SNAKE-POISON LITERATURE. 9 



when in captivity for a period of two years. The 

 rattlesnake of the Northern States of America, 

 when at liberty, sometimes lives in the company 

 of its fellows, but more frequently alone. In 

 this particular it resembles our Indian snakes ; 

 though it is worthy of note, that if a collection 

 of snakes is kept as nearly as possible in their 

 natural state, where snakes are at all common, 

 they will undoubtedly attract other snakes. 

 Rattlesnakes, we are told, show no hostility to- 

 wards one another, even when ten to thirty-five 

 are kept in a box together, and, even when fresh 

 snakes were dropped upon those in captivity, no 

 attempt was made to annoy the new-comers. 

 This is also the case with most Indian snakes, 

 especially vipers. But I have kept sixty to Habits oj 

 seventy cobras in a pit together, and they very 

 often, on the slightest provocation, began to fight 

 in a most savage and curious fashion. On being 

 provoked, several commenced to hiss fiercely, and 

 some would raise themselves up, expand their 

 hoods, and begin a vigorous attack in all direc- 

 tions, and after making several ineffectual darts,— 

 for they are by no means so skilful at taking 

 aim as is generally believed — two would catch 

 each other by the mouth, rapidly entwine them- 



