ROOTS, BARK, AND HERBS. 335 
after a great many years its poisonous properties seem in no way 
diminished. To rub dry snake venom into a cut with the idea 
that it will cure a case of snake bite, is simply idiotic. Such an 
action would materially lessen the chances of recovery, for the 
simple reason that an extra supply of venom was being intro- 
duced into the blood. The venom of one species of snake has 
absolutely no neutralizing effect upon that of another. If 
several venoms are mixed and injected into an animal it dies 
rapidly. 
Colonists would be well advised to leave all native “ cures ’ 
severely alone. Some are harmless enough, but others are dis- 
tinctly hurtful and -lessen the chances of recovery. There is 
one thing quite certain. If you desire to make the recovery 
of a person bitten by a snake impossible, then rub in plenty 
of this famous dried venom “cure” in which thousands of 
colonists and natives profoundly believe. 
c , 
Roots, BARK, AND HERBS. 
In all countries where venomous snakes abound the majority 
of the popular remedies are preparations of roots, bark, or 
herbs. 
In the East Indies a plant is largely used in the treatment 
of snake bite. It is known as the Mungoose Plant (Ophiorrhiza 
mungos) of the order “‘ Rubiacee.” 
In North America the following are in great demand—the 
roots of Avistolochia reticulata, or Texas Snake Root, Lzatris 
spicata and Eryngium acquaticum, known as the Button Snake 
Root, also Eupatorium altissimum, or White Snake Root. 
The active principles in these roots are substances which 
stimulate the skin and kidneys (Diaphoretic and Diuretic). 
The various preparations in South Africa, of vegetable origin, 
are of no use at all as antidotes to snake venom. Tinctures and 
decoctions prepared from them cause various constitutional dis- 
turbances. The. main effects are stimulation of the kidneys, 
skin, or bowels. If any one is desirous of producing the same 
effects as these vegetable preparations which are usually sold 
at a high price, he has only to go to a chemist’s shop and ask for 
a medicine which increases the action of the skin or kidneys, or 
bowels, and for sixpence he will obtain as much as he would 
