546 SNAKES. 



tying of a tape or a pocket handkerchief round a bitten 

 limb is of very httle use, provided it is not drawn tight 

 enough to almost cut into the flesh. Yet this is only the 

 first step ; for if assistants are at hand, let them tie a second 

 or even a third such ligature above and below the bite when 

 possible, while whoever is best able to operate must scarify 

 the wound by cutting it across deeply, or by immediately 

 cupping, letting it bleed freely ; * better still,' says Sir Joseph, 

 * cut it out deeply and quickly.' In the case of a finger or a 

 toe, / amputate instantly ; for if once the venom is absorbed 

 into the system, there is but the slenderest chance of life.' 

 If the wound be in a fleshy part, force a red-hot iron to the 

 very bottom of it, and burn it out to the depth of half an 

 inch, or when excised fill it with gunpowder and explode 

 that, or force a live coal into it, or burn it out with carbolic 

 or nitric acid ! Agonizing though the remedies be, they are 

 inevitable, should the bite be inflicted by one of the larger and 

 deadlier snakes in a part where absorption is rapid. ' Do not 

 relax the ligament till the part be cold and livid,' adds Fayrer. 



Nor, when we look at the effects of a bite, can we wonder 

 at the severity of the remedies. 



* Vomiting black fluid,' 'bleeding at every orifice of the 

 body,' are among the horrible sufterings at the time ; an 

 injured constitution and hideous sores likely to break out 

 afresh periodically in various parts, may be some of the 

 after consequences should the patient recover. 



As the effect of the bite is depressing, the system must be 

 kept up with strong stimulants. Food is of little use, because 

 the functions are too feeble to digest it. But great faith is 

 placed in stimulants. Hence the popularity of ammonia, 



