RATTLE SNAKE. 
tion prompts them to execute any signal re- 
venge on their enemies. 
'I'hus far the history of this animal seems 
lananimouslv confirmed by naturahsts; but, 
with respect to it's fascinating power, and the 
slowness or celerity of it's motions, there have 
been various opinions. Some describe it's 
motion as the swiftest imaginable, asserting 
that it's Indian appellation^ Ecacoalt, or the 
Wind Serpent, is to be understood of it's won- 
derful agility ; others affirm, that it is the 
slowest and most shiggrsh of all serpents, and 
seldom moves from it's place; and a third 
class insist, that thougli it moves slowly on 
level ground, it travels among rocks at a pro- 
digious rate. Of occasional rapid motion, it 
certainly is capable ; though, reasoning from 
analogy, it's general slowness seems probable, 
as the viper, which it so nearly resembles, is 
remarkable among serpents for it's sluggish 
motions. 
Bartram, who had frequent opportunities of 
seeing Rattle Snakes, in his travels through 
the Southern States of America, where they 
are 
