The Baltimore County union., 1883-06-09
RATTLEsN AXES.
ny oTTo LUGCER.

| ~ OTTO LUGCER.
Read L.fore hs Naryia~d Aeadsay Of Seis"ees.
"Thcse reptiles are found only in
North and South America. Lake
Champlain is about the most northern
point in the eastern part Of the United
States where they have been found,
while in the western part OF the con-
tinent they live as far north as the Brit.
ish possessions, on both sides OF the
Rocky Mountains. They cannot exist
in places where Indian corn will not
thrive we'll. In the beginning Of the
century they were SO very numerous
that two men, who regularly hunted
the rattlesnakes for their once highly
valued fat, killed in three days I,Iol
specimens. With advancing civiliza-
tion, or rather, with the increase in the
number of hogs, these snakes were
soon exterminated in most places.
=
"rhc average length OF Our rattle
snake is less than three feet, and the
caliber of the body, even in the largest
examples, Is relatively inferior 10 that
of the several Western and Southern
species. As in the case ofo,her species,
there is regular annual, or, perhaps
as in some other ophidians and rs in
saurians, mole frequent casting Of the
skin. During the moult they are re-
ported to be specially venomus, but
probably upon no other foundation
than that At this time their sluggishness
results in the accumulation OF n large
supply Of the poisonous fluid.
"Rattlesnakes prefer the localities
where rocky and sunny ridges and
mounds abound, surrounded by valleys
full OF springs and creeks, meadows,
ETC., and which are overgrown by low
bushes and herbs. Being very much
affected by the temperature, the snakes
change their resting place during the
day almost every hour. lfthc morning
is clear and warm, the snake bathes
itself in the dew, and afterwards selects
quiet place in smooth road, or
upon flat stone, TO sun and dry itself;
later. toward noon, the snake frequenis
dry and shady places that are not too
far from sunny spot. II no dew fell
during several nights, the snake moves
toward the banks OF creeks or Drinks Of
springs, but never enters the water it.
self, except when chasing its prey dur
ing the night, Rain is very unpleasant
to these nervous reptiles, and makes
them very sluggish. Their favori,e
dwelling places are different according
to localities. In unfrequenied places
they live socially in SO called rattle
snakes denS; in populated places the
solitary snake finds shelter under
rocks, in hollow logs, in holes made
BY other animals, like that Of the
ground squirrel. While collecting along
the bases OF the banks and bluffs Of the
Mississippi river, in Illinois, saw
frequently the heads OF raitlesnakes
sticking ou, OF the enlarged holes OF
the cliff swallows, whose nests afforded
them snug and safe retreat. Near
the farmhouses they are found seldom
in large numbers, excepting during
their love season; here they live in
cracks Of trees, in old stone walls and
under ou,houscs, in hollow trees and
under fiat stones, in wood-piles, under
dwelling houses, in rat holes, and some
times under the bed itself. Is ! had the
pleasure of finding out once in Mich
igan. Quite soothing to the feelings
and conducive TO sound sleep.
"MoSt observers describe the rattle.
snake rs slow, sluggish and awkward
animal, and Monsieur BeauvoiS even
declares that few snakes were Is good
hearted rs il. II is very true that the
rattlesnake never attacks animals, il
not wanting them As food the snake
never bites unless disturbed and scared, /,
and always rattleS before biting. Bat
this is only true OF the snake when seen
by day, when IN a dormant condition.
After dark, when fully awake and intent
upon catching food. it is an entirely
different being. Rapidly moving with
out so much bending as other snakes.
astonishingly long distances are passed
over in 4 short time when chasing a
bird the velocity becomes simply won-
derful; and living mainly upon mice,
ground squirrels and birds, the snake
stands in good need of such ::swiitness.
In chasing its prey even rivers are
quickly crossed, the snake initiating
itself for this purpose, and thus floats
like air bubbles. Frogs form staple
food. The smaller animals are usually
not bitten, but are swallowed in SINH
lar way as by other snakes. After \
meal the resting place Of a raitlesnakc
is distinguished by beastly odor.
"Thc mating season commences As
soon as spring really opens with steady,
warm days. The snakes have now,
after their moult, fresh and bright,
colored skins. Males and females col
lect on sandy, level spots, usually neai
water, on moonlight nights, and form
often as many as twenty aud thirt,
together, a gordian knot Of hideou'
appearance. The heads sticking from
this twisting and rolling mass in al
directions, with open mouths, glarinl
: eyes, and Kissing and rattling. In thi
position the snakes remain for severa
days. The eggs are laid during tn
month Of August, and the young snake
leave them a few minutes later, no
. requiring any more care from theil
mother. Mr.. Geyer, who had the op
portunity to see the operation, relate
/ the following During the month o
, August, when approaching dcserte'
Mormon dwelling in Missouri, ! saw al
old rattlcsnakc crawling near the en-
trance Of the cabin and upon my ap
proach il slowly crawled under the loI
! forming the doorsteps. Rolling tn
log away, found about forty eggs
most Of them hatchcd, some Matching