
          746.

*Upon Mr. W's suggestion, to place the wicked crime where it
rightfully should be.

our way.  We learned that they were on their way across the hills
to Ilchester.  No doubt, they had followed the path at the head
of our run.  After they were gone, we prepared coffee, and ate our
lunch.  Dinner eaten, I searched the place nearby for ferns.  Very
close to our camp I came across a pretty snake of a coppery
color, beautifully marked with large patches of a dark color.

When I saw it, I thought it must be a copper-head.  It moved
very slowly, and this, no doubt, caused me to see it, for when it
was still, its covering so harmonized with its surroundings that
it was hard to see.  When I stood still to watch it, it
stopped moving and turned its head in my direction.  I could
hear Mr. W. but could not see him; but, on moving a few steps
forward, I could see him, so I called him to come see the
beautiful snake.  Mr. W. also did not know <s>either</s> if it was a
copper-head.  After admiring the creature for some time, we,* concluded 
to kill it and take it with us for determination.
So Mr. W. held the snake firmly to the ground with a stick, and I
struck it across its head.  We then took it to our camp and laid
it on the ground, till we should be ready to leave.  I then continued
my search for plants.  I was not searching long, when I found

        