258 Say on Herpetology. 
the individual had not attained his full growth. If then this 
species (and some others) is subject to vary in the form of its 
caudal plates, from which the generic characters are in part 
estimated, may it not also vary in the armature of the tail, 
which at most can only be considered as specific. The Cop- 
per-belly is a very distinct species. If the S. cupreus is, not- 
withstanding the above observations, considered a distinct spe 
cies, it would gratify those who cultivate natural history, to have 
some good discriminative characters of it. : 
Much has been said and written about antidotes to the 
venomous bites of snakes, and Mr. Rafinesque enumerates over 
again séveral plants which have been said to be, and which he 
appears to believe to be specifics. If the case was my own,! 
should be very unwilling to rely upon either of the 20 or 30 me 
dicinal plants, dubiously mentioned by the late Professor Barton, 
a8 reputed antidotes for this poison. It would be more prudent 
to resort unhesitatingly to a more certain remedy, in the liga- 
ture, and immediate excision of the part, where such an ope 
ration was practicable, or to cauterization, if the part could not 
be removed by the knife. i 
~ In conversation with Professor Cooper upon this subject, 
he informed me that in his domestic medical practice he ap, 
plied common chalk to the wounds occasioned by the stings 
of hymenopterous insects. That in consequence of this mode 
of treatment, the pain was immediately allayed, and the con- 
sequent inflammation and intumescence were prevented. “The 
‘sup- 
experiment which led to this result was induced by the $ Py 
position that the venomous liquid might be an acid which op! 
ion was, in some degree, justified by the event.* Upon the 
: me neutralizing principle it must be supposed that any alkali 
would be beneficial. The learned Professor supposed, that 
venom of the poisonous reptilia may, in like manner, be a0 one 
secretion, and recommends this to be ascertained by experiment® 
upon the liquid itself. 
If this inference proves correct, the same alkaline remedy 
may be employed to neutralize, or so modified as to stimulate 
“I have been since informed by Mr. Lesueur, that to his taste the poiso® 
was bitter, 
on «is ale 
