Rattlebox

[Baker, John]

        This may refer to the rattlebox or Chinese wisteria (sesbania punicea), a small tree about 12 to 15 feet in height.  Trees were often used as landmarks in old deeds, though I suppose a tall, long-lived tree like an oak would have been a better choice.

John Baker


-----Original Message-----
From: DAK [mailto:buchmann at BELLSOUTH.NET]
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 4:22 PM
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Off List Request


"Could you ask your language gurus about this word? It appears in very
old deeds as a landmark ("to the rattlebox on the Tennessee River"). A
man I talked with yesterday thought it might have been a box hung on a
rope that would carry someone across the river. a technique later used
by linemen.  I always envisioned a noise maker that might call the
ferryman. But, we could both be wrong."