RATTLE-SNAKE. 
78 
sometimes frequent the sides of rills, and sometimes 
mount the trees. Multitudes of them collect to- 
gether in the winter, and hide themselves beneath 
the ground out of the reach of the frost. In the 
spring, when they first appear, they are so weak and 
languid that they may be easily killed. 
Much has been said respecting the fascinating 
powers of the rattle-snake, and authors of consider- 
able credit have fully believed these animals capable 
of so intimidating their prey as to force them to run 
into their mouth. As we have had no opportunity 
of ascertaining this point ourselves, we shall merely 
relate what some others have said upon the subject, 
and leave the reader to make his own comments 
upon it. 
“ The charming,” says Catesby, £C as it is com- 
monly called, or attractive power this snake is said 
to have, of drawing to it small animals, and devour- 
ing them, is generally believed in America : as for 
my own part, I never saw the action ; but a great 
many from whom I had it related, all agree in the 
manner of the process ; which is, that the animals, 
particularly birds and squirrels, (which principally 
are their prey,) no sooner spy the snake than they 
skip from spray to spray, hovering and approaching 
gradually nearer to the enemy, regardless of any 
other danger ; hut with distracted gestures and out- 
cries descend, though from the top of the loftiest 
trees, to the mouth of the snake, who openeth his 
jaws, takes them in, and in a moment swallows 
them.” 
