490 ZOOLOGY. 
as to Lyonetia of which we have but one species described by Dr. 
Clemens from a single captured imago. But I am glad to see that 
Mr. Mann’s observations as to the number of broods of O. cojfeel- 
lum, confirm mine as to the Lithocalletide generally. 
Mr. Mann writes the termination of the specific names of the 
Tineina, ellum instead of ella. As a matter of grammatical purity 
this may be well enough, but the termination ella has been so uni- 
versally adopted, and in use so long that it is too late now to 
change it,and as a matter of convenience it had better be retained. 
—V. T. C., Covington, Ky. 
Tue RATTLE or tHe RATTLESNAKE. — Being interested in the 
controversy now in progress in the pages of the Naturalist 
relative to the use of the caudal appendage of the rattlesnake, and 
knowing that all the facts concerning it must be duly considered 
before any definite conclusion can be arrived at, I have presumed 
to proffer my mite and suggest some inquiries, the consideration 
of which may throw some light on the subject. ‘ 
All movements of the animal are accompanied by the pe 
sound; at least, such is my observation and I have had ample 
opportunities for observing. The more forcible or rigors 
movement the louder the rattle. When moving through tall s 
grass the sound emitted is much louder than when the movemen ” 
are not so retarded. This peculiarity I noticed two yo i 
when on the frontier in this state. One day while sitting '™ ' 
door of my tent, a large rattlesnake appeared on the Nr 
ground in front. He seemed to be moving “‘ leisurely ” grr 
movements being attended with a “gentle” rattle. After wa 
him about two-thirds the way across the tramped gr ound, i gr 
toward him, when he increased his speed and the rattling 
correspondingly increased in frequency and character. el 
Inquiry A. Is the rattling produced by vital oF we tarded 
means? The increased rattling when the movements are re fue 
would seem to indicate the latter. The rattle of the as rat 
When moved, emits the same peculiar sound, or shaking sound 
tle in the closed hand is attended with a like result, e coro 
being somewhat muffled in character, dependent upon peo 
veyed through the hand. The greater the number of ees 
the rattle the greater the sound; the larger ones eae 
louder sound but being of a lesser pitch than the smaller ; 
