The RtiTiLK Buuk 



Pi.ATt; CXIX 



HEADS OF SERPENTS. 

 I Skul! of a harmless snake. The numerous teeth on the upper jaw are solid and rigid. 

 3 Head of a rattlesnake, showing the sheath that covers the fangs when they are not in use. The double fanRs on one side indicate the 



early shedding of one of these vcnom-tonducting teeth. (.)hserve the ojx-ning at the tip of each fans; it is from this the poison is ejected, 

 3 Skeleton head of a pit viper. The developing fangs may be seen behind the pair in use. A fully grown pair is ready to replace the 



functional fangs. From this illustration it will be seen a poisonous snaice cannot be rendered permanently harmless by extracting its fangs. 



