THE REPTILE BOOK 



PLATE CXIX 



HEADS OF SERPENTS. 



Skull of a harmless snake. The numerous teeth on the upper jaw are solid and rigid. 



Head of a rattlesnake, showing the sheath that covers the fangs when they are not in use. The double fangs on one side indicate the 

 early shedding of one of these venom-conducting teeth. Observe the opening at the tip of each fang; it is from this the poison is ejected. 



Skeleton head of a pit viper. The developing fangs may be seen behind the pair in use. A fully grown pair is ready to replace the 

 functional fangs. From this illustration it will be seen a poisonous snake cannot be rendered permanently harmless by extracting its fangs. 



