Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-07-14
NATURAL HISTORY-THE COPPER.
HEAD.


This curious animal is native of North
America, and is found in all parts of the
Union, as wel as In New Jersey, Swangev
and NARROW. Large numbers have also emf
grated to Canada where they thrive yerv
well, Notwithstanding the contemptin which
| they are held by the inhabitants. Specimens
have been Sem in Europe, but they are pro-
baby carried thither by mobiles for curiosities.
The copperhead as it now exists is of recent
origin, being a hybrid produced by cross
between Southern rebel and a Northern
dough-face, but animals of the same gea.ips
have existed in all ages of the world, and
Agassiz is said to have discovered petrifed
remains of one in the formation ofthe Sau-
rian period.
From its form and talent of mimicry it has
been supposed by some tc belong to the
monkey tribe, but this has been zealously
opposed by the friends of the latter as being
disparaging to themonkey. In form it very
much resembles the human species. The
male is from five to six feet in height, gen
orally of dirt color, and when none have been
cut off to avoid the draft, has Gve toes and
FIVE claws at the extremity Of each fore paw
or arm 1t is clustering and frothy, but cow
ardly.
The female is smaller, butvicious and saw
age. She generally has rings in her ears,
and beard on her upper lip. Her bite is
poisonous and deadly. We have heard of
no instance in which one has been success
fully tanned
The copperhead is naturally clumsy ami
NAL, but when nearly cornered by an oppo-
nent, it leaps from position to position with
wonderful agility 1t is generally biped,
but just before election il becomes cent?
pede. 1t feeds upon offal and the bodies of
dead patriots, which accounts for its Joy
when the Union armies have been defeated
and large numbers of soldiers slain. Some
attempts have been made to make use of the
copperhead in the present war, but though
it viii travel northward, towards Canada)
no means have been found to induce him
southwark, which is probably owing to the
fear of the negro. But next to the dog, the
male copperhead is probably the most intel-
hgent of the animal creation. He can be
taught TO chop wood, chew tobacco, and
even vote and hold Office.
ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE Keep good
company or none. Never be idle. If your
hands cannot be usefully employed attend to
the cultivation of your mind. Always speak
the truth. Make few promises Live up to
your engagement heep your own secrets,
if you have any. When you speak to n
person. look him in the face. Good compa-
ny and good conversation are the very sinews
of virtue Good character is above any
thing else. Your character cannot be essen.
TALLY injured, except by your own acts. If
any one speaks exil ofyou, let your life beso
that no one viii believe him. Drink no kind
of intoxicating liquors. Ever live (misfor-
tunes excepted within Youl income, When
you retire to beG, think over what you have
been doing during the day Make no haste
to be rich, if you would prosper. Smaland
steady gains give competency, with tranquil
ity of mind. Never play at any game of
chance. Avoid temptation, though you
fear you may not withstand it. Earn money
before you spend it. Never run into debt
unless you see way to get out of it. Do
not marry until you are able to support
wife. Never speak evil of any one Be
just before you are generous Keep your
self innocent, if you would be happy. Save
when you are young, that you may spend
when you are old. Read over the above
maxims at least once week.