100 OHIO STATE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 
made. Moreover, when salamanders are considered lizards they 
are held to be poisonous. ‘This leads toa consideration of the 
poisonous forms belonging to the groups covered by this paper. 
No poisonous Batrachian has ever been found. It is only 
among the reptiles that we meet venomous species and these are 
infinitely fewer in number than the general mind assumes. Of 
lizards, only one known species is poisonous, this being the Gila 
Monster, of Arizona, which has a poison gland in the lower jaw.’ 
Of the snakes thus far found in Ohio, there are but three- 
venomous, the large Highland Rattler Crotalus horridus \,.,. 
the smaller Lowland Rattler Szstrurus catenatus (Raf.), and the 
Copperhead, These three are dangerous snakes and should 
be given the greatest deference. As for all the other reptiles. 
found within our borders, they are harmless. But inasmuch 
as the snakes have teeth which are far finer than a cambric 
needle, no one cares to be bitten by them. Case after case of 
tetanus and blood poisoning as a result of a snake-bite has been. 
recorded, but this is a far different matter from introduction of 
venom into a wound. 
So many superstitions are associated with these forms of 
animal life that it would be impossible to cover them in this. 
paper, to say nothing of attempting to disprove them. As classic 
examples, we may cite the power of salamanders against fire; the- 
production of warts by toads; the charming powers of snakes ; 
the ability of toads to exist in air-tight compartments for an. 
indefinite period. It is needless to say that all these are myths. 
By the agriculturist they are generally held to be useless, or 
even obnoxious. Snakes are killed at sight and without discrim- 
ination ; toads, frogs, turtles and lizards are rarely spared, while: 
seldom does a salamander escape with its life. 
Condemnation of such wanton destruction of life cannot be- 
made in too strong terms. There are but three forms found in 
Ohio that should be destroyed and these are the three poisonous. 
snakes mentioned above. Every other species is not only harm- 
less, but of decided benefit to the farmer. The fight for preser- 
vation of beneficial reptiles and batrachians must be carried on as. 
it is being fought for beneficial birds. 
2. See Cope, ’oo, 481. 
