RATTLE SNAKE. 
of an orange tawny and blackish colour on 
the back, and of an ash -colour inclining to 
lead on the belly. There are, however, many 
^varieties : some spotted, or marked extremely 
dark, so as to seem almost black ; and others 
.speckled and clouded so beautifully, as to be 
denominated, by the Indians, Yellow Snakes^ 
The male may be easily distinguished from 
the female, by a black velvet spot on the head^ 
and by the head itself being longer and more 
slender. But that which most particularly dis- 
tinguishes this from all other animals, and to 
which it owes it's name, is the Rattle ; an ap- 
pendage at the end of it's tail, which makes such 
a loud noise, while the creature is in motion, 
that it's approach may be readily known, and 
consequently the danger avoided. This Rat- 
tle, when separated from the tail, somewhat 
resembles the curb-chain of a bridle ; and is 
composed of several thin, hard, hollow bones, 
linked loosely together, and rattling on the 
s-lightest motion. Some naturalists are of opi- 
nion, that the Snake acquires an additional bone 
every year; and that, therefore, the creature's 
age may be precisely ascertained: certain it is, 
that young Snakes of a year or two .old. are 
destitute 
