(1) _The Hissing-Snake_.--p. 201.
This snake is the most remarkable of the different species of snake that
infest the western wilds. It is of the small speckled kind, and about
eight inches long. When any thing approaches, it flattens itself in a
moment, and its spots, which are of various dyes, become visibly
brighter through rage; at the same time it blows from its mouth, with
great force, a subtle wind, that is reported to be of a nauseous smell,
and, if drawn in with the breath of the unwary traveller, it is said,
will infallibly bring on a decline, that in a few months must prove
mortal. So says Carver.
(2) _Feast of rejoicing for their death_.--p. 204.
The early travellers report, that some of the tribes on the banks of the
Mississippi, in the words of the text, "celebrated the death of a man
with great rejoicing."