The Viperine Snakes 



tration shows the fangs covered with the membrane. Thus 

 they are seen when a poisonous snake is yawning. 



The fangs are shed at intervals of about three months apart, 

 and by a neat provision of Nature the new fang grows into 

 place beside the one about to be shed and becomes connected 

 with the poison gland, before the old fang becomes loosened. 

 The writer has examined many specimens possessing two per- 

 fectly developed fangs on one side of the jaw. The old fang 

 is shed by being left imbedded in the body of the prey that is 

 bitten by the snake and is consequently swallowed with the 

 prey. So hard is its composition that, although the bones, claws 

 and even the teeth of the engulfed animal are entirely dissolved, 

 the swallowed fang is unaffected by the action of the gast ic 

 juices. In a figure showing an osteological preparation, the 

 growth of auxiliary fangs may be seen behind the acting pair. 

 This constant renewing of the fangs explodes the common sup- 

 position that a poisonous snake may be rendered harmless by 

 removing its fangs. Though the main pair of fangs be re- 

 moved the snake is not rendered even temporarily harmless, for 

 poison is discharged in the act of biting from the base of the ex- 

 tracted fangs and the small teeth of the upper jaw, employed 

 normally by the snake in swallowing its prey, would produce 

 lacerations through which the venom would come in contact 

 with the blood. 



As previously explained, the fangs themselves are not mov- 

 able, but are rigidly attached to movable bones. In the act of 

 striking, the jaws are opened to such an extent and the fangs so 

 elevated that their tips point almost directly forward. In strik- 

 ing toward a perpendicular surface the serpent literally stabs 

 with these teeth and instantly draws back to the position of de- 

 fence. If striking toward a rounded surface or a small object, 

 the jaws close upon it enough to imbed the fangs, but so lightning- 

 like is this motion that the movements of the jaws can barely be 

 followed by the human eye. The mouth is not opened until the 

 head has started forward, and it is during the latter part of the 

 blow that the jaws are thrown open to the extent described. 



At most, the snake strikes about one-half its length when 

 delivering an accurately aimed blow, and generally strikes a much 

 shorter distance, in proportion to its length. Not unless goaded 

 into a condition of frenzy does it strike a distance equal to two- 



405 



