230 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AERICA. 
finger or fingers up towards the vent, whereupon, if the snake 
be a male, two roundish, slender, soft-looking appendages will 
protrude themselves. In average-sized snakes these are about 
two inches long. If the snake be dead, then, instead of pressing 
the fingers as stated, cut open the skin on the underpart, from the 
vent towards the tail. Partly remove the skin and lay the flesh 
bare. If a male, these two vascular, elongated bodies will be 
observed lying side by side, reaching up to the lower edge of the 
vent. These are the male generative organs. In the female 
they are lacking. 
FATALITIES. 
The number of deaths from the bites of Puff Adders is con- 
siderable, especially amongst the native population. European 
Fic. 93.—1. Male Puff Adder. 2. Female Puff Adder (Adults). 3. Young Female Puff Adder just 
born. 4. Young Male ditto. In the male the tail is more elongated ; that of the female comes 
to a rather abrupt end. The distance from the vent to the end of the tail is greater in the male 
than in the female. 
children are often bitten and die. Children are far more likely 
to be victims than adults, for the reason that, when playing, they 
rush about excitedly and tread upon Puff Adders before these 
reptiles are able to emit their characteristic warning hiss. When 
disturbed, the Puff Adder endeavours to escape observation by 
coiling up and lying still. If trodden upon, or if the foot be placed 
near one when in such a position, it immediately delivers a 
powerful forward stroke. The head is drawn back with a jerk 
to gain more power for the forward thrust, the mouth gapes 
enormously, and in the twinkling of an eye the long, curved 
poison fangs are buried deep in the victim’s flesh. There is, 
