Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-05-07
Ihe Centipede's Bite.

A few days ago Lucien Alexander re-
ceiyed, from friend in Arkansas, a
specimen of that venomous animal, the
centipede. Mr.. Alexander placed the
articulate in Jar of alcohol and has it
on exhibition at his store Almost
every one who has been attracted by
it has related remarkable incidents
about its family. The centipede is said
to be one Of the most poisonous reptiles
in existence. 1t is claimed that its
sting is sure death, and an antidote for
its poison is among the undiscovered
wonders of the world.
One of the stories related of this spe-
cies is that of an eX-soldier. He saws
that when among the Ozark mountains
a companion felt one Oh them crawling
up his leg. He knew its sting was sud-
den and fatal, but the yarmint was on
him. What must he do to be saved
was the question. He knew it would
be impossible to shake it off, because
at the least disturbance it would plant
its fangs into his flesh. He felt it crawl
ing, and as it came higher and higher
on his limb the perspiration boiled from
every pore of his body. Every moment
was one of agony, and he began to re-
alize that his life hung on a slender
thread. Finally an idea suggested
itself. He dealt the centipede terrific
blow, killing it; but of course at the
first touch its fangs were inserted in his
flesh. Almost instantly he disrobed,
and with common pocket knife made
an incision around the affected part
and removed about a pound OF flesh.
Ibis was twenty years ago, and the
man carries an ugly scar to this day;
but to that scar he owes his life.
Another story more remarkable, is
briefly told. A company of emigrants
had camped in New Mexico, and one
night one of the party, who was sleep
ing on the ground, was awakened by a
peculiar sensation on his toes. He
looked and saw monstrous centipede
crawling across his foot. Only few
feet from him was the campfire, and
he could see every fibre of the reptile.
Knowing its pecuiarities and the effect
of its sting. he, too, was in a fever of
excitement. Afraid to move muscle,
he dared not attempt to shake it Oft.
After a seconds pause he reached I'M
der his head, got his pistol, and, taking
deliberate aim, fired. 1t was a life
saving shot for the man; the centipede
divided and dropped in two parts on
either side of his foot. But here comes
the most remarkable part of the story
Within an hour after the shot was fired
the men heard q terrible grooming from
one of their mules picketed only few
yards away. They went to them and
found one of them with his left fore leg
swollen to an enormous size. The
swelling increased as did the agony
and groans of the brute, until it died in
about thirty minutes thereafter. An
examination was made, and it was dis
covered that the bullet which had sew
cred the centipede had entered the
mules foot just above the hoof, and in
oeulated it with the poison from the
reptile.
The person who related the above
incident bears a splendid reputation
for truth and yeracity, and he empha-
sized that it was true story, but his
audience, nevertheless, gave him a look
of suspicion. 'It may be true" said
one, ''but I'll be blamed if I'll believe
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