Arizona citizen., 1877-04-28
1 o CAL AA TIERS.
The Gila Monster.

TUCSON, April ls, 1877.
 EDITOR CITIZEN: Having had occasion this week to stuff a good sized Gila Mon ster. called by the natives EscurpIon,p lprObably on account Of It's spitting pro- pensities.) l of course became acquainted with the whole anatomy of this much de- splsed, calumniated and by some greatly feared animal. Whether It's forbIdding aspect. on account Of which even natural history has given it the attribute Of "hor- ribili>," it's snake-like flat head, or the lquickness with which it dispatches chick. en, have led public opinion to the belief that the Gila Monster is yenomous in the highest degree, ignore; but as do know that such is the general belief. and errOne- ously so, offer here my reasons to prove my position:
 The jaws of all venomous snakes are not hinged, but surrounded by several tOngh and very elastic skins, which ex- tend 10 the neck and back bone, enabling. through their incredible power of tension, a rattlesnake Of only three feet in length and prOporIionate thickness, 10 gorge down by degrees, a rabbit Of much lar ger diameter than the snakes throat and neck present in their natural appearance. The serpents have furthermore two hollow fsngs attached by means Of thin, fbroas skins, 10 the upper jaws, where small cavity about the size Of a pea, contains the venomous fluid, which upon pressure being brought to bear from below, runs through this hollow fang into the wound Of the bitten object. The tongue proper Of snake is hollow, and generally red dish, but from its interior springs with lightning rapidity forked attachment Of O dark grey or hlackiSh hue, when the reptile IS excited or disturbed. This fork ed part Of the tongue, the snake can pro- trude and retire Rt will.
 Now have carefully examined and dis sected the head Of the Giia Monster as well as its body. The jaws found to be strong ly hinged and certainly not permitting the passage Of any object larger than the diameter Of the neck on the inside, and not sign or trace of fangs, or glands, or bladders which might be Repositories Of venom, and tongue Of one piece Of fab by flesh. somewhat flat and on the point split to the extent Of about one-eighth inch. The stomach contained remnants Of a mole, evidently only day or two af- ter being aten, but for the most part well masticated. The teeth Of the Gila Mon. steI l found to be from one-eighth to one fourth inch in length and sharp as needles "a terrible array for defense as we'll as at tack.
 To those who, after this, still believe that the animal in question is venOmous and spits poisoned saliva, would merely say that the apparent splitting Is productive of no saliva or anything else, but is the Gila Monsters way Of expressing threats, warning and anger, as like the bark or snarl Of dog or cat.
 A few words more as to the supposed lRmphibious habits Of the animal, whose coat resembles strangely in color and sub- stance that Of the alligator and crocodile. One glance at its feet, however, will con- vince every body st once that their con- Istruction does not admit Of any stay in the wet element, as they are entirely de- prived Of the skins which extend between the toes Of all amphibious animals. en- Iabling them to swim. The toes of the IGils Monster tof which there are five on either foOt) are slender, not unlike in shape and proportion to the human hand. and are armed with sharply pointed claws. | like rats, indicating thnt his habltation in all probability IS prepared by digging ! into the grOunn. J. $.