{38}Fourthly, Of Serpents, and Insects.[102]
The Pond Frog.[103]
The PondFrog, which chirp in the Spring likeSparows, and croke like Toads in Autumn: Some of these when they setupon their breechare a Foot high;theIndianswill tell you, that up in the Country there are PondFrogsas big as a Child of a year old.
For Burns, Scalds, and Inflammations.
They are of a glistering brass colour, and very fat, which is excellent for Burns and Scaldings, to take out the Fire, and heal them, leaving no Scar; and is also very good to take away any Inflammation.
The Rattle Snake.[104]
TheRattle Snake, who poysons with a Vapour that comes thorough two crooked Fangs in their Mouth; the hollow of these Fangs are as black as Ink: TheIndians, when weary with travelling, will {39} take them up with their bare hands, laying hold with one hand behind their Head, with the other taking hold of their Tail, and, with their teeth tear off the Skin of their backs, and feed upon them alive; which they say refresheth them.
For frozen Limbs, Aches, and Bruises.
They have Leafs of Fat in their Bellies, which is excellent to annoint frozen Limbs, and for Aches andBruises wondrous soveraign. Their Hearts swallowed fresh, is a good Antidote against their Venome, and their Liver (the Gall taken out) bruised and applied to their Bitings is a present Remedy.