RUSSELIAN SNAKK. 415) 



double ; a smaller fang being situated close to the 

 larger one on each side *. 



Dr. Russel, in his work on Indian Serpents, in- 

 forms us that this species is scarce less common 

 in India than the Coluber Naja, or Cobra de Ca- 

 pello ; but from its not being carried about like 

 that and some other snakes as a public show, is 

 not so universally known either among the na- 

 tives or Europeans. Its bite, according to Dr. 

 RusseFs experiments, proved fatal to chickens in 

 thirty-eight seconds, and to a dog in twenty-six 

 minutes. 



The particulars of the experiments made on this 

 subject are as follows : 



A chicken bitten in the pinion by a Katuka 

 Rekula Poda, which had been caught two or three 

 days before, and seemed in high spirits, was in- 

 stantly infected, seized with convulsions, and ex- 

 pired in thirty-eight seconds. 



Immediately after the chicken, a stout dog 

 was bitten in the thigh. Within less than five 

 minutes he appeared stupified ; the thigh was 

 drawn up, and he frequently moved it as if in 

 pain. He remained, however, standing, and eat 

 some bread that was offered to him. In about 

 ten minutes the thigh became paralytic : in fifteen 

 minutes he entirely lost the use of the wounded 

 thigh, and lay down, howling in a dismal man- 



* In most venomous serpents there are two or three, or even 

 more, small fangs, situated near the large ones ; as if to supply 

 their place when lost. 



