SNAKES 243 



by poisoning it before swallowing it. The poison fangs are extremely 

 sharp and somewhat curved, and when the mouth is closed, or while the 

 prey is being swallowed, lie within folds of the mucous membrane of the 

 mouth (why?), but are erected when the viper wishes to bite. They are 

 traversed by a fine canal connected at the root of the tooth with a gland 

 in which the deadly poison is secreted. Close to the extremity of the 

 fang, on its anterior surface, the canal opens in a fine slit, through which 

 the poison is injected into the wound of the prey. Behind the poison 

 fang are situated reserve fangs destined to take the place of the 

 functional fang should the latter be broken off or lost (why is this 

 necessary ?). A small drop of the venom is sufficient to instantly kill a 

 small vertebrate, and since the viper lives chiefly upon mice, it would be 

 one of our most useful animals were it not that its bite is dangerous, and 

 sometimes even fatal, to ourselves. 



D. The Viper in its Relations to Man. 



The action of the poison varies according to the quantity which has 

 been injected into the wound. The bite may produce violent illness, or 

 a lingering malady lasting for years, or even death. Even the head of 

 the viper when cut off can still inflict a bite, and the poison remains 

 active after being dried and then moistened again. One ought, therefore, 

 never to walk with naked feet in a place frequented by these creatures, 

 or sit down without having first carefully examined the spot. For the 

 same reason the natural enemies of the viper, viz., the weasel, hedgehog, 

 buzzard, etc., deserve careful protection, while, finally, the pestiferous 

 creature should be actively pursued at night. High leather boots afford 

 adequate protection against its bite. 



When a person is bitten by a viper, the wound should be cauterized 

 as soon as possible, or the injured part cut out, after which the limb 

 should be bound up tightly until medical aid arrives. The most efficient 

 antidote is alcohol given in large quantities in the form of brandy, rum, 

 wine, etc. 



Other Poisonous Snakes. 



The Cobra di Capello, or Spectacled Snake (Naja tripudians), is 

 found in the whole of Southern Asia and the neighbouring islands. It 

 derives the second name from the spectacle-shaped markings on the back 

 of the neck. Protected by its yellowish-brown colour, this snake lazily 

 pursues its prey, which consists of small vertebrates, in stone heaps, old 

 walls, and similar places. When teased or alarmed, it assumes a menacing 

 or defiant attitude (like many caterpillars), raising the anterior part of its 



