4 PHYSIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 



long stem, was thrust down the oesophagus. Into this, insects, such as flies and 

 grasshoppers, were pushed, or milk poured in proper quantity. Yet, even when 

 this precaution of forcible feeding was not employed, the snakes remained healthy, 

 and secreted, as usual, a sufficient amount of venom. 



To preserve them, however, in good condition, it is absolutely necessary that 

 they should be frequently supplied with water, especially in hot weather, and when 

 they are about to shed their skins. The free snake is said, in this climate, to shed 

 its cuticle in the month of August. My snakes lost their old integuments at 

 different periods, during the summer. In all cases, the old skin became very 

 dark, as the new one formed beneath it. If, at this time, the snakes were denied 

 access to water, the skin came off in patches. Where water was freely supplied, 

 they entered it eagerly at this period, and not only drank of it, but lay in it for 

 hours together. Under these circumstances, the skin was shed entire — the first 

 gap occurring at the mouth, or near it. Through this opening, the serpent worked 

 its way, and the skin reverting, was turned inside out, as it crawled forth in its 

 new and distinctly-marked outer covering. When the old skin was very loose, the 

 snake's motions were often awkward for a time. It is said to be blind during this 

 period, which is probably true to some extent; since the outer layer of the cornea 

 is shed with the skin, and there must obviously be a time when the old corneal 

 layer lies ujoon the new formation. It is also said that the fangs are lost at the 

 same time as the skin. In some instances, this was observed to be the case; but 

 whether or not it is a constant occurrence, I am unable to say from personal 

 observation. 



It is most probable, as I have elsewhere stated, that not only are the fangs shed 

 when the skin is lost, in summer, but that their loss is a frequent occurrence, like 

 the loss of teeth in certain fish, and takes place at intervals, more or less frequent, 

 certainly oftener than once a year. 



A general opinion prevails that, immediately after the loss of the skin, the 

 snakes become most virulent. As they are slothful during the period of change, 

 and strike then with reluctance, if at all, and as the loss of the fang involves, to 

 some extent, the accumulation of poison in the gland cavities, this view may be 

 correct. There is no ground, however, for supposing that the effect of this storing 

 up of the venom would l)e greater at this period than after a similar amount of 

 accumulation at another time. 



After such numerous and long-continued opportunities of observation, it might 

 be supposed that I should be prepared to speak authoritatively, as to the still 

 disputed power of the snake to fascinate small animals. If the power exist at all, 

 it is probable that it would only be made use of when the serpent required its aid 

 to secure food. We have seen that even the most healthy snakes lose their appe- 

 tite when imprisoned, and beyond this condition, my chances of observation have 

 been limited. Those who are still curious in the matter will find the fullest account 

 of it in the Essay of Dr. B. S. Barton. In despite of the learned and ingenious 

 argument of this author, there are not wanting large numbers, who claim to have 

 witnessed, again and again, the exercise of the power of charming on the part of the 

 Rattlesnake and Black Snake. Dr. Barton, who does not deny that the appearance 



