the 

 Prunus virginiana, with black cherries hanging to it, and Mag 

 nolia grandiflora. The number of turkey buzzards is surprising. 

 I have seen nine of them perched side by side, like so many 

 bronze statues, breaking the long line of a roof in the clear blue 

 sky, while others were soaring in the air, each feather, at the 

 extremity of their extended wings, being spread out, so as to be 

 seen separate from the rest. A New England friend, whom we 

 met here, seeing my interest in these birds, told me they are the 

 sole scavengers of the place, and a fine of five dollars is imposed 

 on any person who kills one. &quot; You are lucky in being here in 

 a 3old season ; if you should come back in summer, you would 

 think that these vultures had a right to the whole city, it stinks 

 so intolerably.&quot; 



