The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-06-16

according to the experience of the rep
 tile curator and Keeper Snyder of the
 New York Geological Park, who have
 spent two weeks in what they enthusi-
 astcally 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.
 It was a week after the arrival of the
 reptile men in the make 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-b back species. The trail was six
 inches wide, and led from a thick pine
 growth into a canebrake swamp.
 As the diamond back rattlesnake is
 the handsomest of the North American
 poisonous snake the reptile hunters at l once made up their minds to capture
 the animal if possible. Their weeks
 stay had thus far yielded good results. | Reptiles flourished on all sides. The
 country was, in fact, a paradise for the
 enthusiastic herpetologist. True it was
 that at night thick miasma rose l slowly from the savannas, ascending
 gradually into the still air, until the | brilliant moonlight faded and the 1 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 in
 doors. At such time the collectors de-
 cided to retire to their own cabin to
 listen to the believing of gators, being
 prompted by an idea that the atmos-
 phere was not altogether wholesome. | Although several boxes had been
 filled with snakes of various kinds and shipped to New York no rattlesnake had yet been captured. It was de- 1 cided to hunt the canebrake thoroughly 1 in search of the big rattler. This was | done, but without success. Two full afternoons were consumed In the work. Then several negroes informed the hunters that they had seen the snake as it 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 ordi- nary snakes, which had created much a e ont hlIt thaU aptl1allv spoke of catching "diamon rattle!" A feeling of awe had seemingly taken possession of the community.
 For the third time a trip was made down the road in search of the reptile Upon arriving at the spot where the trail had first been observed discovery was made. The snake had crossed the road from the sanebrake to the pine swamp during the night before the dew had fallen. Later it had recrossed 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 interesting. The collectors confess that they experienced a feeling of intense fascination for the reptile.
 We haven't caught him yet, but | let's give him a name" suggested Shy der
 Good. What shall it be-" answered his companion.
 wen call him old Davy," said Snyder,
 From that moment, when either men | tioned the snake it was to call the creature by it's name. This is a of animal men. When the become interested in an animal they give it name.
 Both well appreciated what might happen as they hunted that canebrake. Somewhere, and not far away, lay a creature as dedly as it was beautiful The poisonous snakes seldom wander far Every minute of the time spent in the swamp was tense one for the nerves. It was the expectation to hear the creature spring it's rattle without warning At last it was de- cided to change the tactics Old Davy must be hunted at night, and met while on his nocturnal prowlings
 The determination was hinted to the guide, who immediately explained that the collectors knew the spot well NY tllI5 SlIiiC lO SCL dlDllS Wll- lS put his assistance.
 That night they started out. The noon was brilliant, for the swamps l lad not yet begun their nightly steam r ng. Nevertheless the outfit contained ' powerful acetyine lantern, besides S he usual canvass bags, a bahboo t pole and copper wire for noosing.
 The road was thoroughly inspected. f Then they entered the swamp. Over I md over Old Davys proving grounds I were explored with a stop now and i hen to listen intently. Penetrating S till deeper into the swamp Snyder c vas first to arrive upon the edge of a a mall lagoon. IL Look at that big turtle" he whis- t 'ered, pointing to a green head pro- II ruding from the coffee -colored water o I think I'll try and land him." he | V ontinued meanwhile attaching moose S o the end of the pole. t The incident that followed was start d ng. Slipping the moose over the creat- W res head Snyder pulled it quickly taut. f | huge moccasin flashed into view. it's " yes sparkling wickedly in the glare of W he lantern, while its jaws disclosed 9 f air of fangs that yawned for ven- u eance i, Snyder gaSped with surprise and heI1 | n