REMEDIES FOR PEOPLE BITTEN. 191 



threw off the clothes, I perceived the snake, and 

 supposing it to be alive, I tumbled out of bed 

 head foremost, and ran to Johnstone, and Mr. 

 Ewart, an assistant surgeon, to inform .them of 

 the circumstance ; procured a sword, and returned 

 to destroy the horrid looking creature. I made a 

 cut at it, and not only cut in two, but also cut 

 the bed clothes, to the great amusement of my 

 mess-mates. Such tricks, however, should never 

 be played, as the consequences might be very 

 serious. 



Having now related all the principal anecdotes 

 I recollect concerning snakes, it may be expected 

 of me to recommend something as a remedy for 

 people bitten. On this head, I lament that I 

 have little to communicate that is not well known 

 in India. 



Eau-de-luce is considered by most people 

 there to be a specific, but not by me ; I have no 

 idea that it possesses any peculiar virtues, or that 

 it acts differently from any other stimulant, nor 

 do I consider it so strong as some other volatile 

 spirits. I am of opinion that any volatile alkali 

 will be of service; in fact, any medicine that will 

 stimulate the heart to action, will be serviceable ; 



