234 TROPIC DAYS 



their usual prey being frogs, lizards, etc. The honey- 

 eater must have been taken unawares." 



Though scientifically regarded as "the most dangerous 

 and probably the most deadly " of Australian snakes, 

 the death adder has to its credit many everyday proofs 

 to the contrary : so many, indeed, that some are inclined 

 to class it as comparatively harmless, the reasons for 

 such opinion being (i) the small size of the creature, 

 reducing the risks of its being interfered with inadver- 

 tently; (2) its amiability; (3) the fact that unless the 

 sensitive membrane at the end of the tail, to which the 

 curved spine is the culminating-point, is trodden on 

 or otherwise insulted, the chances are that there will 

 be no active resentment. While adopting all precau- 

 tions, accepting no risks, and being very eager to reduce 

 the number by all and every possible means, it is well 

 to avoid overexcitement ; for though the reptilian age 

 is passing away, those who live in the bush are too often 

 reminded that snakes are still numerous, and some of 

 them decidedly vicious. 



To disappoint the snake and at the same time to 

 discredit its reputation, calmness on the part of the indi- 

 vidual who may happen to be bitten is counselled. He 

 should behave as a neighbour who one dark night stepped 

 off his verandah barefooted on to nearly cleared land. 

 As he strode along the scarcely distinguishable track, 

 he trod on something other than a half -burnt stick. 

 Almost instantaneously the Scripture was fulfilled the 

 serpent had bruised the man's heel. Now, this man has 

 been in many strange, not to say fear-provoking, situa- 

 tions, and has listened to more than one close call 

 without spoiling the occasion by anticipatory and 

 hideous outcry. He does not smoke or drink whisky 

 or give way to any nerve-affecting habit. He lives 

 within hearing of the soothing lullaby of the sea. When 



