VENOM OF SNAKES. 97 



into the liquid. By means of this stopper the medicated sub- 

 stance can be made to penetrate by drops as far as the bottom 

 of the wound, which has been previously enlarged by the bistoury. 

 This little apparatus will replace with advantage the bottle of 

 volatile alkali with which Viper-hunters are usually furnished. 

 But all these means are only useful when applied immediately. 

 The limbs and round about the wound must besides be rubbed with 

 ammoniacal liniments. Afterwards emollient poultices should be 

 used to lower the swelling and reduce the chances of congestion ; 

 while tonics, sudorifics, and sometimes ammoniacal potions should 

 be given internally. 



It is a remarkable fact that this venom, which is one of the most 

 virulent poisons known, can yet be swallowed with impunity. It 

 is neither acrid nor burning, and only produces a sensation on 

 the tongue analogous to that caused by greasy matter. But if 

 introduced into a wound in sufficient quantities, it enters- into the 

 blood, and causes death with frightful rapidity. This is a charac- 

 teristic common to all morbid and venemous virus. 



The strength of the venom varies according to the species 

 of Snake, and likewise the condition of the animal. The same 

 species is more dangerous in hot than in cold or temperate regions. 

 The bite is serious, according as the poison is more or less abun- 

 dant in the glands, and probably with the degree of rage expe- 

 rienced by the animal, as Professor Owen supposes. 



[Of Snakes in general it has been remarked that " all strangers 

 in countries where these reptiles abound are apt to exaggerate 

 their danger ; but in a year or two they think as little of them 

 as we do in England. I never knew an instance of a Snake 

 attacking a person unless it was trodden upon or molested, and 

 even then they almost always give warning by hissing, or endea- 

 vour to effect their escape. During my residence in the Cape 

 colony, I have at different times trodden on them or kicked them 

 in the grass unintentionally, but was never bitten." * This 

 writer, however, could hardly have accidentally placed his foot 

 upon a Puff- adder, f] 



* Moodie's "Ten Years in South Africa," vol. i. p. 318. 



f Subsequent experiments with the virus of the Indian Cobra have conclusively 

 proved that ammonia is not a sufficient antidote, as alleged in p. 95. ED. 



H 



