ITEMS OF SNAKE KNOWLEDGE. 475 
The Cobra (Naia tvipudians) is considered to be the most venomous 
species of snake in India. The Krait (Bungarus ceruleus) comes next. 
In South Africa the Mamba and the larger species of Cobras are the 
most venomous species. Their venom is swift and potent in its poisonous 
action upon the nerve centres. 
Dried snake venom looks like light straw-coloured gum arabic. It 
does not actually crystallize. It assumes the pseudo-crystalline form. 
When snake venom decomposes it gives off carbonic anhydride gas, 
becomes dark brown in colour, and smells disagreeably. 
Fic. 161.—This is a young Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana). These Snakes are brown with squarish 
black spots and white dots running in rows the whole length of the body. 
Mineral acids when added to snake venom produce a gelatinous 
sediment. 
Snake venom when mixed with pure alcohol throws down a white 
sediment. Its poisonous properties are, however, not lessened. 
Some common symptoms of snake bite in a dog are vomiting, saliva 
running profusely from the mouth, and a “ staring coat.” 
Half a drop of Cobra venom will kill a man. 
An adult cobra can eject ten to fifteen drops of venom at a time. The 
usual quantity, however, is about six drops. 
Dr. Hanna says that an Indian cobra will yield as much as 20 drops 
of venom. Some give 25 to 28 drops. 
