The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-06-17
HUNTING RATTLERS.
EXPERIENCES or CURATOR DIT
MARS IN THE SOUTH.

A Long Search for a Huge Specimen
of "A Diamond Back I'm "a south Car
OIina swamp-A Patriarch of the
snake Family.
From the New York Commercial-Ad-
vertiser
Trailing a big rattlesnake involves
some unique and exciting Incidents, ac-
cording to the experiences of the rep
tile curator and Keeper Snyder of the
New York Geological Park. who have
spent two weeks in what they enthus-
iastically allude to as the fever belt"
Incidentally It might be explained that
this district is On the South Carolina
coast, and is especially rich in snakes.
1t was a week after the arrival of
the reptile men in the snake country
that the trail of a large serpent across
a sandy road was discovered. AS the
reptile had progressed in a straight
line. making no undulations, it was
pronounced to be a rattlesnake. and a
huge one at that, probably of the dia-
mond- back species. The trail was
OLA iiiNutS Wlut anu leu lIOil Il lDlCh
pine growth into canebrake swamp.
AS the diamond back rattlesnake is
the handsomest of the North American
poisonous snakes the reptile hunters
at once made up their minds to cap
ture the animal If possible Their
weeks stay had thus far yielded good
results. Reptiles hourished on all sides.
The country was, in fact a paradise
for the enthusiastic herpetologist. True
~ 49,
rose slowly from the saVannas, as
cending gradually into the still air. I'M
til the brilliant moonlight faded and
the members of the little negro colony
from whom the collectors obtained as
sistance left off their singing under the
big live oak, shook their heads wisely
at the sickly moon, and went indoors
At such time the collectors decided to
retire to Hneir own cabin to listen to
the believing of gators, being prompt
ed by an idea that the atmosphere was
not altogether wholesome.
Big Rather Hard to Find.
Although several boxes had been I'LL
ed with snakes Of various kinds and
shipped to New York, no rattlesnake
had yet been captured. IT was decided
to hunt the canebrake thoroughly in
search of the big RATHER This was
afternoons We're consumed in the work
Then several negroes informed the
hunters that they had seen the snake
as 1t had crossed the road but had not
wished to interfere. Looks of the most
intense anxiety swept across the faces
of the colored people when the snake
was mentioned. The collectors were
, rapidly acquiring a reputation. They
had evinced no fear of the ordinary
snakes. which had created much as
tonishment but now they actually
spoke of catching a "diamon' rattle."
A feeling of awe had seemingly taken
possession of the community.
For the third time trip was made
down the road In search of the reptile.
/ Upon arriving at the spot where the
trail had first been observed a discoV-
{ cry was made. The snake had crossed
the road from the canebrake to the
pine swamp during the night before
the dey had fallen. Later 1t had re-
! CROSSED again, leaving a deeper and
wider trail, showing that it had fed.
A cottontail rabbit probably graced its
interior. One thing was certain-the
snakes den was in the canebrake, and
the situation was becoming interest
ms. The collectors confess that they
experienced a feeling of intense fasci-
nation for the reptile.
Name for the Unknown.
1--WE haven't caught him yet, but
let's give him name" suggested Sny-
der
Good. What shall it be-" answered
his companion.
Wen call him old Davy,'" said
Snyder
From that moment. when either
mentioned the snake it was TO call the
creature by its name. This is a charac-
teristic of animal men. When they be-
come interested in an animal they give
it name.
Both well appreciated what might
happen as they hunted that cane
brake. Somewhere, and not far away,
lay a creature as deadly as Il was
beautiful. The poisonous snakes sell
com wander far. Every minute of the
time spent in the swamp was a tense
one for the nerves. 1T was the expeota-
ton to hear the creature spring its
rattle without warning. At last it was
decided to change the tactics. Old
Davy must be hunted at night and
met while on his nocturnal prowlings.
The determination was limited to the
guide, who Immediately explained that
the collectors knew the spot well
enough by this time to get along with
out MS assistance.
That night they started out. The
moon was brilliant for the swamps had
not yet begun their nightly steaming.
Nevertheless the outfit contained a
powerful acetylene lantern, besides the
usual canvas bags; a bamboo pole and
copper wire for noosing.
Surprise for the Hunters.
The road was thoroughly inspected.
Then they entered the swamp. Over
and over Old Davy's prowling grounds
were explored with stop now and
then to listen intently. Penetrating still
deeper into the swamp Snyder was first
to arrive upon the edge Of a small la
COON.
Look at that big turtle" he whis-
pered pointing to a green head pro-
truding from the coffee-colored water.
Il think I'll try and land him." he con-
tinued. meanwhile attaching a moose
to the end of the pole.
The incident that followed was start
ling. Slipping the moose over the crea-
lures head Snyder pulled it quickly
taut. A huge moccasin flashed into
view, its eyes sparkling wickedly in the
glare Of the lantern. while its jaws dis
closed a pair of fangs that yawned for
vengeance.
Snyder gasped with surprise and