A
MEMOIR
CONCERNING THE
FASCINATING FACULTY
WHICH HAS BEEN ASCRIBED TO
THE RATTLE-SNAKE,
AND OTHER
AMERICAN SERPENTS.
By BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON, M. D.
CORRESPONDENT-MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF THE ANTIQUARIES OF
SCOTLAND, MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
HELD AT PHILADELPHIA FOR PROMOTING USEFUL KNOW-
LEDGE, FELLOW OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF
ARTS AND SCIENCES, CORRESPONDING MEM-
BER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HIS-
TORICAL SOCIETY:
AND PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY AND BOTANY,
IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA:
PRINTED, FOR THE AUTHOR,
BY HENRY SWEITZER.
1796.



TO 
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, LL.D. F.R.S. 
AND 
PRESIDENT
OF THE
AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
DEAR SIR,
I TAKE pleasure in inscribing to you the
following memoir. I could wish it were some-
thing more worthy of your notice. It is a tri-
fle, which may amuse you in a leisure hour.
I am persuaded, from my knowledge of the
attention which you have paid to the subject,
that it can contribute but little to your informa-
tion.
IN writing this memoir, I have had two
objects in view: first, the investigation of truth;
and, secondly, the dissipation of, at least, one par-
ticle of that huge mass of superstitious credulity,
the influence of which is perceived, wherever
nations or individuals have been found. 


[iv]
IN inscribing this memoir to you, Dear
Sir, I follow the regular course of my feelings,
which, when I have received acts of friend-
ship, or of kindness, ever lead me to acknow-
ledge them. Whilst your example early implant-
ed in me an ardent love of science, the assist-
ance which you afforded to me, by removing
many of the obstacles that have opposed my ad-
vancement in life, has enabled me to devote a
portion of my time to the cultivation of science;
and, thereby, to increase the quantity of my
happiness.
I am, my Dear Sir,
With great respect,
Your affectionate friend and nephew,
BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON.
PHILADELPHIA, 
Feb. 26, 1796. 



PREFACE.
THE following memoir was read before
the American Philosophical Society, on the 
fourth of April, 1794. It will, probably, be
printed in the next volume of the Society's
Transactions. Meanwhile, I have printed a few
copies of it, with the view of distributing them
among my friends, and those who are curious
of researches in natural history.
SINCE this memoir was read before the So-
ciety, it has been considerably altered, and
somewhat enlarged. I hope, the alterations will
render it more worthy of the notice of those
who, like myself, derive pleasure and happi-
ness from the contemplation of the works and
operations of nature, on this globe.
I FEAR, I shall be thought to have treated
the question in too diffusive a manner. I have
not, indeed, laboured to be concise. But if the
memoir is more extensive than was necessary, 

[vi]
I flatter myself, it will be admitted that it, at
least, contains some new and interesting facts. I
submit it to its fate. 



FIDEM NON ABSTULIT ERROR.
NATURALISTS have not always been
philosophers. The slight and superficial manner
in which they have examined many of the sub-
jects of their science; the credulity which has
accompanied them in their researches after truth,
and the precipitancy with which they have de-
cided upon many questions of importance, are
proofs of this assertion.
THERE is a question in natural history that
has, in an especial manner, solicited from me
these observations. I mean the question con-
cerning the FASCINATING FACULTY, which
has been ascribed to different kinds of American
serpents. It is my intention to examine this
question, in the memoir which I now present
to the Philosophical Society.
OF this fascinating faculty we have all heard
and read. In many of our country situations,
there is hardly a man or a woman, who will

[8]
not, when the subject comes to be mentioned,
seriously relate some wonderful story, as a con-
vincing proof of the doctrine. Children seem
taught to believe it. I think, it is sometimes
one of the earliest prejudices imprinted on
their tender minds. It is a prejudice which of-
ten increases with their years; and even in that
happy period of life when the mind is most
firm, and the least propense to the belief of ex-
traordinary things, the ways of which we are
not capable of scanning, I have known this pre-
judice so deeply and so powerfully rooted, as to
mock the light and sureness of facts, and all the
strength of reasoning.
IT is not my intention, in this memoir, to
give an analysis, or complete view, of every
thing that has been written on the subject. Nor
is it my intention to examine the many stories,
related by authors, in support of the fascinating
faculty of serpents. For the first task, I have
not leisure; and, as to the second, I should
think my time ill employed in pointing out the
gross, absurdities which seem to constitute a ne-
cessary part of many of those stories. I think
it proper, however, to observe that I have anx-
iously sought for, and have patiently perused,
the volumes of tales published in favour of the
doctrine which I mean to controvert. 



[9]
I AIM at giving a general, though correct,
view of the question, uninfluenced by the bold
assertions of ignorance, or by the plausible con-
jectures of science. In the investigation of the
question, I have sought for facts: these have
been my guides. I have studiously endeavoured
to follow where they seemed to lead. Perhaps,
they have led me astray.
THE manner in which the supposed fascinat-
ing power of serpents is exerted has often been
related, by different writers. I shall endeavour
to convey some idea of the business, in as few
words as I can.
THE snake, whatever its species may be,
lying at the bottom of the tree or bush upon
which the bird or squirrel sits, fixes its eyes up-
on the animal which it designs to fascinate, or
enchant. No sooner is this done than the un-
happy animal (I use, for the present, the lan-
guage of those who differ from me in opinion,
on this subject) is unable to make its escape. It
now begins to utter a most piteous cry, which
is well known by those who hear it, and under-
stand the whole machinery of the business, to
be the cry of a creature enchanted. If it is a
squirrel, it runs up the tree for a short distance,
B
 

[10]
comes down again, then runs up, and, lastly,
comes lower down. "On that occasion," says
an honest but rather credulous writer*, "it has
been observed, that the squirrel always goes
down more than it goes up. The snake still
continues at the root of the tree, with its eyes
fixed on the squirrel, with which its attention
is so entirely taken up, that a person accident-
ally approaching, may make a considerable
noise, without the snake's so much as turning
about. The squirrel as before mentioned comes
always lower, and at last leaps down to the snake,
whose mouth is already wide open for its re-
ception. The poor little animal then with a pite-
ous cry runs into the snake's jaws, and is swal-
lowed at once, if it be not too big; but if its
size will not allow it to be swallowed at once,
the snake licks it several times with its tongue,
and smoothens it, and by that means makes it
fit for swallowing†."
IT would be easy to cite, from different au-
thors, other accounts of the manner in which
* Professor Peter Kalm.
† Travels into North-America; containing its natu-
ral history, and a circumstantial account of its plantations
and agriculture in general, &c. &c. vol. i. p. 317, & 318.
Also vol. ii. p. 207, 208, 209, & 210. English Transla-
tion. London: 1770 & 1771. 



[11]
the enchantment is performed; or, more pro-
perly speaking, of the conduct, or behaviour,
of the enchanting and enchanted animals. But
between these accounts, there is hardly a spe-
cifick difference. There is considerable unity
in all the relations that I have heard, or read.
However, those who wish to examine this part
of the subject more fully, will, at least, receive
some degree of entertainment from the perusal
of the many authors who have believed and as-
serted, that serpents possess a power of fascinat-
ing other animals.
THAT the belief in the existence of this
power should have been so general among the
uninformed part of a people, ought not to be
wondered at. The human mind, unenlighten-
ed by science, or by considerable reflection, is a
soil rich in the weeds of superstition, and credu-
lity. It is ever prone to believe in the wonder-
ful, even when this belief, as is often the case,
brings with it fears, and cares, and misery.
The bondage of the mind in superstitious
credulity is great and heavy. Neither religion
nor virtue can give it its freedom. This it ob-
tains from science. How important, then, even
in this point of view, is the enlargement of the
mind by science!



[12]
BUT it is, surely, a matter of some astonish-
ment, that this belief should have been admitted,
in all the fulness of its extravagance, by men of
learning, of observation, and of genius: by those
who have the book of nature in their hands;
that book which will, in some future and some
happier age, eradicate many of the prejudices
which disfigure, and which mock the dignity
of, human nature: by classical scholars, grown
old in the disbelief of similar fables, heightened
and embellished by the charms of poetry;
and also by the infidel, who denies the au-
thenticity of scripture-miracles, few of which,
even though they were not shown to be truths,
are more improbable than the imaginary fact
which I am examining.
I HAVE sought to discover the original, or
source, of this belief. I do not find any traces
of it among the ancient writers of either Greece
or Rome. I think, it is most likely that no
such traces can be found. Lucan, had serpents
been thought to possess a fascinating faculty in
his age, and in the country in which he lived,
would, probably, have availed himself of its
existence, in his beautiful account of the march
of Cato's army through the Libyan-Desert*;
* Pharsalia, lib. IX. 



[13]
and had such a notion prevailed in the earlier
days of Lucretius, would we not find some
mention made of it in the poem De Rerum
Natura, one of the finest and most varied pro-
ductions of the human mind? Classical scho-
lars may possibly, however, discover the dawn
of this notion in Greek and Roman authors,
unread by me. On this subject, I have not
pushed my inquiries as far as I wished to have
done. It is not unlikely that I may examine
the question, more curiously, at some future pe-
riod.
IT is probable that in the mythology of
Asia and of Africa, we shall discover some traces
of this notion, so intimately connected with
the superstitious credulity of a people, and even
so naturally arising out of an imperfect view of
the manners of serpents.
IF we may believe the Reverend Dr. Cot-
ton Mather*, Mr. Dudley†, and other persons,
who had resided in North-America, we are to
look for the beginning of this ridiculous no-
* The Philosophical Transactions, abridged, vol. v.
part ii. no. 339. p. 162.
† Ibid. vol. vi. part iii. no. 376. p. 45. 



[14]
tion among our Indians. How far, however,
this is really the case may, I think, be doubted.
It is certain that, at present, the opinion is by
no means universal among the Indians. Seve-
ral intelligent gentlemen, who are well ac-
quainted with the manners, with the religious
opinions, and with the innumerable superstiti-
ous prejudices of the Indians, have informed
me, that they do not think these people believe
in the notion in question. My friend Mr.
John Heckewelder, of Bethlehem, writes to
me, that he does not recollect to have heard the
Indians say that snakes charm birds; though
he has frequently heard them speak of the in-
genuity of these reptiles in catching birds, squir-
rels, &c. Mr. William Bartram says, that he
never understood that the nations of Indians
among whom he travelled had any idea of the
fascinating power of snakes*. On the other
hand, however, a Mohegan-Indian told me
that the Indians are of opinion that the rattle-
snake can charm, or bewitch, squirrels and
birds, and that it does this with its rattle, which
it shakes, thereby inviting the animals to descend
from the trees, after which they are easily caught.
* MS. note, communicated to me by this ingenious
gentleman. 



[15]
According to this Indian, his countrymen do
not think that the snake, in any manner, accom-
plishes the business with its eyes. A Chok-
tah-Indian assured me that the rattle-snake does
charm birds, &c. but he was honest enough to
confess that he did not know in what manner
it does it. The interpreter, through whom I
conversed with this Indian, said that the snake
charms by means of its rattle.
THE veneration, or regard, which has been
paid to the rattle-snake by certain North-Ame-
rican tribes seems, at first sight, to favour the
opinion, that these tribes attributed to this hi-
deous reptile some hidden power*, perhaps
that of fascinating animals. Mr. William Bar-
tram informs me, that the southern Indians,
with whom he is acquainted, seem to hold the
rattle-snake in a degree of veneration†. Mr.
Heckewelder says that, to his certain know-
ledge, this reptile was once held in particular
esteem by the Delawares. He was several
times prevented, by these Indians, from kill-
ing the rattle-snake, being told that it was their
grand-father, and, therefore, must not be hurt.
* Vis abdita. Lucretius.
† MS. note communicated to me. 



[16]
At other times, he was told, he must not kill
this snake, because the whole race of rattle-
snakes would grow angry, and give orders to
bite every Indian that might come in their
way*. But, of late, especially among those
Indians who have had connection with the
whites, these ridiculous notions have mouldered
away, and our Indians, at present, kill their
rattling "grand-father" with as little ceremony
as the Eskemaux are said to kill their parents in
old-age.
IT is obvious, from contemplating the man-
ners and the history of nations, that a part of
* In my Historical and Philosophical Inquiry (not
yet published), I have collected many facts which seem
incontestably to prove, that the mythology, or superstiti-
ous religion, of the Americans is a fragment of that my-
thology whose range in Asia, and in Africa, has been so
extensive. Possibly, the veneration, or regard, which
was paid to different kinds of serpents in America did not
originate in this continent, but had its source in Asia,
from which portion of the globe (after a long and labori-
ous attention to the subject) I cannot doubt, that almost all
the nations of America are derived. It is unnecessary, in
this place, to cite instances of the religious veneration
which was, and still is, paid to some species of serpents, in va-
rious parts of the old-world. These instances must be fami-
liar to every person, who is acquainted with the historians
or with the poets of antiquity, and with the history of the
Gentoo-Indians. 

[17]
their religions, and a large part of the fabrick of
their superstitious notions, have arisen out of
fear. Perhaps, all mankind* admit the ex-
istence of two great beings, the one good and
all-benevolent, the other bad and studious of
evil. In our own continent, where, I believe,
this notion was universal, certain tribes were
assiduous in their adoration of the latter being,
whilst the former, whom the light of reason
taught them to consider as the source of life,
and all their blessings, was merely acknow-
ledged and named, but unworshipped and neg-
lected†. The Delawares, and some other na-
tions who speak dialects of their language, be-
lieve that a turtle, of an enormous size, inha-
bits the deep, and supports upon his back this
continent, or, as they call it, island. They
say it is in the power of this animal, by diving,
to drown the world, as he has already done, in
C
* I speak of mankind in the aggregate, and not of in-
dividuals among them.
† John De Laet, speaking of the Indians of New-
York, has the following words: "Cæterum nullus ipsis
religionis sensus, nulla Dei veneratio: diabolum quidem
colunt sed non tam solemniter neque certis ceremoniis, ut
Africani faciunt," &c. Novus Orbis seu Descriptionis
Indiæ Occidentalis Libri xviii. lib. iii. cap. xi. p. 75. Lugd.
Batav. 1633. 


[18]
former ages. They, therefore, endeavour to
conciliate his friendship and good-will. With
this view, they make rattles of the turtle-shell,
into which they put small stones, beans, or Indi-
an-corn*, and play with this instrument, at
their dances. The turtle is greatly esteemed by
them; and, in the fulness of a mixed zeal and
fear, they even deign to call him Mannitto, or
God; because, they say, he can live both up-
on the land and in the water†.
IT seems very probable to me, that the ve-
neration for the rattle-snake had its birth in
fear, and not in the belief that that this reptile
possessed the power of fascinating animals. If,
as some writers have asserted, the Indians were
in possession of absolute specificks for the bite
of the rattle-snake, I am of opinion that the ve-
neration for this animal would not have exist-
ed; or, at least, that it would not long have
continued. But the Indians are often un-
able to prevent or to cure the effects of the
* Maize.
† MS. by Mr. John Heckewelder, penes me.


[19]
active poison of this serpent, which not unfre-
quently destroys them*.
I RETURN to the more immediate path of
my subject.
AMONG the Indians of South-America, I
do not find any traces of the notion that ser-
* Adair says, he does "not remember to have seen or
heard of an Indian dying by the bite of a snake, when out
at war, or a hunting; although they are then often bitten
by the most dangerous snakes." The History of the Ame-
rican Indians, &c. p. 235. London: 1775. It is certain,
from the testimony of many persons, that the bite of the
rattle-snake has often proved mortal to the Indians, and
others, notwithstanding the boasted specificks of these peo-
ple. Father Cajetan Cattaneo says, many Indians die
with the bite of serpents. "But," observes the father,
"it is said they commonly escape with life, when they can
quickly apply the remedy which providence has prepared
of certain herbs, especially the spikenard, which some
parts of Paraguay produce in plenty. But when they are
bit by the rattle-snake it is confidently assured that the case
admits no cure." The third letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
See A Relation of the missions of Paraguay, wrote original-
ly in Italian, by Mr. Muratori. English Translation. p.
260. London: 1759. Father Cattaneo is here speaking
of the South-American rattle-snake, the poison of which,
I have little doubt, is more deleterious than that of the
same animal in our part of North-America. Still, how-
ever, I am confident, that this poison, even in the most
fervid climates, is not always mortal. 

[20]
pents can fascinate other animals. Piso, the
author of the Natural and Medical History of the
two Indies, seems to have been studious to
bring together the extraordinary things which
have been related of the rattle-snake. But he
says not a syllable concerning the fascinating fa-
culty of this reptile*.
BUT whatever may have been the native
country of the notion which I am considering,
it would have been well had it been confined
to savages. It is a tale which seems nicely
adapted to the wit and society of rude and un-
cultivated nations. Unfortunately, the progress
of error and of credulity is extremely rapid.
Their dominion is extensive. The belief in
the fascinating faculty of serpents has spread
through almost all the civilized parts of North-
America. Nor is it confined to America. It
* Gulielmi Pisonis medici Amstelædamensis de Indiæ
utriusque re naturali et medica libri quatuordecim. Am-
stelædami: apud Elzevirios, 1658. Some of Piso's asser-
tions concerning the rattle-snake are very extravagant.
Such are the following: "Caudæ extremitate in anum
hominis immissa, mortem insert confestim; venenum au-
tem quod ore vel dentibus infundit, multo lentius vitam
tollit." p. 275. 


[21]
has made its way into Europe, and has there
taken possession of the minds of scholars, of na-
turalists, and of philosophers.
I THINK, I have somewhere either heard
or read that the tale was credited by the late
Dr. Samuel Johnson. If I am mistaken, I hope
the admirers of this great man, should any of
them read my memoir, will pardon me. It is cer-
tain, notwithstanding the vast strength and the
rich fertility of Johnson's mind, that he was cre-
dulous and timid. Did this union of credulity
and timidity arise out of that unhappy melan-
choly ("those casual eclipses which darken
learning"), that often overclouded the bright-
ness of his mind*? We are told that the Her-
cules of English literature believed in ghosts,
and in the second-sight. The man who would
thus suffer his mind to be estranged from pro-
bability, and entangled in difficulties, would,
perhaps, find it easy to bend to the belief, that
serpents have the faculty of fascinating other
animals.
ALTHOUGH I profess myself to be a warm
admirer of Linnæus, and although, at a very
* Or, did his melancholy grow out of his credulity
and fear? 



[22]
early period of my life, I enlisted myself under
the banner of his school, I shall not, neverthe-
less, attempt to conceal, that this great man
gave credit to the tale of the fascination of birds
and other animals by serpents. In his Systema
Naturæ (that immortal work), under the arti-
cle Crotalus horridus, or the rattle-snake, he
has the following words: "Aves Sciurosque
ex arboribus in fauces revocat*." In another
work, he speaks as follows. "Whoever is
wounded by the Hooded Serpent (Coluber
Naja) expires in a few minutes; nor can he
escape with life who is bitten by the Rattle-
snake (Crotalus horridus) in any part near a
great vein. But the merciful God has distin-
guished these pests by peculiar signs, and has
created them most inveterate enemies; for as
he has appointed cats to destroy mice, so has
* See volume first, p. 372. Vienna edition of 1767.
Professor Gmelin, in his edition of the Systema Naturæ,
when speaking of the rattle-snake, has the following words, 
viz. "aves sciurique ex arboribus non raro in fauces in-
hiantis apertas incidunt," tom. i. pars iii. p. 1080. The 
same laborious author speaking of our grey-squirrel
(Sciurus cinereus) says, "a crotalo comeditur," tom. i.
p. 147. This is true: but he might have said the same
when speaking of the striped-dormouse, or ground-squir-
rel (Sciurus striatus), of our rabbit (Lepus americanus),
and many other animals.


[23]
he provided the Ichneumon (Viverra Ichneu-
mon) against the former serpent, and the Hog
to persecute the latter. He has moreover given
the Crotalus a very slow motion, and has an-
nexed a kind of rattle to its tale, by the mo-
tion of which it gives notice of its approach:
but, lest this slowness should be too great a dis-
advantage to the animal itself, he has favoured
it with a certain power of fascinating squirrels
from high trees, and birds from the air into its
throat, in the same manner as flies are precipi-
tated into the jaws of the lazy toad*."
LINNÆUS was, certainly, extremely cre-
dulous, though I do not find that any of his
professed biographers have taken notice of this
feature of his mind. But the proofs of my ob-
servation are numerous: they are to be found
* See Reflections on the Study of Nature, translated
from the Latin of Linnæus. p. 33 & 34. Dublin edition,
1786. Dr. I. E. Smith, the ingenious translator of this
dissertation, in a note to the above passage, has the fol-
lowing words. "This opinion of the fascinating power
of the Toad has been refuted, and the appearance which
gave rise to it fully accounted for, by Mr. Pennant, in his
British Zoology. Probably the story of the Rattle-snake's
having a similar power might be found equally false, if
enquired into with the same degree of accuracy." p. 34.



[24]
in almost every essay that he has written. His
credulity with respect to the powers of medi-
cines is, perhaps, peculiarly striking*. How
far this credulity, in a mind otherwise truly great
(a mind which with respect to the arrangement
of natural bodies has never been equalled), is
to be sought for in the general character of the
country which gave Linnæus birth, I shall not
pause to inquire. Yet in an investigation of
this kind, where the opinion of the Swedish
Pliny is necessarily mentioned, it might be cu-
rious to look to the sources of his credulity.
The study of nature, as it respects this globe,
is, perhaps, of all the sciences, the most unfa-
vourable to superstition, or credulity. But the
greatest of naturalists was one of the most credu-
lous of philosophers.
IT is proper, however, to observe, in this
place, that Linnæus by no means asserts, that
he himself had ever been a witness to the fasci-
nating power of any of the serpent-tribe. He
seems to have received the tale from some of
his many pupils, whom he animated with the
love of natural history. It is probable that
Kalm, whom Linnæus quotes upon various
* See his Materia Medica, liber i. de Plantis, &c.
Amstelædami: 1749.



[2S]
occasions, and whom he could not but esteem,
principally contributed to fix his illustrious
master's credulity in this respect: for, in dif-
ferent parts of his Travels, this industrious au-
thor has given his decided assent to the tale;
and he informs us, that he has treated of the
same subject, more fully, in a treatise which
is printed in the Memoirs of the Royal Swedish
Academy of Sciences, for the year 1753*.
KALM is candid enough to tell us, that
he never saw an instance of the fascinating
power of the serpent-kind. "However," says
he, "I have a list of more than twenty persons,
among which are some of the most creditable
people, who have all unanimously, though
living far distant from each other, asserted the
same thing†." He then goes on to tell us a
long story, similar to that which I have related,
in the beginning of this memoir, and which,
therefore, it is not necessary to repeat, in this
place.
OUR author is not content to make mere
mention of the fact: he undertakes to speculate
D
* Travels into North-America, &c. vol. i. p. 318
& 319.
† Ibid. vol. ii. p. 207 & 208.


[26]
upon it. And here, although a talent for inge-
nious reasoning is, certainly, not the most
striking feature that is displayed in the Travels
of Kalm, he acquits himself, for some time,
very judiciously; but spoils all he has said, by
concluding, that the bird or squirrel "are only
enchanted, whilst the snake has its eyes fixed on
them*." He allows that "this looks odd and
unaccountable, though," says he, "many of the
worthiest and most reputable people have re-
lated it, and though it is so universally believed
here," that is in New-Jersey, &c. "that to
doubt it would be to expose one's self to gene-
ral laughter.†"
SEVERAL American writers have adopted
the notion, that snakes are endued with a fas-
cinating faculty. Fearful that their authority
may extend the empire of this error, I have
been the more anxious to offer my sentiments
on the subject to the society‡.
* Travels into North-America, &c. vol. ii. p. 210.
† Ibid.
‡ Speaking of the rattle-snake, my worthy friend
Mr. William Bartram says: "They are supposed to have
the power of fascination in an eminent degree, so as to
inthrall their prey. It is generally believed that they charm 

[27]
IT has given me pleasure to find, that the
enchanting faculty of the rattle-snake is doubt-
ed by some very respectable European natural-
ists. "It is difficult," says my excellent friend
Mr. Pennant, "to speak of its fascinating pow-
ers: authors* of credit describe the effects.
Birds have been seen to drop into its mouth,
squirrels descend from their trees, and leverets
run into its jaws. Terror and amazement
seem to lay hold on these little animals: they
make violent efforts to get away, still keeping
their eyes fixed on those of the snake; at length,
wearied with their movements, and frightened
bird, rabbits, squirrels, and other animals, and by stead-
fastly looking at them possess them with infatuation; be
the cause what it may, the miserable creatures undoubted-
ly strive by every possible means to escape, but alas! their
endeavours are in vain, they at last lose the power of re-
sistance, and flutter or move slowly, but reluctantly to-
wards the yawning jaws of their devourers, and creep
into their mouths, or lay down and suffer themselves to
be taken and swallowed." Travels through North and
South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida, &c.
p. 267. Philadelphia: 1791.
* "Lawson—Catesby—Ph. Tr. abridg. ix. 56, &c.
vii. 410.—Brickel's Hist. Carolina, 144.—Beverley Vir-
ginia, 260.—Colden, i. 12." Dr. Brickel is an author
of no credit. His History of North-Carolina, here quoted,
is one of the most daring and scandalous instances of pla-
giarism I am acquainted with. 




[28]
out of all capacity of knowing the course they
ought to take, become at length the prey of
the expecting devourer, probably in their last
convulsive motion*."
MY friend Mr. de la Cépède, one of the
most eloquent naturalists of the age, has devoted
a good deal of attention to the subject, in his
Histoire Naturelle des Serpens, a work of exten-
sive and superior merit. I regret, however, that
this ingenious author was not in possession of a
few facts, well known in this country, which
could not have failed to conduct a mind, like his,
strengthened by the enlarged contemplation of
the objects of nature, to the fulness and cer-
tainty of truth. As it is, however, Mr. de la
Cépède deserves our thanks for reviving, and
giving a new turn to, the speculations of natu-
ralists on this subject.
I BEG leave, in this place, to quote that
part of Mr. de la Cépède's work which relates
to the question, of my memoir.
SPEAKING of the boiquira, or rattle-snake,
my ingenious friend has the following words:
* Arctic Zoology, vol. ii. p. 338. London: 1792. 

[29]
"His infectious breath, which sometimes agi-
tates the little animals he is about to seize, may
also prevent their escape. The Indians relate,
that a rattle-snake is often seen, curled round a
tree, darting terrible glances at a squirrel, which
after expressing its fear by its cries and its
tremour, falls at the foot of the tree, where it is
devoured. Mr. Vosmaër (at the Hague), who
has made several experiments on the bite of a
rattle-snake, which he had alive, says that the
birds and mice, which were thrown into the
cage, would immediately endeavour to squat in
a corner, and that soon after, as if seized with
deadly anguish, they would run towards their
enemy, who continually shook his rattles: but
this effect of a mephitick and fetid breath has
been so much exaggerated, and misrepresented,
that it becomes miraculous.
"IT has been said," continues our author,
"that the rattle-snake had a faculty of enchant-
ing, as it were, the animal he intended to de-
vour; that by the power of his glance, he
could oblige the victim to approach by small
degrees, and finally to fall into his mouth;
that even man could not resist the magick force
of his sparkling eyes; and that under violent
agitations he would expose himself to the en-


[30]
venomed tooth of the serpent, instead of en-
deavouring to escape. If the rattle-snake had
been more generally known, and if his natu-
ral history had engaged more attention, other
circumstances, still more extraordinary, would
have been added to these miraculous feats;
and how many fables would not have been
substituted to the simple effect of a pestilential
breath, which, however, has by no means
been either so frequent or so fatal as some natu-
ralists have believed!
"We may presume, with Kalm, that, for
the most part, when a bird, a squirrel, or any
other animal, has been seen precipitating itself
from the top of a tree into the jaws of a rattle-
snake, it had been already bitten*; that after
* I do not find that Kalm has adopted this system of
explanation, in his Travels. On the contrary, in this
work, he gives some judicious reasons for rejecting this,
mode of explanation. Travels, &c. vol. ii. p. 209 & 210.
His memoir, in the Swedish Translations, I have not seen.
Sir Hans Sloane, a long time since, conjectured, that the
whole mystery of the fascinating faculty of the rattle-
snake is this, viz. "that when such animals as are the pro-
per prey of these snakes, as small quadrupeds, birds, &c.
are surprised by them, they bite them, and the poison allows
them time to run a small way; or perhaps a bird to fly up
into the next tree, where the snakes watch them, with great 


[31]
escaping, it manifested, by its cries and its agi-
tation, the violent action of the poison left in
its blood, and diffused through its circulation,
by the envenomed inoculation of the reptile's
tooth; that, its strength gradually decaying, it
would fly or leap from branch to branch, till
finally exhausted it would fall before the ser-
pent, who with inflamed eyes, and eager looks,
would watch attentively every motion, and
then dart on his prey, when it retained but a
small portion of life. Several observations re-
lated by travellers, and particularly a fact men-
tioned by Kalm, appear to confirm this*."
FROM this long quotation, it appears that
Mr. de la Cépède adopts two modes, or circum-
stances, for explaining the miraculous power,
which has been attributed to these serpents. The
explanation is, undoubtedly, in both cases, in-
genious, and entitled to notice. I shall exa-
mine the question with that attention which it
deserves.
earnestness, till they fall down, or are perfectly dead,
when having licked them over with their spawl or spittle,
they swallow them down." Philosphical Transactions,
vol. xxxviii. no. 433. Mr. de la Cépède does not appear
to have seen Sloane's paper.
* Histoire Naturelle des Serpens, p. 409, 410 & 411.
a Paris: 1789.


[32]
IN the first place, my learned friend sup-
poses, that the rattle-snake's infectious breath*,
by agitating the little animals which it means
to devour, may prevent their escape.
I DO not altogether understand this expres-
sion of an infectious breath. I do not think
that we are in possession of any facts by which
it can be proved, that the breath of the rattle-
snake is, in general, more infectious, or pesti-
ferous, than that of many other animals, whe-
ther of the same or of a different family. I
know, indeed, that in some of the larger spe-
cies of serpents, inhabiting South-America, and
other countries, there is evolved in the stomach,
during the long and tedious process of digestion
in these animals, a vapour, or a gas, whose
odour is intensely fetid. I have not, however,
found that this is the case with the rattle-snake,
and other North-American serpents, that I have
examined. But my own observations on this 
head have not been very minute. I have made
inquiry of some persons (whose prejudices
against the serpent-tribe are not so powerful as
* His words are, "son haleine empestée, qui trouble
quelquefois les petits animaux dont il veut se saisir, peut
aussi empêcher qu'ils ne lui échappent." p. 409.
 

[33]
my own), who are not afraid to put the heads
and necks of the black-snake, and other serpents
that are destitute of venomous fangs, into their
mouths, and have been informed, that they
never perceived any disagreeable smell to pro-
ceed from the breath of these animals. I have
been present at the opening of a box which
contained a number of living serpents; and
although the box had been so close as to admit
but a very small quantity of fresh air, although
the observation was made in a small warm room,
I did not perceive any peculiarly disagreeable
effluvium to arise from the bodies of these ani-
mals. I am, moreover, informed by a mem-
ber of this society*, who has, for a consider-
able time, had a rattle-snake under his imme-
diate care, that he has not observed that any
disagreeable vapour proceeds from this reptile.
On the other hand, however, it is asserted by
some creditable persons of my acquaintance,
that a most offensive odour, similar to that of
flesh, in the last stage of putrefaction, is con-
tinually emanating from every part of the
rattle-snake, and some other species of serpents.
This odour extends, under certain circumstances,
E
* Mr. Charles Wilson Peale.
 

[34]
to a considerable distance from the body of the
animal. Mr. William Bartram assures me,
that he has observed "horses to be sensible of,
and greatly agitated by, it at the distance of
forty or fifty yards from the snake. They
showed," he says "their abhorrence, by snorting,
winnowing, and starting from the road, endea-
vouring to throw their riders, in order to make
their escape*." This fact, related by a man of rigid
veracity, is extremely curious; and, in an espe-
cial manner, deserves the attention of those wri-
ters, who, like M. de la Cépède, imagine that
this fetid emanation from serpents is capable of
affecting birds, at small distances, with a kind of
asphyxy†. It even gives some colour of proba-
bility to the story related by Metrodorus, and
preserved in the Natural History of Pliny‡.
THE facts which came under the notice of
Mr. Vosmaër, at the Hague, are curious, and
deserved to be mentioned. But they do not
appear to me to be proofs of the existence of
an infectious or mephitick vapour proceeding
* MS. note communicated to me.
† Histoire Naturelle des Serpens, p. 355.
‡ Lib. xxviii. cap. 14. 

[35]
from the mouth of the rattle-snake. I am not,
at all, surprized that the birds and mice that
were put into the cage, along with this reptile,
should exhibit the motions which were observ-
ed by the Dutch naturalist. When the little
animals squatted down in a corner of the cage,
they were, most probably, impelled by the in-
stinct of fear, which is so powerful, and so ex-
tensive, in the vast family of animals. When
they ran towards the serpent, it may have been
fear that actuated them.
IN conducting a series of experiments, it
is ever a matter of importance, that the mind
of the experimentalist should be free from the
dominion of prejudice and system. Perhaps,
facts are never related in all their unadultrat-
ed purity except by those, who intent upon
the discovery of truth, keep system at a dis-
tance, regardless of its claims. The strong
democracy of facts should exert its whole-
some sway. I cannot help thinking, that if
Mr. Vosmaër had disbelieved the fascinat-
ing faculty of serpents, the conclusions which
he would have drawn from his experiments,
just mentioned, would have been somewhat
different. But of this I cannot be certain, and, 

[36]
therefore, I shall not avail myself of the sup-
position.
SOME experiments, which have been made
in this city, do not accord with those of
Mr. Vosmaër. The birds, which were put
into the cage that contained the rattle-snake,
flew or ran from the reptile, as though they
were sensible of the danger to which they were
exposed. The snake made many attempts to
catch the birds, but could seldom succeed.
When a dead bird was thrown into the cage,
the snake devoured it immediately. He soon
caught and devoured a living mole, an animal
much more sluggish than the bird. A few
days since, I had an opportunity of observing
the following circumstance. A small bird, our
snow-bird*, had been put into a cage contain-
ing a large rattle-snake. The little animal had
been thus imprisoned for several hours, when I
first saw it. It exhibited no signs of fear, but
hopped about from the floor of the cage to its
roost, and frequently flew and sat upon the
snake's back. Its chirp was no ways tremu-
lous; but perfectly natural: it ate the seed
* The Emberiza hyemalis of Linnæus. 


[37]
which were put into the cage, and by its whole
actions, I think, most evidently demonstrated,
that its situation was not uneasy.
I DO not relate this latter fact with any in-
tention to disprove the notion, that the rattle-
snake possesses the faculty of charming. For
the observation was made on the seventeenth of
last month, which is somewhat earlier than the
time when our snakes usually come out of their
dens. The snake, too, which was the subject
of the experiment, appeared to be very languid,
and had not eaten any thing for a considerable
time. We ought not, therefore, to suppose
him possessed of the fascinating faculty at this
period; since, I presume, that this faculty, did
it exist at all, is subservient to the purpose of
procuring the reptile its food. The fact is,
perhaps, valuable in another point of view.
It seems to show, it does show, that the me-
phitick vapour proceeding from the rattle-snake,
allowing that such a vapour really exists,
was, in no respect, injurious to the bird.
IF the mephitick vapour of the rattle-snake
were productive of the effects attributed to it
by Mr. de la Cépède, and other writers; and,
especially, if this vapour extended its influence 


 

[38]
to animals situated at a considerable distance
from the reptile, the atmosphere of the rattle-
snake would often be a kind of Avernus, which
many animals would avoid, and which would
generally occasion the sickness or death of those
that were so unfortunate as to come within its
sphere. But how different is the case! The
abodes of the rattle-snake are the favourite
haunts of frogs, and many species of birds, which
often pass the seasons of their amours and gene-
ration in clouds of mephitism: uninjured, and
undestroyed. How often has the rattle-snake
been known to continue, for days, at the
bottom of a tree, or even a small bush, upon
the branches of which the thrush or the cat-
bird are rearing their young! This would be a
suitable situation for the mephitick vapour to
exert its noxious influence; but, in our woods,
such influence has never been perceived.
BIRDS of the eagle and the hawk kind have
been seen to soar, for a considerable time, above
the spot occupied by a rattle-snake, and at length
to dart upon the reptile, and carry it to their
young. Neither the parent-bird nor its young
ones, have ever been known to receive any in-
jury from the snake's vapour. Possibly, it may 

[39]
be said, this vapour was dissipated, or greatly
diluted, in passing through the air.
A MEPHITICK, or fetid, vapour emanates
from the bodies of many animals besides the
rattle-snake; from the opossum*, and the pole-
cat†, for instance. The vapour of these
quadrupeds would be as likely to affect birds,
&c. with asphyxy, as that of the rattle-snake.
And possibly it does. There is, certainly, one
thing in favour of the supposition. The opos-
sum, in particular, is noted for his cunning in
catching birds.
I SHALL conclude this part of my memoir
by observing, that the odour of the rattle-snake
is said to be agreeable to some persons.
Mr. de la Cépède's second mode of expla-
nation is much more plausible. I have already
observed‡, that it was the system of Sir Hans
Sloane, who affected to ground it upon expe-
riments. It is adopted by the author of the
well-written account of de la Cépède's Natu-
* Didelphis Opossum. † Viverra Putorius. 
‡ See pages 30 & 31, note.



[40]
ral History of Serpents, in the Monthly Re-
view‖.
MR. de la Cépède presumes that, "for the
most part, when a bird, a squirrel, &c. has
been seen precipitating itself from the top of a
tree, into the jaws of a rattle-snake, it had been
already bitten;" and that its whole conduct,
such as its crying, its agitation, its leaping from
branch to branch, &c. are all effects induced
by the violent operation of the poison, thrown
into its body, by the reptile.
AN attention to facts constrains me to re-
ject this attempt towards a solution of the
question, which I am considering. I shall
arrange my chiefest objections under two heads.
FIRST. We are pretty well acquainted
with the most prominent effects produced by
the poison of the rattle-snake, in various spe-
cies of animals. It must be admitted, that
there is a considerable variety in these effects,
and a great difference in the strength of these
effects. In one animal, the poison produces an
high degree of inflammatory action in the sys-
‖ Appendix to the second volume of the Monthly Re-
view Enlarged. p. 511. 

[41]
tem; in another, the most striking primary
effect is a somnolency, or drowsiness. In one
animal, the poison does not produce any ob-
vious effect upon the system for many minutes;
in another the effects are almost instantane-
ous*. But in almost every instance in which
the poison of the rattle-snake has been success-
fully thrown into the body of an animal, there
ensue a set of symptoms, very different from the
actions of birds and squirrels when under the
supposed fascinating influence of the serpent-
kind. It is not necessary to detail, in this place,
these various symptoms, because I have already
done it in a paper which is printed in the third
volume of the Transactions of our Society†,
and because these symptoms cannot be unknown
to the members of the Society. It will be suffici-
ent to observe, that two of the most universal
effects of the poison of the rattle-snake, I mean
the extreme debility and the giddiness, which
commonly almost immediately succeed the bite,
will preclude the possibility of a squirrel's, or a
bird's, dancing from branch to branch, flying
F
* A small dog that was bitten in the side by a large
rattle-snake, reeled about, and expired, seemingly suffoca-
ted, in two minutes. This was in the month of August.
† No. xi. p. 110 & 111.


[42]
about, and running to and from the serpent, for
a considerable time, before it becomes a prey to
its enemy. Besides, the farce of fascination is
often kept up for a much longer term of time
than any small animals are known to live after
a successful bite by the rattle-snake. But, perhaps,
it may be said, that the rattle-snake, like some
of our wasps, knows how to inject into the ani-
mal, which he means to devour, any given quan-
tity of his subtile poison. Here, the analogy
will not apply: but I have not time to point out
the various instances in which its failure is con-
spicuous
KALM mentions a well-known fact, which
will be admitted to have considerable weight in
destroying the force of this part of Mr. de la
Cépède's system. "The squirrel being upon
the point of running into the snake's mouth,
the spectators have not been able to let it come
to that pitch, but killed the snake, and as soon
as it had got a mortal blow, the squirrel or bird
destined for destruction, flew away, and left off
their moanful note, as if they had broke loose
from a net. Some say, that if they only touch-
ed the snake, so as to draw off its attention from
the squirrel; it went off quickly, not stopping till
it had got to a great distance. "Why" continues 


[43] 
our author, "do the squirrels or birds go a-
way so suddenly, and why no sooner? If they
had been poisoned or bitten by the snake be-
fore, so as not to be able to get from the tree,
and to be forced to aproach the snake always
more and more, they could however not get
new strength by the snake being killed or di-
verted*."
SECONDLY. It is a fact well known in this
country, that the rattle-snake is not the only
kind of serpent that is said to be endued with
the faculty of fascinating birds, squirrels, and o-
ther animals. As far as my inquiries have ex-
tended, it does not appear to me that, in general,
the rattle-snake is thought to have so large a por-
tion of this faculty as some other species of ser-
pents. Of this, at least, I am certain, that persons
residing in our country-situations tell as many
wonderful tales of the bewitching eyes of the
black-snake, the coluber constrictor of Linnæus,
as they do of the boiquira, or rattle-snake. Now
let it be supposed, for a minute, that the poison
of this latter serpent, when thrown into the bo-
dy of a bird, a squirrel, &c. is capable of produ-
* Travels into North-America, &c. vol. ii. p. 209 &
210. It will be easy to discover what part of Kalm's reason-
ing, in the above quotation, I admit. 


[44]
cing, in these animals, those piteous cries, those
singular movements, those tremulous fears,
which are mentioned by Kalm, by de la Cépède,
and by other writers,—in what manner are we
to account for the similar cries, movements, and
fears, in those birds which are frequently seen
under the fascinating influence of the black-
snake? For we Americans all know, that the
bite of the black-snake is perfectly innoxious.
This, indeed, is also the case with the greater
number of the species of serpents that have, hi-
therto, been discovered in the extensive country
of the United-States, And yet almost every
species of serpent is supposed to be endued with
the power of fascinating such animals as it occa-
sionally devours.
THESE facts, and this mode of reasoning,
certainly involve, in some difficulty, Mr. de la
Cépède, and those writers who espouse his opi-
nion, which I have examined, under the first
head of my objections. An attempt is made to
account for the imaginary fascinating faculty
of the serpent from the powerful influence of a
subtile poison. But, upon inquiry, it is found,
that the power of bewitching different animals
is not an exclusive gift of those serpents which
nature has provided with envenomed fangs: it is


[45]
a gift which as extensively belongs to that more
numerous tribe of our serpents, whose bite is
innocent, and whose creeping motion is their
only poison*.
* If there is any impropriety in this mode of expression,
the impropriety has its source in my feelings, with re-
spect to the serpents. Perhaps, no man experiences the
force and the miseries of this prejudice in a greater degree
than I do. It is the only prejudice which, I think, I have
not strength to subdue. As the natural history of the ser-
pents is a very curious and interesting part of the science
of zoology; as the United-States afford an ample oppor-
tunity for the farther improvement of the history of these
animals, and as I have, for a long time, been anxious to
devote a portion of my leisure time to an investigation of
their physiology, in particular, I cannot but exceedingly
regret my weakness and timidity, in this respect. I had
meditated a series of experiments upon the respiration, the
digestion, and the generation of the serpents of Pennsylva-
nia. But, I want the fortitude which it is necessary to pos-
sess in entering on the task. Instead of slowly and cauti-
ously dissecting and examining their structure and their
functions, with that attention which the subject merits, I
am more disposed, at present, to obey the injunction of the
Mantuan poet, in the following beautiful lines:
—Cape saxa manu: cape robora, pastor,
Tollentemque minas et sibila colla tumentem
Dijice: jamque fuga tumidum caput abdidit alte,
Cum medii nexus, exstremæque agmina caudæ
Solvuntur, tardosque trahit sinus ultimus orbes.
GEORG. Lib. iii. 420-424.


[46]
THESE objections will, I am persuaded,
be sufficient to convince every unprejudiced
reader, that the system of explanation offer-
ed by Mr. de la Cépède is unfounded in facts;
and, consequently, that the problem still re-
mains to be solved, in another way.
AMONG the number of ingenious men
who have amused themselves with speculations
on the subject of this memoir, and who, reject-
ing the commonly received notion of the exist-
ence of a fascinating power in the rattle-snake,
have attempted to explain the phænomenon up-
on other principles, it is with pleasure I recog-
nise the respectable Professor Blumenbach, of
Gottingen. This gentleman, in a late publica-
tion, speaking of the rattle-snake, makes a few
remarks on the fascinating faculty which has
been ascribed to this reptile. These remarks I
shall translate at length.
"THAT squirrels, small birds, &c." says he,
"voluntarily fall from trees into the jaws of the
rattle-snake, lying under them, is certainly
founded in facts: nor is this much to be won-
dered at, as similar phænomena have been ob-
served in other species of serpents, and even in
toads, hawks, and in cats, all of which, to ap- 

[47]
pearance, can under particular circumstances,
entice other small animals, by mere steadfast
looks. Here the rattles of this snake (the rat-
tle-snake) are of peculiar service; for their hiss-
ing noise causes the squirrels, whether impelled
by a kind of curiosity, misunderstanding, or
dreadful fear, to follow it, as it would seem, of
their own accord. At least," continues Mr.
Blumenbach, "I know from well-informed eye-
witnesses, that it is one of the common practices
among the younger savages to hide themselves
in the woods, and by counterfeiting the hissing
of the rattle-snake to allure and catch the squir-
rels*."
I DO not intend to take up much time in
examining the foregoing explanation. I shall
offer my objections to it, in as concise a manner
as I can.
FIRST. The faculty of fascinating is by no
means peculiar to the rattle-snake, but is attri-
buted as extensively to the black-snake, and o-
ther serpents, which are not furnished with the
crepitaculum, or set of bells‡, by which this ser-
* Handbuch Der Naturgeschichte. P. 253. Gottingen: 1791.
‡ Serpent à sonnette, is the French name for the rat-
tle-snake. 

[48]
pent is supposed to be is enabled to ring for its
prey, when it wants it.
SECONDLY. Some persons, who have seen
the rattle-snake in the supposed act of charming,
assure me that the reptile did not shake its rattles,
but kept them still. It is true, that Mr. Vos-
mäer's rattle-snake, already mentioned, continu-
ally shook its rattles.
THIRDLY. With regard to the practice of
the young savages, spoken of by Mr. Blumen-
bach, I know nothing. I have inquired of
Indians, and of persons who have resided, for a
considerable time, among the Indians, and they
appear to be as ignorant of the circumstance as
I am myself. I am inclined to think that Mr.
Blumenbach has been imposed upon: or, per-
haps, the following circumstance may have gi-
ven rise to the story. The young Indians put
arrows, across, in their mouths, and by the
quivering motion of their lips upon the arrows,
imitate the noise of young birds, thus bring-
ing the old ones so near to them, that they can
be readily shot at. In like manner, the Lanius
Excubitor, or great shrike, hiding itself in a thick-
et, and imitating the cry of a young bird, often
succeeds in seizing the old ones, which have been 



[49]
solicited, by the counterfeited noise, to the assist-
ance of their young.
EVER since I have been accustomed to con-
template the objects of nature with a degree of
minute attention, I have considered the whole
story of the enchanting faculty of the rattle-
snake, and of other serpents, as destitute of a
solid foundation. I have attentively listened to
many stories, which have been related to me as
proofs of the doctrine, by men whose veracity I
could not suspect. But there is a stubborn in-
credulity often attached to certain minds. In
me it was strong. The mere force of argument
never compelled me to believe. I always suspect-
ed that there was some deficiency in the extent of
observation, and the result of not a little atten-
tion to the subject has taught me, that there is
but one wonder in the business;—the won-
der that the story should ever have been believ-
ed by a man of understanding, and of observa-
tion.
IN conducting my inquiries into this curi-
ous subject, I thought it would be proper, and
even necessary, previously to my forming a de-
cided opinion, to ascertain the two following
points, viz. first: what species of birds are
G 

[50]
most frequently observed to be inchanted by the
serpents? and, secondly, at what season of the
year has any particular species been most com-
monly seen under this wonderful influence? I
was induced to believe that the solution of these
two questions would serve as a clue to the in-
vestigation of what has long been considered
as one of the most mysterious operations in na-
ture. I am persuaded that I have not been mis-
taken. Possibly, the credulous may not think
as I do.
IT is a curious circumstance in the history
of birds, that almost every species, in the same
country at least, has an almost uniform and de-
terminate method of building its nest, whether
we consider the form of the nest, the materials
of which it is constructed, or the place in
which it is fixed*. Some observations on this
* I do not mean, by this observation, to assert, that
birds are necessarily impelled to construct their nests of the
same materials, or to place them in the same situations: yet
such is the language of some writers on natural history,
and on morals, who talk of the "determinate instinct"
of animals, and who think it impossible that "animals of
the same species should any where differ." "The grouse
in America, we are told, perch upon trees; the hare bur-
rows in the ground; and we have, in these instances, suffi-
cient reason to deny that the species of either is the same



[51]
subject are necessarily connected with the point
under investigation, in this memoir:—indeed,
they are involved in the question concerning the
species of birds which have most generally been
observed to be enchanted by the rattle-snake,
&c.
SOME birds build their nests on the sum-
mits of the loftiest trees; others suspend them,
in a pendulous manner, at the extremity of a
branch, or even on a leaf*, whilst others build
them on the lower branches, among bushes, and
in the hollows of decayed, and other trees. Ma-
ny species, again, are content with the ground,
laying their eggs, and hatching them, in the ca-
vity of a stone, an excavation from the earth,
among the grass of fields and meadows, or in
fields of wheat, rye, and other grains. Thus,
to confine myself to our own country, the ea-
gle, the vulture, the hawk, and other birds of
with those of a like denomination, with which we are ac-
quainted, in Europe." These are the words of a late ce-
lebrated author. See Dr. A. Furguson's Principles of mo-
ral and political Science, vol. i. p. 59 & 60. quarto edi-
tion.
* See a very interesting account of the Motacilla suto-
ria, or Taylor-bird, by my learned friend Mr. Pennant, in
his Indian Zoology, pages 44, 45, & 46. 


[52]
this extensive family, make choice of the lofti-
est oaks, and other trees of our forests; the bal-
timore-oriole*, commonly called, in Pennsyl-
vania, the hanging-bird, suspends a beautiful
nest to the extremity of a branch of the Lirio-
dendron†, or some other tree; the migrating
thrush‡, called robin, is content with the
lower branches; the red thrush‖, the cat-bird§,
the red-winged oriole called the swamp black-
bird¶, and many others build in the low bush-
es; the wood-peckers **, the blue motacilla (blue-
bird)††, the torchepot‡‡, and others, build in
the hollows of trees, the chattering plover‖‖,
and the whip-poor-will§§, take advantage of a
hollow place in the ground, or in a stone, whilst 
the great lark¶¶, the marsh-wren***, &c. place
their nests in the grass; and lastly the part-
ridge††† builds in the corn-fields.
* Oriolus Baltimore. 
‡ Turdus migratorius. 
§ Muscicapa carolinensis. 
** Pici. 
‡‡ Sitta. 
§§ Caprimulgus. 
*** Motacilla Troglodites? 
† Liriodendron tulipifera.
‖ Turdus rufus.
¶ Oriolus phœniceus.
†† Motacilla Sialis.
‖‖ Charadrius vociferus.
¶¶ Alauda magna.
††† Tetrao virginianus.






[53]
OF all these birds, and of a great many
others, those which build their nests up on the
ground, on the lower branches of trees, and on
low bushes (especially on the sides of rivers,
creeks, and other waters, that are frequented by
different kinds of serpents), have most frequently
been observed to be under the enchanting faculty
of the rattle-snake, &c. Indeed, the bewitching
spirit of these serpents seems to be almost entire-
ly limited to these kinds of birds. Hence, we
so frequently hear tales of the fascination of our
cat-bird, which builds its nest in the low bushes,
on the sides of creeks, and other waters, the
most usual haunts of the black-snake, and other
serpents. Hence, too, upon opening the sto-
machs of some of our serpents, if we often find
that they contain birds, it is almost entirely
those birds which build in the manner I have
just mentioned.
THIS fact I had long remarked. It had
made some impression upon my mind before I
had turned my attention to the subject of this
memoir. Lately, when I came to take a view
of the subject, the fact appeared to me to be of
some consequence. I shall now avail myself
of it. 



[54]
THE rattle-snake seldom, if ever, climbs up
trees*. He is frequently, however, found about
their roots, especially in wet situations. It is
* Some respectable writers assert, that the rattle-snake
does climb trees, and that it does it with ease. Mr. de la
Cépède is of this opinion. After telling us that this rep-
tile lives upon worms, frogs, and hares, this naturalist pro-
ceeds: "il fait aussi sa proie d'oiseaux & d'écureuils; car
il monte avec facilité sur les arbres, & s'y élance avec viva-
cité de branche en branche, ainsi que sur les pointes des
rochers qu'il habite, & ce n'est que dans la plaine qu'il
court avec difficulté, & qu'il est plus aisè d'eviter sa pour-
suite." Histoire Naturelle des Serpens. p. 409. At the
conclusion of his account of the boiquira, or crotalus hor-
ridus, the eloquent author has run into the same error, in
the following beautiful, though rather poetical, apostrophe.
"Tranquilles habitans de nos contrées tempérèes, que nous
sommes plus heureux, loin de ces plages où la chaleur & 
l'humidité règnent avec tant de force! Nous ne voyons
point un Serpent funeste infecter l'eau au milieu de laquelle
il nage avec facilité; les arbres dont il parcourt les rameaux
avec vîtesse; la terre dont il peuple les cavernes; les bois
solitaires, où il exerce le même empire que le tigre dans ses
déserts brûlans, & dont l'obscurité livre plus sûrement sa
proie à sa morsure. Ne regrettons pas les beautés naturelles
de ces climats plus chauds que le nôtre, leurs arbres plus
toussus, leurs feuillages plus agréables, leurs fleurs plus
suaves, plus belles: ces fleurs, ces feuillages, ces arbres ca-
chent la demeure du Serpent à sonnette." Histoire Natu-
relle des Serpens. p. 419 & 420. I have been at some pains
to discover whether the rattle-snake does climb up trees.
The result of my inquires is that it does not. Although 

[55]
said that this reptile is often seen, curled round
a tree, darting terrible glances at a squirrel,
which after some time is so much influenced by
these glances, or by some subtile emanation
I have had oportunities of seeing great numbers of rattle-
snakes in the western parts of Pennsylvania, &c particularly
in the vicinity of the river Ohio, I never saw one of them
except on the ground. The black-snake I have often
seen upon trees. I ought not, however, to conceal that
in the summer of the last year, a Choktah-Indian told
me, that the rattle-snake does climb trees and bushes, to a
small height. He said, that he had once seen one of these
snakes upon a reed. I am not very willing to deny this
Indian's story: yet it is opposed to every information I
have been able to procure from persons well acquainted
with the reptile of which I am speaking. However, it is
not impossible that where trees and bushes grow very close
together, the snake may climb them to a very small height.
Most species of serpents move in a spiral manner: the rat-
tle-snake moves straight on; and this is the reason why he
cannot climb trees. In the quotation which I have made
from Mr. de la Cépède, another mistake is involved. He
speaks of the agility with which the rattle-snake moves.
This is not, however, merely the mistake of Mr. de la
Cépède. We find it in Piso. Speaking of this reptile,
our author says: "In triviis juxta ac deviis locis cernitur,
tam celeriter proreptans ut volare videatur, idque velo-
cius per loca saxosa, quam terrestria." De Indiæ utri-
usque re naturali et medica. p. 274. Now the truth is that
the rattle-snake is one of the most sluggish of all our
serpents. Linnæus was well informed, when he asserted
that Providence had given "the Crotalus a slow motion."
See Reflections, &c. quoted p. 23 of this memoir.

[56]
from the body of the serpent, that the poor ani-
mal falls into the jaws of its enemy. This sto-
ry is, I believe, destitute of foundation, though
it is related by the good Cotton Mather*. The
rattle-snake is, indeed, sometimes seen at the root
of a tree, upon the lower branches of which, at
the height of a few feet from the ground, a bird
or squirrel has been seen exhibiting symptoms
of fear and distress. Is this a matter of any won-
der? Nature has taught different animals what
animals are their enemies; and although, as will
be afterwards shewn, the principal food of the
rattle-snake is the great frog, yet as he occasion-
ally devours birds and squirrels, to these animals
he must necessarily be an object of fear. When
the reptile, therefore, lies at the foot of a tree,
the bird or the squirrel will feel itself uneasy.
That it will sometimes run towards the serpent,
then retire, and return again, I will not deny.
But that it is irresistably drawn into the jaws of
the serpent, I do deny: because it is very fre-
quently seen to drive the serpent from its hold;
because the bird or squirrel often returns, in a
few minutes, to their habitations. Sometimes
the bird or squirrel, in attempting to drive away
the snake, approach too near to their enemy,
* Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society,
No. 339. 


[57]
and are bitten, or immediately devoured. But,
from what will afterwards be said, it will appear
that these instances are not so common as is
generally imagined.
MY inquiries concerning the season of the
year at which any particular species of birds has
been seen under the fascinating power of a ser-
pent afforded me still more satisfaction. In al-
most every instance, I found that the supposed
fascinating faculty of the serpent was exerted
upon the birds at the particular season of their
laying their eggs, of their hatching, or of their
rearing their young, still tender, and defenceless.
I now began to suspect, that the cries and fears
of birds supposed to be fascinated originated in
an endeavour to protect their nest or young.
My inquiries have convinced me that this is the
case.
I HAVE already observed, that the rattle-
snake does not climb up trees. But the black-
snake and some other species of the genus colu-
ber do. When impelled by hunger, and inca-
pable of satisfying it by the capture of animals
on the ground, they begin to glide up trees or
bushes, upon which a bird has its nest. The
bird is not ignorant of the serpent's object. She 
H


[58]
leaves her nest, whether it contains eggs or
young ones, and endeavours to oppose the rep-
tile's progress. In doing this, she is actuated
by the strength of her instinctive attachment to
her eggs, or of affection to her young. Her
cry is melancholy, her motions are tremulous.
She exposes herself to the most imminent danger.
Sometimes, she approaches so near the reptile
that he seizes her as his prey. But this is far
from being universally the case. Often, she com-
pels the serpent to leave the tree, and then re-
turns to her nest*.
IT is a well known fact, that among some
species of birds, the female, at a certain period,
is accustomed to compel the young ones to
leave the nest; that is, when the young have ac-
quired so much strength that they are no longer
* Horace, though he has not, like his contemporary,
Virgil, given any great proofs of his knowledge in natu-
ral history, appears to have known, full well, the anxiety
of birds for the preservation of their young:
"Ut assidens implumibus pullis avis
"Serpentium allapsus timet."
EPOD. I.
The author of these two fine lines, had he lived in Ame-
rica, the land of fascination, would, I am inclined to think,
have disbelieved the whole story. They would have been
a clue to light and truth on this subject. 



[59]
entitled to all her care. But they still claim
some of her care. Their flights are awkward,
and soon broken by fatigue. They fall to the
ground, where they are frequently exposed to
the attacks of the serpent, which attempts to de-
vour them. In this situation of affairs, the mo-
ther will place herself upon a branch of a tree,
or bush, in the vicinity of the serpent. She will
dart upon the serpent, in order to prevent the de-
struction of her young: but fear, the instinct of
self-preservation, will compel her to retire. She
leaves the serpent, however, but for a short time,
and then returns again. Oftentimes, she pre-
vents the destruction of her young, attacking the
snake, with her wing, her beak, or her claws.
Should the reptile succeed in capturing the
young, the mother is exposed to less danger.
For, whilst engaged in swallowing them, he has
neither inclination nor power to seize upon the
old one. But the appetite of the serpent-tribe is
great: the capacity of their stomachs is not less
so. The danger of the mother is at hand, when
the young are devoured. The snake seizes up-
on her: and this is the catastrophe, which crowns
the tale of fascination!
AN attachment to our offspring is not pecu-
liar to the human kind alone. It is an instinct



[60]
which pervades the universe of animals. It is
a spark of the divinity that actuates the greater
number of living existences. It is a passion
which, in my mind, at least, declares, in lan-
guage most emphatick, the existence, the super-
intendance, the benevolence, of a first great
cause, who regards with partial and parental, if
not with equal, eyes the falling of a sparrow and
the falling of an empire.
AMONG the greater number of the species
of birds, the attachment of the parent to the
young is remarkably strong. We have daily
instances of this attachment among our dome-
stick birds, and I believe, it is stronger among
these birds in their wild state: for there are some
reasons for suspecting, that this amiable instinct
is diminished and weakened by culture*. The
instances which I have already mentioned, as
well as a fact, which remains to be mention-
ed, point out, in a striking view, the attach-
ment of the mother-bird to her offspring. She
often guards her nest, with the greatest atten-
tion, fearful of the insidious glide of the serpent.
She endeavours to prevent the destruction of
her eggs or young, by this enemy. When he
* This question will be examined in my memoirs upon
the storge, or affections, of animals.



[61]
has succeeded in obtaining them, she attacks him
either alone, or calls other birds to her assistance.
We ought not to be surprised, that sometimes
she falls a victim to her affection. For it is a
well known fact, that some species of birds will
suffer themselves to be taken upon their nests, ra-
ther than relinquish their young, or their eggs.
IN the study of natural history, I am always
happy to discover new instances of the wisdom
of providence, and new proofs of the strong af-
fections of animals. And for the discovery of
such instances of wisdom, and such proofs of af-
fection, the contemplation of nature is an am-
ple field. In the instances now before us, the
strength of the instinct of affection in birds is
illustrated, in a striking point of view; and I
cannot help observing, that I feel an high degree
of pleasure in being able to do away, in some mea-
sure at least, a prejudice, not less extensive than
it is unfounded, by bearing my slender testimo-
ny in favour of the existence and the powerful
dominion of a benevolent principle in animals.
THE following fact was communicated to
me, some time since, by our president, Mr. Ritten-
house. I think, it strikingly illustrates and con-
firms the system which I have been endeavour- 



[62]
ing to establish. I relate it, therefore, with plea-
sure, and the more so, as I have no doubt, that
the authority of a cautious and enlightened phi-
losopher will greatly contribute to the destruc-
tion of a superstitious notion which disgraces the
page of natural history.
SOME years since, this ingenious gentleman
was induced to suppose, from the peculiar melan-
choly cry of a red-winged-maize-thief*, that a
snake was at no great distance from it, and that
the bird was in distress. He threw a stone at
the place from which the cry proceeded, which
had the effect of driving the bird away. The
poor animal, however, immediately returned to
the same spot. Mr. Rittenhouse now went to
the place where the bird alighted, and, to his
great astonishment, he found it perched upon
the back of a large black-snake, which it was
pecking with its beak. At this very time, the
serpent was in the act of swallowing a young
bird, and from the enlarged size of the reptile's
belly it was evident that it had already swallow-
ed two or three other young birds. After the
snake was killed, the old bird flew away.
* Commmonly called, in Pennsylvania, the Swamp-
Black-bird. It is the Oriolus phœniceus of Linnæus. 




[63]
MR. Rittenhouse says that the cry and ac-
tions of this bird had been precisely similar to
those of a bird which is said to be under the fa-
scinating influence of a serpent; and I doubt not
that this very instance would, by many credulous
persons, have been adduced as a proof of the exi-
stence of such a faculty. But what can be more
evident than the general explanation of this
case? The maze-thief builds its nest in low
bushes, the bottoms of which are the usual
haunts of the black-snake. The reptile found no
difficulty in gliding up to the nest, from which,
most probably in the absence of the mother, it
had taken the young ones. Or it had seized
the young ones, after they had been forced from
the nest, by the mother. In either case, the
mother had come to prevent them from being
devoured.
WE are well acquainted with the common
food of the rattle-snake. It is the great-frog* of
our rivers, creeks, and other waters. The snake
lies insidiously in wait for his prey, at the wa-
ter-edge. He employs no machinery of en-
chantment. He trusts to his cunning and
his strength.
* Rana ocellata of Linnæus.



[64]
A VERY ingenious* friend of mine, who has
devoted considerable attention to the natural hi-
story of the rattle-snake, and who has dissected
many of them, assures me, that he never saw but
one instance in which a bird was found in the
stomach of this reptile, and this bird was the
chewink, or ground-robin†. In another in-
stance, he saw a ground-squirrel‡ taken out of
one of these reptiles. In every other case, so
long as the food retained enough of the form
to be distinguished, the stomach was found to
contain the great-frog, which I have mention-
ed.
ANOTHER argument against the fascinat-
ing power of the serpent-tribe still remains to
be considered.
IT is natural to inquire, for what purpose
nature has endued serpents with the supposed
powers of fascinating birds, and other animals?
The answer to this question is uniform. It is
said, the power is given that the serpents may
* Timothy Matlack, Esquire.
† This is the Fringilla erythrophthalma of Linnæus.
‡ The Sciurus striatus of Linnæus. 



[65]
obtain their food. Let us examine this opi-
nion.
ADMITTING the existence of this power, I
should have no hesitation in believing, that its
use is what is here mentioned, though, indeed,
it ought not to be concealed, that snakes are
supposed, by some foolish people, to have the
power of charming even children. And yet,
I believe, there are no instances recorded of our
American snakes devouring children. If, then,
nature, in the immensity of her kindness, had
gifted the serpents with this wonderful power,
we should, at least, expect to find that the com-
mon and principal food of these serpents was
those animals, viz. birds and squirrels, upon
which this influence is generally observed to be
exerted. This, however, is by no means the
case.
As connected with this part of my memoir,
it will not be improper to observe, that all our
serpents are the food of different kinds of birds.
Even the rattle-snake, whose poison produces
such alarming symptoms in man, and other ani-
mals, is frequently devoured by some of our
stronger and more courageous birds. As far as
I can learn, the birds which most commonly at-
I
 

[66]
tack and destroy this reptile, are the swallow-
tailed hawk*, and the larger kinds of owls. The
owl often feeds her young with this snake, whose
bones are frequently found, in her nest, at con-
siderable heights from the ground. Even a
hen has been known to leave, for a minute, her
affrighted chickens, and attack, with her beak,
a rattle-snake, the greater part of whose body
she afterwards devoured†.
THE black-snake is a serpent of much more
activity than the rattle-snake. The latter, as I have
already said‡, seldom, if ever, climbs up trees.
But the former will sometimes ascend the loftiest
trees, in pursuit of the object of his appetite.
The rattle-snake, it has been just observed, sub-
sists principally upon the large frog, which fre-
quents the waters of our country. He has,
therefore, but little occasion for activity. But
* Falco furcatus.
† It is commonly believed, that the rattle-snake is a very
hardy animal: but this is not the case. A very small stroke
on any part of its body disables it from running at all; and
the slightest stroke upon the top of the head is followed by
instant death. The skull-bone is remarkably thin and brittle;
so much so indeed, that it is thought that a stroke from the
wing of a thrush or robin would be sufficient to break it.
‡ See page 54. 



[67]
the black-snake, feeding more upon birds, stands
more in need of activity. He frequently glides
up the trees of the forest, &c. and, commonly
in the absence of the mother, devours either her
eggs or her young ones. The difficulty of ob-
taining his prey upon the tree is sometimes ve-
ry considerable, as will appear from a fact
which will be related immediately. Now, if this
serpent is gifted with the faculty of fascinating,
why is he not content to continue at the bot-
tom of the tree, and bring down his object?
And if he can employ this machinery of fascina-
tion at his pleasure, how comes it, that he so sel-
dom succeeds in capturing old birds? For it is
a fact that when birds are found in his stomach,
they are principally young birds.
I HAVE said, that the black-snake sometimes
finds great difficulty in obtaining his prey upon
a tree. In support of this assertion, I could ad-
duce many facts. But my memoir has already
exceeded the limits which I originally prescribed
to it. I shall content myself, therefore, with re-
lating a solitary fact, which strikingly illustrates
my position.
A BLACK-snake was seen climbing up a tree,
evidently with the view of procuring the young 



[68]
birds in the nest of a baltimore-bird. This
bird, it has been already observed, suspends its
nest at the extremity of the branch of a tree.
The branch to which the bird, of which I am
speaking, had affixed its nest, being very slen-
der, the serpent found it impossible to come at
the nest by crawling along it: he, therefore, took
the advantage of another branch, which hung
above the nest, and twisting a small portion of
his tail around it, he was enabled, by stretching
the remainder of his body, to reach the nest, in-
to which he insinuated his head, and thus glut-
ted his appetite with the young birds.
THE importance of this fact, in the investiga-
tion of the subject of my memoir, appears to me
to be great. An American forest is not the silent
residence of a few birds. During the greater
part of the spring and summer months, our
woods are alive with the numerous species of
resident and visitant birds. At these times, if
the black-snake possesses the faculty of fascina-
ting, it cannot be a difficult thing for him to
procure his food. Yet, in the instance which
I have just related, we have seen this reptile
climbing up a tree, and there obliged to exert
all his ingenuity to obtain his prey. 



[69]
I CANNOT well conclude this memoir with-
out observing, that in the investigation of the
subject which it involves, I have experienced
much pleasure. For to the cultivators of sci-
ence, the discovery of truth must, at all times,
be a source of pleasure. This pleasure will even
rise to something like happiness, when, in addi-
tion to the discovery of truth, we are enabled to
draw aside the veil, which, for ages, has cur-
tained superstition and credulity. Under the
influence of various species of superstition, we
fall from our dignity, and are often rendered
unhappy. It should be one of the principal
objects of science to rear and prop the dignity of
the mind, and to smooth its way to comforts,
and to happiness. The ills and the infirmities of
our earthly state of being are numerous enough.
It is folly, if not vice, to increase them. He who
seriously believes, that an hideous reptile is
gifted, from the sacred source of universal life
and good, with the power of fascinating birds,
squirrels, and other animals, will hardly stop here.
He may, and probably will, believe much more.
He will not, perhaps, think himself entirely
exempted from this wonderful influence. He
may suppose, that the property belongs to other
beings, beside the serpents; and he will, perhaps, 



[70]
imagine that it forms a part of a more extensive
plan, the effects of which, he will assert, are pro-
minent, and unequivocal, though its ways, he
will confess, are incomprehensible to mortal
minds.
HlSTORIA NATURALIS NON BENE DIGES-
TA ABIT IN FABULAM; PRÆJUDICIA
VERO ET NIMIA CREDULITAS VERITA-
TEM, ETSI COMINUS SATIS COGNI-
TAM, LONGISSIME ALIQUANDO PRO-
PELLUNT.
JACOBUS THEODORUS KLEIN.
FINIS.