LESSON 17
THE VENOMOUS WORM
John Russell (b. 1793, d. 1863) graduated at Middlebury College, Vt., in 1818. He was at one time editor of the “Backwoodsman, ” published at Grafton, Ill., and later of the “Louisville Advocate.” He was the author of many tales of western adventure and of numerous essays, sketches, etc. His language is clear, chaste, and classical; his style concise, vigorous, and sometimes highly ornate.
1. Who has not heard of the rattlesnake or copperhead? An unexpected sight of either of these reptiles will make even the lords of creation recoil;but there is a species of worm, found in various parts of this country, which conveys a poison of a nature so deadly that, compared with it, even the venom of the rattlesnake is harmless. To guard our readers against this foe of human kind is the object of this lesson.
2. This worm varies much in size. It is frequently an inch in diameter, but, as it is rarely seen except when coiled, its length can hardly be conjectured. It is of a dull lead color, and generally lives near a spring or small stream of water, and bites the unfortunate people who are in the habit of going there to drink. The brute creation it never molests. They avoid it with the same instinct that teaches the animals of India to shun the deadly cobra.
3. Several of these reptiles have long infested our settlements, to the misery and destruction of many of our fellow citizens. I have, therefore, had frequent opportunities of being the melancholy spectator of the effects produced by the subtile poison which this worm infuses.
4. The symptoms of its bite are terrible. The eyes of the patient become red and fiery, his tongue swells to an immoderate size, and obstructs his utterance; and delirium of the most horrid character quickly follows. Sometimes, in his madness, he attempts the destruction of his nearest friends.
5. If the sufferer has a family, his weeping wife and helpless infants are not unfrequently the objects of his frantic fury. In a word, he exhibits, to the life, all the detestable passions that rankle in the bosom of a savage;and such is the spell in which his senses are locked, that no sooner has the unhappy patient recovered from the paroxysm of insanity occasioned by the bite, than he seeks out the destroyer for the sole purpose of being bitten again.
6. I have seen a good old father, his locks as white as snow, his step slow and trembling, beg in vain of his only son to quit the lurking place of the worm. My heart bled when he turned away; for I knew the fond hope that his son would be the “staff of his declining years, ” had supported him through many a sorrow.
7. Youths of America, would you know the name of this reptile? It is called the WORM OF THE STILL.
STUDY GUIDE
A. Word Definition
1.reptiles:cold-blooded scaly animals of a class including snake,lizard and crocodile.
2.recoil:to start back,to shrink from.
3.cobra:a highly venomous snake from Africa and Asia,able to dilate its neck like a hood when excited.
4.infested:troubled,annoyed.
5.subtle:acute,piercing.
6.infuses:introduces.
7.obstructs:hinders.
8.delirium:wandering of the mind.
9.paroxysm:fit,convulsion.
10.worm:spiral metallic pipe used in distilling liquors.
11.still:vessel used in distilling or making liquors.
B. Comprehension Questions
1. What is the moral of “The Venomous Worm”?
2. People who are addicted to alcohol are called alcoholics. What are the symptoms of this?
3. Label these statements true or false.
a. People often commit crimes when drunk. _____
b. Everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. _____
c. Sometimes alcohol is beneficial. _____
4. Do you like snakes? Why or why not?
5. In the past many countries have prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol and today it is banned in Saudi Arabia and Libya. Do you think this is good or bad? Explain.
6. Use the words below to fill in the gaps:
compulsive beverages addiction detriment disease damage
Alcoholism refers to alcohol ______which is the ______and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic ______ usually to the ______ of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing. It is medically considered a _____. Alcohol misuse may ______ almost every organ in the body, including the brain and cause psychiatric problems.
7. Name some common reptiles of your country.
8. Which of these animals are poisonous?
a. tarantula
b. sheep
c. cobra
d. mouse
C. Writing Work
Write a two verse poem about an animal or a plant.