CLASS HI. REPTILIA: ORDER 4. OPUIDIA, 



301 



IS. / 





This species is subject to great diversities of color : tlie Hed Viper and Black Viper are 

 recognized as common varieties. In the autumn, these reptiles seek a secret and secure place, 

 where they remain torpid during the winter, several of them being usually entwined together. 

 They are found in Europe from Sweden to the Mediterranean Sea, and are the only venomous 

 reptiles of Great Britain. The disposition of mankind to attribute almost supernatural powers 

 to serpents is manifested in the history of this species. Viper broth was anciently considered to 

 possess invigorating qualities : both Pliny and Galen speak of the efficiency of viper flesh in cur- 

 ing ulcers, elephantiasis, and the diseases arising from a corrupt state of the system. It was 

 generally served to the patient boiled like fish, though sometimes it was dried and given in 

 the form of a powder. Sir Kenelm Digby's beautiful wife was fed on capons fattened with the 

 flesh of vipers. 



Genus CLOTIIO : Clotho. — This includes the Puff Adder, C. arietans ; it is short and 

 thick, with a malignant aspect and most deadly venom ; found in Southern Africa. A man has 

 been known to die of the bite of this serpent in an hour and a horse in two hours. 



Genus ACANTIIOPHIS : Acanthophis. — This includes the Death Adder, A. tortor — a species 

 very much diff'used in Australia, and greatly dreaded by the inhabitants on account of the mor- 

 tal Avounds it inflicts. Death is sometimes said to ensue from its bite in less than a quarter of 

 an hour. 



Genus CERASTES : Cerastes. — The Cerastes or Horned Viper, C. Ilassclquistii, among 

 the numerous species of viper, is one of the most noted. It is eighteen to thirty inches long, 

 and has a small, horn-like process over each eye, which is directed forward when the animal 

 is excited. It is very active, and springs two or three feet upon its victim, inflicting a deadly 

 wound. It is found in the dry and sandy deserts of Egypt, Syria, and Arabia. Some natu- 

 ralists regard this as the Asp which Cleopatra employed to cause her death, in order to avoid 

 being taken to Rome by her conqueror, Octavius, and forming part of the retinue in his triumph. 

 There are several other species in Africa resembling the Cerastes. 



