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scales, which are very prominent, and point downwards at a different 
angle to the rest; their friction against each other causes the sound, 
This little viper does not, I think, hiss at all. Its fangs are very long 
and mobile, like those of the Daboia. Its eye has a peculiarly vicious 
appearance. .... It is a small viper; a specimen from the Indian 
Museum is twenty-two and a half inches in length and about three in 
circumference, though no doubt it has somewhat shrunk by the action 
of the spirit. .... It is very active, and can dart a considerable 
distance—a foot or more—to strike its prey: it is by far the most active 
and ageressive poisonous snake J have seen.” 
