New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-15
RATTLESNAKES AT FORT LEE.
A SUNDAY STROLLER BADLY BITTEN.

HAITIAN HosrrrAL-wHfsREY AN ANTIDofE
1t was supposed until yesterday that the wooos
and dalcs about Ncw-York had long ago pech
cleared Of all dangerous and venomous reptics'
and that stories OF persons being bitten by shaAe'
must be imported from a distance But on sun
day. in the woods near Fort Lee, real Old
fashioned rattlesnakc in fact q pair OF them'
were met and William Gore, q stonecutter, age
twenty-five, who lives at Alpine now lies at inc
Manhattan Hospital in an almost hopeless con-
dition from the bite OF one of them. When
TRIBUNE reporter called at the hospital yester-
day to inquire about the unfortunate young man,
he was in state of stupor from
the effects of the large quantity OF
whisley that had been administered as an
antidote, and could not be questioned. But DE-
C. Dunning, the house-surgeon, had inquired fully
into the case and gave the following account:
HOW THE SNAKES WERE MET.
William and his brother Richard went for
stroll in the woods and were n short distance
apart when William suddenly stepped on large
rattlesnake. He knew what it was at once by
its strange buzzing rattle, and held it firmly under
his foot while he reached forward with his left
hand to pick up stick or stone TO kill it. AS
his hand touched the grass another snake shot
its head toward him and drove its fangs deep
into the flesh between the index and second
fingers. With a cry OF horror ana
pain he shool, the reptile of and hurried toward
home for help. His brother procured whiskey nc
the first house where it could be found and induced
him drink freely, in the hope of saving his life
Both of them appreciated the gravity Of the sit
uation and seem to have been aware that these
ns well more harmless serpentS, were sonie-
times in the neighborhood.
THE IIOrOp DEtDENS ALL PAIN
The wounded man became unconscious under
the influence Of the large quantity OF whiskey
he had swallowed, and it was not until yesterday
at 1880 a. m. that he was brought to the
hospital by his brother and policeman from the
Fort Lee ferry lie walked up from the river
with their assistance, and showed no signs OF PAIN
or dclrium. but only such stupor and drowsness
and hand were frghtfully swollen and dscolored;
and the marks made by the lnclsloh Vi
the serpcnts's fangs plainly visible.
Having fully satisfied himself of the nature o,
the case, Dr. Dunnng cut away the nesn arc ar3"1u ~
the bite and the patient was again required 10
swallow largo quantity Of whiskey. 30 1ar ne
has not developed spasms or other serious symp-
toms which are expected in such cases and there is
n bare possibility that the whisl<ey may check the
action of the poison until the venom is exhausted,
under which circumstances the patient may re-
cover. The doctor, however, Thought there was
very little hope.
At a late hour last night the wounded man
was resting quietly, the heavy doses OF whlskey
bcin1 reneated as often as their effect began 10
wear off At o'clock he WAS conscious and asKeu
the doctor about his chances OF recovery. Inc
doctor said: " If YOU get over this l suppose you
will hereafter gives snakes VIDE berth ana hoC
attempt TO kill them :? 80, .x
Oh, no. the patient replied, I'll kill every
one see.n