THE RATTLE SNAKE. 
258 
they continue for several days without taking any food 
whatsoever. 
The viper is capable of supporting very long abstinence 
it being known that some have been kept in a box six months 
without food ; yet during the whole time they did not abate 
of their vivacity- They feed only a small part of the year, 
but neverduringtheir confinement; for if mice, their favourite 
diet, should at that time be thrown into their box, though 
they will kill, yet they will never eat them. When at libetTv 
they remain torpid throughout the winter; yet, when con- 
fined, have never been observed to take their annual repose. 
They are usually taken with wooden tongs, by the end of 
the tail, which maybe done without danger; for, while 
held in that position, they are unable to wind themselves 
up to hurt their enemy ; yet, notwithstanding this precau- 
tion, the viper-catchers are frequently bitten by them ; but, 
by the application of olive-oil the bite is effectually cured.’ 
The Rattle-snake is bred in America, and in no part of 
the old world. Some are as thick as a man’s leg, and six feet 
in length ; but the most usual size is from four to five feet 
long. In most particulars it resembles the viper : it differs, 
however, in having a large scale, which hangs like a pent’ 
house over each eye. They are of an orange tawny, and 
blackish colour on the back ; and of an ash-colour on the 
belly, inclining to lead. The male may be readily distin- 
guished from the female, by a black velvet spot on the head 
and by the head being smaller and longer. But that which’ 
besides their superior malignity, distinguishes them from all 
other animals, is their rattle, an instrument lodged in their 
'ail, by which they make such a loud, rattling noise, when 
1 hey move, that their approach may readily be perceived, an 
die danger avoided. This rattle, which is placed in the tail, 
somewhat resembles, when taken from the body, the curb 
chain of a bridle : it is composed of several thin, hard, hol- 
low bones, linked on each other, and rattling upon theslightest 
Motion. It is supposed by some, that the snake acquires an 
additional bone every year; and that from this its age may 
l precisely known : however this may be, certain it Vs, that 
die young snakes of a year or two old have no rattles at 
? while many old ones have been killed, that had from 
eleven to thirteen joints each. They shake and make a 
noise with these rattles with prodigious quickness when they 
aie disturbed ; however, the peccary and the vulture are no 
way terrified at the sound, but hasten at the signal to seize 
'he snake, as their most favourite prey. 
