RATTLE- SNAKE* 
77 
the Virginian and Carolina Indians carry dry in 
their pockets, is a small tuberous root which they 
procure from the distant parts of the country. They 
chew a portion of this, and having swallowed some 
of the juice apply the rest to the wound. “ Having 
by travelling much with the Indians,” continues 
Catesby, “ had frequent opportunities of seeing the 
direful effects of the bites of these snakes, it always 
seemed, and was apparent to me, that the good 
effect usually attributed to these their remedies, is 
owing more to the force of nature, or the slight- 
ness of the bite of a small snake in a muscular 
part, &c. The person thus bitten I have known 
to survive without any assistance for many hours ; 
but where a rattle-snake with full force penetrates 
with his deadly fangs, and pricks a vein or an ar- 
tery, inevitable death ensues, and that, as I have 
often seen, in less than two minutes. The Indians 
know their destiny the moment they are bit ; and, 
when they perceive it mortal, apply no remedy, con- 
cluding all efforts in vain : if the bite happeneth in 
a fleshy part they immediately cut it, to stop the 
current of the poison.” 
Rattle-snakes are viviparous, and bring forth 
about twelve young. In the month of August they 
are said to be most dangerous, but never attack 
mankind unless they are provoked ; and this attack 
is always preceded by the noise of their rattle, 
which, when they are pleased, is far from being 
distinct. They feed on squirrels, lizards, frogs, 
and other small animals ; for which purpose they 
