The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-11-08
P1CKLED RATTLERS.
How the BUYERS Skin Color May
be Preserved in Alcohol.

Various recipes for pickles and pre-
serves have appeared from time TO time
In tho columns OF Tho Times Dispatch.
take pleasure In proffering one for
the benefit Of your readers, which Is
departure from 'household hints" but
work wholly entertaining and highly ex-
citing.
In order to appreciate the dellcaoy
and safety OF: the Undertaking you will
sorsake "the green hills OF Virginia" and
seek the rugged sides OF the Rocky noun
tains ~
There; you ys,, Viii tn6tss BUY the material.
for thirty cents thaihnlf peck. but allow
some callous ranchman to tread on your
tender foot and pull your: purse-strings
to the extent Of fifty cents for common
Mason Jar and 81 for pint Of wood al
eohol. Then you are ready for the task
OF .'pickling'' rattlers.
Pa You will seek ledge which overhangs
some foot hill. There the sleepy rattlers
assemble In the month OF August, where
they doze through. their temporary blind
ness.
They are easily located. and not espe-
cially dangerous. because OF the alarmed
uprising OF BUYERS when an unusual
sound disturbs them. and which serves
as a warning to intruders.
was sitting on the veranda OF snug
cabin, built for the accommodation Of
tourists. II rested on tho side Of a cragsy
peak surrounded by picturesque pines
and piles OF different hued rocks. Lost
in admiration OF the panoramic view
before me. an ever-changing delight, In
color varying from darkest green to pale
amber and rich crimson It was slight
shock when a shr.ll whistle and not too
I}ph{ foofafone soNnded close nv I
The disturber ofmy dreams was a man
OF muscular build. tall. straight MS an
Indian and dark as an Arab. He was
swinging along unconcernedly, a pole
slung carelessly over his shoulder. on
which several angry. singing rattlers
hung suspended by their necks
He had lassooed the buzzing array. and
display his skill In handling snakes for
the entertainment OF the boarder5. who
had gathered in knot Of expectation
awaiting him.
followed and after watching the va
rIous tests OF ability on the part Of our
host to 'handle them fellers" was re-
warded with the following recipe.
Slack the cord which holds the snakes
head In tow. SO he can rear to the height
surprise you.
Take forked stick, thrust It close I'M
der the Jaws. having the end you hold
long enough to handle him with safety.
When his neck Is securely pinioned In
this way his head is immovable, then lift
and carefully deposit him. head first, In
the Jar OF alcohol and water.
Use two-thirds alcohol and one-third
water. care has to be taken to avoid too
strong solution as you wish to preserve
the beautiful skin-color OF your pickle.
Hold the stick firmly until the snake
is under the solution then slowly with
draw 1t, and you will see the reptile par
take o! mans instructive desire to cater
to his appetite. he will drink until he is
full
BY the time he is through with refresh
ing himself he Is size larger and the
Jar has lost fourth OF Its contents,
The RATHER Is now drugged into per-
nanent nsensIbility. Is thoroughly pick
led, and will keep for all time,
The Jar is then filed and stored away
on the shelf OF the shop, which Is already
nearly filled with a collection OF noun
tain curos. or perhaps Is taken away by
some tourist who Is willing to travel with
SO gruesome souvenir.
NOVELLA RAND REYNOLDS,