The battle snake, and Dominicum serpentum. Crotalus horri-dus Lin. It is said, that this serpent cannot approach a piece of a root which in Virginia is known by the name of Seneca, Rattle Snake Root; but the blood root is the most frequent remedy against their bite, which, when bruised, is applied to the wound, and a decoction of it is drunk.

Troches are made with the gall of rattle snakes, which are caught in spring mixed with chalk or meal; these are called trochisci Connecticotiani, from the Connecticut colony. They are anodyne; three or four grains are taken after great fatigue, but may be given to fourteen grains or more.

When a person is bit by a rattle snake, purple spots, and a difficulty of breathing, soon attend. Many medicines are used by the Americans as an antidote to the poison of this animal; (see Senega). Those in most esteem have a quick, warm, pungent taste, though mild and volatile on the tongue; but the most noted remedy is the following, which was discovered by a negro. Take of the roots of plantain and horehound, in summer the whole herb, a sufficient quantity; bruise them and squeeze out the juice, and give immediately a large spoonful. If the patient be swelled, pour it down his throat. If it does not relieve in one hour give a second spoonful, which never fails. If the roots are dried, moisten them with a little water. Modern practice has substituted volatile alkali and eau de luce.

It is said that rattle snakes have a power of charming birds, and other small animals, so as to make them their easy prey. This has been denied, and the appearances with greater probability referred to a restless anxiety for the safety of their young.