CROTALUSDURISSUS. 83 



Dimensions. Length of head, If inches; greatest breadth of head, H inches; 

 length of body, 40 inches; length of tail, 3J inches; length of nine rattles, 2 inches; 

 total length, 47i inches; greatest circumference of body, 6 inches. The specimen 

 described had one hundred and seventy-seven large broad plates on the abdomen, 

 and twenty-five under the tail. 



Habits. The Crotalus durissus lives on rabbits, squirrels, rats, &c., and in 

 general is a remarkably slow and sluggish animal, lying quietly in wait for his 

 prey, and never wantonly attacking nor destroying animals, except as food, unless 

 disturbed by them. A single touch, however, will effect this; even rustling the 

 leaves in his neighbourhood is sufficient to irritate him. On these occasions he 

 immediately coils himself, shakes his rattles violently in sign of rage, and strikes 

 at whatever is placed within his reach. In his native woods one may pass within 

 a few feet of him unmolested; though aware of the passenger's presence, he either 

 lies quiet or glides away to a more retired spot — unlike some of the innocent 

 snakes that I have known attack passers-by at certain seasons of the year. He 

 never follows the object of his rage, whether an animal that has unwarily approached 

 so near as to touch him, or only a stick thrust at him to provoke his anger, but 

 strikes on the spot, and prepares to repeat the blow, or he may sloAvly retreat, 

 like an unconquered enemy, sure of his strength, but not choosing further combat. 

 It is remarkable that he never strikes unless coiled; so that if once thrown from 

 this position, he may be approached with less danger. 



As to the fascinating or charming power of the rattlesnake, I have every 

 reason to believe it a fable; and the wonderful effects related by creditable 

 witnesses are attributable rather to terror than to any mysterious influence not 

 possessed by all venomous or ferocious animals upon their weak, timid, and 

 defenceless prey. The rattlesnake's charm lies in the horror of his appearance, 

 and the instinctive sense of danger that seizes a feeble animal fallen suddenly into 

 the presence of an enemy of such a threatening aspect. 



In Catesby's time, w^hen the country was less settled, rattlesnakes were common 



