The snakes had become such a serious pest that the settlers began to think of a united effort to rid themselves of the reptiles. This project took shape in the form of a public meeting where it was decided to engage in a grand snake hunt. The arrangements were that captains should be appointed and sides chosen so that the hunt should have all the animation and vigor of a rivalry. The "rattles" of the snakes killed were to be preserved, and the party counting the largest number should have the honors of victory. Each member was to pay a bonus of two bushels of corn and "to the victors belonged the spoils". The result of the hunt was to be made known at the 4th of July celebration, 1849, which was the first celebration of the immortal day ever indulged in Madison County. Accordingly captains were appointed and sides chosen, so that every able-bodied man in the county was put on duty. Middle River formed the dividing line of the territory assigned each one of the hunting parties, and across which neither of them was permitted to go. Both sides were urged to make a gallant struggle, and the spirit of rivalry ran high. As might be expected the hunt was desperate and deadly. (to be continued) Barbara in NC