208 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
time they have no rattle. These rattles they shake 
with a prodigious degree of quickness, whenever 
they are disturbed, or are in pursuit of their prey. 
3. The usual motion of the Rattle Snake is with 
its head to the ground. When, however, it is 
alarmed, it coils its body into a circle, with its head 
erect, and its eyes flaming in a terrific manner. 
From this position it springs upon its enemy, if 
within proper distance, and inflicts its terrible wound 
with unerring aim. 
4. The very instant the wound is inflicted, the 
pain is excruciating, and the part inflames and 
swells ; the eyes become red, the head enlarges, the 
heart palpitates, and the whole frame is parched 
with heat. In this agony the wounded person re- 
mains five or six hours, by the end of which the 
whole mass of blood becomes corrupted, a mortifica- 
tion ensues, and the ill-fated being dies. 
5. It must, however, be remarked, that the snake 
is not the aggressor ; it being perfectly inoffensive 
except when provoked. Several remedies have been 
tried to alleviate its bite, and in some cases with 
good effect. Olive oil, a decoction of Sal Ammo- 
niac, Virginia snake-root, tobacco, &c. are among 
the number. 
6. “ A gentleman in Virginia was walking :n the 
fields, when he accidentally trod upon a Rattle 
Snake, which reared up, shook its rattles, and bit 
his hand. 
7. “ The gentleman immediately perceived that 
he was in great danger ; but, not willing to die unre- 
venged, he killed the Rattle Snake, carried it home 
What are the effects of its bite ? Is the snake the aggressor ? 
Is its bite ever cured ? By what remedies ? What anecdote is 
related of a gentleman in Virginia ? 
