VIPER 163 



worm, they approach it slowly, so as to consider it attentively by turning their 

 head to one side. The head is then slightly raised, the jaws lazily distended, and 

 the prey borne down upon with moderate rapidity. The worm is next seized 

 about the middle, pressed to the ground so as to grip it securely, after which it is 

 swallowed. This process — occupj-ing a space of from five to twenty minutes — accom- 

 plished, the blindworm wipes the edges of the jaws on moss or other suitable 

 substance and seeks repose. 



To their elongated body and the jrreat suppleness of their 

 Viper. ° J o . 1 f 



vertebral column and their ribs, the serpents owe their remarkable 

 activity and the security of their movements on the ground, on branches, and in 

 the water. The working of the numerous muscles finds external expression in 

 the horizontal winding curves in which the body moves. At the same time the 

 ribs execute movements, which are perhaps best compared with those of the 

 legs of the millipedes. Nevertheless, a snake has to advance in a serpentine way, 

 and cannot move forward very rapidly. No snake can jump, properly speaking; 

 on the other hand, some are excellent climbers, and others very good swimmers, 

 while many can burrow into the ground. 



European snakes, as is the case with most members of the group, take no 

 particular care of their eggs, which are deposited under moss, stones, and manure- 

 heaps, and in hollows in the ground, or elsewhere, and are from the first left to 

 themselves. Their food consists of small living vertebrates, the mode of capture de- 

 pending on the species of the snake. When the prey is near enough to be attacked, 

 it receives its death-wound by a sudden forward thrust of the serpent's head, and 

 a single rapid incision of the venomous fangs, but it is not gripped, and is not 

 eaten until dead. In other cases the serpent strikes rapidly and unexpectedly 

 with its fangs, releasing its hold again almost immediately as it winds itself 

 round the body, and devouring it after a shorter or longer interval. While the 

 glands secrete large quantities of saliva, which assist the snake to swallow its 

 food, the teeth, moving with the sides of the head alternately forward, advance 

 further and further, so that to a certain extent the jaws and throat gradually 

 extend over the victim. Once the prey passes the entrance to the throat, it is 

 crushed, elongated, and drawn down into the stomach by the movements of the 

 muscular alimentary canal, where it is slowly and almost completely digested, even 

 the bones, although not the feathers, hair, and the like, being consumed. Under 

 normal conditions snakes partake of large quantities at a meal, and fast for a 

 considerable period afterwards ; they can also do without water for a long time. 

 When drinking, they dip the front of the head up to the eyes in water, which they 

 draw in without a stop. Most snakes also require water for promoting the action 

 of the skin, especially before it is changed. 



In addition to being able to do without food and water for a considerable time, 

 snakes generally seem to have a strong hold on life, for which reason they often 

 succumb to wounds and injuries only after a long interval; but they are subject to 

 fatal diseases, especially when in captivity. Some also suffer through parasites, but 

 their chief enemies are birds and mammals, the worst foe being man himself who 

 ■ often credits them with greater powers than they really possess. Towards their 



