Catesby, Mark. Vol.II, Tab. 48, The Black Snake

Mark Catesby The Black Snake, Vol.II, Tab. 48 Etching with hand color 14" x 19" sheet From Volume II, Part 8 of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama Islands London: 1737 - 1771 Currently known as the eastern ratsnake, Pantherophis a!leghaniensis and spoonleaf treebine or warty cissus, Cissus obovata*, Catesby described these subjects as follows: ANGUIS NIGER. The Black Snake. This at its full Growth is a large and very long Snake, some being six Feet in Length. They are all over of a shining black, never changing then Colour. They are very nimble and beneficial in killing Rats, which they pursue with wonderful Agility to the Roofs and all Parts of Houses and Barns, where Rats are able to run; for which Service they are preserved by most of the Inhabitants. They are bold and furious, leaping at and biting those that attack them, tho' no Harm ensues, their Bite not being venomous. It is commonly said in Carolina, that they will attack and swallow Rattle-Snakes;