572 RATTLE- SNAKES. VIPERID^E, OR VIPERS. 



certain amount at least, with each casting of the skin. The Rattle- 

 snake vibrates this appendage when irritated or alarmed, and 



gives timely warning of its ap- 

 prorfch; it would seem, however, 

 that most of the small animals 

 on which it usually preys, are so 

 bewildered by the neighbourhood 

 of their dreaded enemy, as to 

 make but little attempt at escape. 

 There is no reason to believe that 

 it ever attacks Man, unless it 

 be trodden on, or otherwise 

 molested. Its bite, however, 

 when severe, is almost certainly 

 fatal; unless immediate mea- 

 sures be taken to prevent the 

 absorption of the poison ( 475) : 

 small animals, such as dogs, are 

 very rapidly affected by the poi- 

 son ; death taking place in a few minutes. The usual length 

 of these Snakes is about four feet ; but they have been occa- 

 sionally met with double that size. 



510. The family VIPERID^E is a very numerous one, and 

 widely distributed. One species, and this among the smallest, 

 is an inhabitant of our own country ; giving preference to dry 

 woods, sandy heaths, sunny banks, and similar places. The 

 Viper, or Adder (as it is commonly termed), is subject to great 

 differences in colour ; thus we have black, red, and blue-bellied 

 varieties, which have been described (though erroneously) as 

 distinct species. The Yiper feeds upon small animals, such as 

 mice, rats, birds, &c., which are very speedily killed by its bite ; 

 it never attacks Man unless provoked to do so ; and although 

 very unpleasant consequences follow the insertion of the poison- 

 fangs into his body, it is very seldom (if ever) thai fatal results 

 occur to persons previously healthy. The Viper is ovo-vivipa- 

 roug, the eggs being hatched within the body; and the female, 

 when loaded with them, may often be seen basking in the sun, 



