242 
CREATURES OF MYSTERY 
hundred are lost where these simple instructions are followed. 
When a diamond-back fangs a rabbit for food, such action 
is usually accompanied by a violent whir of the rattles. Such 
action on the reptile’s part has a very definite purpose—he 
knows well that the greater fright he gives the rabbit the faster 
he will run, and the faster he runs the quicker he will fall. The 
physical exertion, plus the effect of the terrible fright he re¬ 
ceives causes his heart to run wild, thus distributing the venom 
quickly throughout the system. If members of the human 
family could, by sheer will power, manage to keep themselves 
somewhat under control, avoiding the mistake of the rabbit— 
just sit down upon the spot and administer themselves first-aid 
as recommended herein, then fatalities among victims of the 
rattler’s bite would be reduced to a minimum. 
Some members of the medical profession advise against the 
use of permanganate of potassium, but common sense would 
certainly suggest the use of some form of antiseptic. One aged 
physician who had enjoyed an extensive practice throughout a 
lifetime confided to me that medical men knew practically 
nothing about the treatment of snake bite, anyway. Bathing 
the wound will keep the blood flowing freely, a thing much 
desired. Blood permitted to accumulate upon the wound will 
clot and stop the flow. 
