ITEMS OF SNAKE KNOWLEDGE. 



477 



The Cobra {Naia tripiidiaris) is considered to be the most venomous 

 species of snake in India. The Krait {Bungarus coeruletis) comes ne.xt. 



In South Africa the Mamba and the larger species of Cobras are the 

 most venomous species. Their venom is swift and potent in its poisonous 

 action upon the nerve centres. 



Dried snake venom looks like light straw-coloured gum arable. It 

 does not actually crystallize. It assumes the pseudo-crystalline form. 



When snake venom decomposes it gives off carbonic anhydride gas, 

 becomes dark brown in colour, and smells disagreeably. 



Fig. I/O. — .A young Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana). These Snakes are brown with squarish black 

 spots and white dots running in rows the whole length of the body. They change colour 

 when adult. 



Mineral • acids when added to snake venom produce a gelatinous 

 sediment. 



Snake venom when mixed with pure alcohol throws down a white 

 sediment. Its poisonous properties are, however, not lessened. 



Some common .symptoms of snake bite in a dog are vomiting, saliva 

 running profusely from the mouth, and a " staring coat." 



One drop of Cobra venom will kill a man. 



An adult cobra can eject ten to fifteen drops of venom at a time. The 

 usual quantity, however, is about six drops. 



An adult Indian Cobra will yield as much as 20 drops of venom. Some 

 give 25 to 28 drops. 



