The Bucyrus, O., Journal says: Our readers are aware that a large portion of the cranberry marshes were burned over last fall, and that portions remained burning for many weeks if not months. The owners have been digging and ditching, draining and fencing, at all seasonable opportunities, during the winter. Last week, while some workmen were digging upon a knoll that had been burned over, for the foundation of a barn, they found the earth still warm as they penetrated deeper, and a hollow sound induced the belief of a cavity, and cause them to prosecute their researches. Suddenly one of the spades struck through, and out squirmed a large rattle snake. This made them cautious, and further search revealed a hole four feet by three, and three deep, in which were 17 huge rattlesnakes, and divers smaller fry, besides one or two large frogs. Inspection revealed the further fact that there must have been other large frogs, and smaller snakes that had served as food, for the survivors through the long winter. The snakes had evidently been used to this retreat for winter quarters. The fire had driven them and other reptiles, in there, early in the season, and while the warmth had prevented them from their usual torpor, the small fry had kept them all alive and kicking.
[tags]Peninsular Courier and Family Visitant, April, 1868[/tags]