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CREATURES OF MYSTERY 
slow and sluggish, lying quietly in wait for his prey, and never 
wantonly attacking or destroying animals, except as food, un¬ 
less disturbed by them. But when irritated or interfered with, 
his whole attitude changes with the rapidity of lightning. He 
immediately coils himself, shakes his rattles violently, and 
strikes at whatever comes within reach. In his native woods 
one may pass unmolested within a few feet of him. Though 
aware of the presence of someone, the snake either lies quiet 
or glides away to a more retired spot. It is said that this par¬ 
ticular species never follows the object of his rage, be it an 
animal that has passed close to him, or only a stick thrust at 
him to provoke his wrath. He simply strikes, and prepares to 
strike again, or he may slowly retreat like an unconquered 
enemy, sure of his strength, but not choosing further combat. 
So apathetic do these snakes become that persons have been 
known to step over them without arousing their anger or caus¬ 
ing them to coil and strike. 
They Love Little Children 
Dr. Stejneger, in speaking on this point in his “Poisonous 
Snakes of North America,” says: “There even seems to be 
truth in some of the stories about children having been found 
playing with them and carrying live rattlesnakes about without 
having been hurt.” 
There are many instances on record of children playing with 
venomous snakes without fear, and consequently without in¬ 
jury. One of the most unusual and fascinating stories which 
has been brought to my attention since I undertook to inves¬ 
tigate the habits of the rattlesnake in the wild state has to do 
with a very small child who made a companion of one under¬ 
neath his parents’ residence. 
This family lived within the coastal plains of Georgia, where 
this large, vicious and venomous reptile abounds. They lived 
in a log house, with chimney of sticks and mud. 
Every afternoon the mother gave this little boy, who had 
just begun to walk, a cup of milk. She began to take notice of 
the fact that when he received this he would go out into the 
yard and disappear. She had been conscious of the fact for 
