$ 
USE OF THE RATTLES OF THE RATTLESNAKE. 261 
upon the theory of natural selection, inasmuch as it could contri; 
bute in no way to the advantage of the animal; that it seemed to 
him quite clear that it was rather calculated to hinder than to help 
the creature in the race of life by warning its prey of its pres- 
ence.” But he intimates that he is now ready to say, that this 
appendage can be explained upon the theory of natural selection. 
He considers the idea that it might be used as a sexual call as 
untenable, but that the whirring sound of the rattles closely imi- 
tates the sound made by the Cicada and for this reason is used as 
a call-note, as a hunter uses his bone-turkey-caller, to induce the 
bird to come within the range of his weapon. Now the first ques- 
tion which naturally arises is this: Does the snake sound its 
rattles when seeking to capture its prey? Ihave always under- 
stood that it is only when it throws‘itself upon the defensive and 
prepares for battle that the rattles are sounded; that it is an 
alarm note, a war-cry, and not a gentle, deceptive invitation to 
the victim. I have never seen a rattlesnake, and know of course 
nothing personally of its habits. But if this use is not made of 
the rattles as suggested by Prof. Shaler, and the sound only serves 
_ to call the attention of its enemies and thus invite destruction, 
then indeed is the theory of natural selection nonplussed. But 
as I view the matter, instead of inviting his destruction by 
Sounding the rattles, it is one of the most effective means of self 
Protection and is as useful to it in the race for life as is the growl 
of the tiger when threatened with danger. The snake does fot 
Sound its rattles until it considers itself discovered, and not 
then unless it- apprehends danger. It throws itself in position 
to strike and says in unmistakable language, “Look out, I am 
omy for you!” If pushed upon, it makes its leap at its antag- 
nist, and again throws itself in position to renew the conflict, 
and again sounds the note of defiance ; a note calculated to alarm 
and, like the war-whoop of the Indian, strike terror to the heart 
ot the assailant ; but it may be said that the Indian only utters 
his yells when rushing on his enemy, or when actually engaged in 
the conflict, and the sounding of the rattles upon the first approach 
of danger is a disadvantage. Now it seems to me, if this were 
2 true and if it be a piece of rashness upon the part of the snake 
early to exhibit his combatativeness, that natural selection 
‘Would Cure the matter by selecting and preserving the more timid, 
and that 
- When it 
> eventually, rattlesnakes would only sound their tail-bells 
would best promote their interests. 
