AMPHIBIA. 



the greatest degree. The remedies applied were Salvolatile, 

 Opium, and Brandy mixed with Water, but without the 

 smallest good effect being obtained. 



The Americans use a vegetable that abounds in their 

 woods, and which is said to be a compleat and effica- 

 cious remedy, by the use of a decoction and cataplasm 

 made from the root. 



Of the Fascination or charming Power of the Rattle- 

 snake, as it is commonly called, by which it can draw 

 down from the highest trees small birds and animals, 

 causing them to drop into it's very mouth, much has 

 been asserted by travellers on each side of the question, 

 the most probable explanation of this circumstance may 

 perhaps arise from the terror and confusion into which 

 the smaller animals are thrown by the sight and sound 

 of the Rattlesnake preventing them from making their 

 escape. 



The Rattlesnake is a viviparous animal, producing 

 it's young in the month of June, generally about twelve 

 in number, and which by September acquire the length 

 of twelve inches. It is said to practise the same extra- 

 ordinary mode of preserving it's young from danger 

 which is attributed to the Viper of Europe, viz. of receiving 

 them into it's mouth, and swallowing them ; they are 

 afterwards seen to disgorge them when the danger is over. 

 In Winter they retire to the most secret and inaccessable 

 cliffs, where they pass the season in a torpid and dormant 

 state, till the Spring once more brings them forth from 

 their dark habitations. 



Amongst the most remarkable circumstances in the 

 conformation of the Rattlesnake, may be considered the 

 mechanical Construction of his Tail. The form of it is 



