The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-04-16
The Centipede's Bite.

A few days ago Lucien Alexander re- !
ceived, from 4 friend in Arkansas,
specimen of that vcnomous animal, the
centipede Mr.. Alexander placed the
artculate in jar of alcohol and has 1t
ON exhibition at his store. Almost
every one who has been attracted by
il 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
it's 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 says
that when among the Ozark mountains
4 companion felt one of them crawling
up his leg. He knew its sting was sud
den and fatal, but the varmint was on
him. What must he do TO ne saved
| was the question. He knew it would
be impossible to shake it OF. because
at the least disturbance it wonld plant
its fangs into his flesh. He felt il crawl
ing, and as it came higher anu higher
on his limb the perspiration boi'ed from
every pore of his body. Every moment
was one of agony. and he began to re-
aiiZe that his life hung on a slender
thread. Finally an idea suggested
itself. He dealt the eentipede terrific
blow, killing it: but of course at the
! first touch its Iangs 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
This was twenty years ago. and the
man carries an ngly scar to this day;
but to that scar he owes his life.
Another story more remarkable. is
i briefly told. A company of emigrants
had camped in New Mexico, and one
ing on the ground, was awakened by Il
peculiar sensation on his toes. He
looked and saw q 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 peculiarities and the effect
of it's sting. he, too, was in a fever of
excitement. Afraid to move a muscle,
be dared not attempt to shake it of.
After a seconds pause he reached un-
der his head, got his pistol. and. taking
deliberate aim, fired. 1t was Q lifez
saving shot for the man; the cen;ipede
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 tho shot was fired
the men heard terrible groaning from
| one of their mules picketed only few
wards away. They went to them and
found one of them with his left fore leg
swollen to ali 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 bad sew
cred the centipede had entered the
mules foot just above the hoof. and in
oculated it with the poison from the
reptile.
The person who related the above
incident bears splendid reputation
for truth and veracity, and he empha-
sized that it was a true story, but his
audience. nevertheless, gave him a look
of suspicion. '.It may be true" said
one, s'but I'll be blamed if I'll believe
! ."-LouSrWe C0mFicr-JourRdt.