THE ADDER. 137 



The immediate treatment is directed to the pre- 

 vention of the venom being absorbed into the system ; 

 the after-treatment to keeping up the strength of the 

 patient, and the relief of local conditions. The im- 

 portant point to remember in dealing with a case of 

 adder-bite is that the fangs penetrate sufficiently far 

 into the tissues (or may do) to throw the dose of 

 venom directly into the circulation, and so affect the 

 heart in a very short time. Take prompt action, and 

 do not be afraid of doing too much. 



Adder attitudes and movements. — Connected 

 with the subject of adder-bite is the question of the 

 attitude of the adder when about to strike. From 

 experience I can say but little, as I have only had 

 an adder face me on one occasion, and then I pre- 

 vented any further movement on her part. But very 

 extraordinary statements are made about the way 

 adders spring and jump. But very few people have 

 sufficient command over their nerves to observe an 

 adder's movements very closely, if they are under the 

 impression that the reptile is about to strike at them 

 the next moment ; and with all respect to those who 

 have written to me on this point, I am inclined to 

 think most statements made on the matter are a little 

 exaggerated. It may be quite possible that, under 

 the influence of great fear or excitement, a sudden 

 spasmodic contraction of the muscles in a certain way 

 might cause an adder to project itself a few inches off 

 the ground (somewhat in the same waythat a stunned 



