94 OPHIDIAN EEPTILES. 



are mucli longer than tlie others, and placed one to the right, 

 the other to the left of the upper jaw. The Adder, then, is fur- 

 nished with two of these 

 poison-fangs ; they are 

 curved and sharp- 

 pointed, convex ante- 

 riorly, and furnished 

 with a straight duct 

 which commences in 

 one part by a slit placed 



Fig. 24.— Fangs and Tongue of a Poisonous Colubrine Snake. r>f +1 + ' 'f -P 



its base, terminating by a second and smaller cleft towards its 

 point, and on the same side. This last cleft is like a little trench 

 or fine furrow, which extends the whole length of the convexity. 

 These hooked teeth are surrounded by a fold of the gums, which 

 receives and partly hides them, like a sheath, when they are at 

 rest or hidden. They are attached to the upper maxillary bones, 

 which are small and very mobile, and are put in motion by 

 two muscles. Behind them are dental germs, intended to replace 

 them when they fall out. The other teeth in the roof of the 

 mouth belong to the palate, where they form two rows. 



Such are the terrible weapons of the Viper group. It is not, 

 therefore, as many persons still believe, with the tongue that the 

 Adder inflicts its wound ; the forked, projecting tongue serves them 

 as a feeler, and to drink with, but cannot inflict a wound. We 

 have said that when in a state of repose the hooked teeth are 

 hidden ; when the animal wishes to use them, they issue from 

 their fleshy sheath, somewhat in the same manner as a man 

 draws his knife, when attacked, to defend himself, and in this case 

 the knife is poisoned. 



Adders use their fangs to seize the small animals which serve 

 as their prey. They do not voluntarily attack a Man ; on the con- 

 trary, they flee at his approach. But if he imj)rudently places 

 his foot on or attempts to seize them, they defend themselves 

 vigorously. Let us see how an Adder conducts itself when it 

 hunts its prey and takes it. In this case it may be sitj^posed to 

 act without passion, merely seizing its prey for food ; it simply 

 bites, sinking its fangs into the body of its victim. In pro- 



