MAY. 113 



of elder, both abundant in the corners of our fences, and 

 much resembling each other : the second species (S. Cana- 

 densis) is called the late elder. These plants multiply and 

 spread rapidly j and in some of the agricultural publications 

 of the neighbouring States, I have seen complaints of them 

 as pernicious weeds, with inquiries for the best modes of ex- 

 tirpating them. 



C. There is a snake crossing the road. Are there many 

 species of snakes found in this country ? 



F. I have never seen any but this species, the common 



Chequered Snake, (Coluber ?) but it is possible there 



may be more. 



C. Is it venomous ? 



F. No, perfectly harmless ; as I have proved by exam- 

 ining the mouth : all venomous serpents have two or more 

 large curved fangs in the upper jaw, which are wanting in 

 harmless ones. " In general it may be said that innocent 

 serpents have four rows of teeth in the upper jaw ; two on 

 the palate, and one on each side : but that poisonous ser- 

 pents have no other outward or side-teeth but the fangs." 

 When attacked, this snake, like many other harmless kinds, 

 rears itself up in a threatening attitude, dilates its body, 

 brightens its colours, and darts in and out and vibrates its 

 red forked tongue : this organ, called by the vulgar " its 

 sting," and supposed to be the weapon of offence, is consi- 

 dered an undoubted token of its venomous nature. But in 

 reality, all these motions are but menaces ; there is no power 

 to do hurt, though they no doubt often serve as a protec- 

 tion. In common with the whole serpent race, it is the 

 object of universal enmity : every person seems to consider it 

 a sort of duty to kill snakes whenever they can be met 

 with, perhaps in consequence of the curse entailed on the 

 serpent that beguiled Eve. 



