18 OUR REPTILES. 



the poison ; and of course the sooner this is done 

 after the wound is inflicted the better. After 

 the virus becomes disseminated through the 

 blood, it is useless to suck at the portal by which 

 it entered. In cases of poisoning by the bite of 

 a viper, cupping, and the application of leeches 

 have been effectual ; such remedies, however, 

 would be insufficient against the poison of the 

 more noxious tropical reptiles. 



We are not aware that the ' stones ' alluded 

 to are worn as charms, amulets, or preservatives 

 against the bites of venomous serpents, but such 

 things are not uncommon in Eastern countries. 

 As the teeth of a tiger are sometimes worn as a 

 charm against attack from that animal, so perhaps 

 the fangs of a serpent may be regarded as a pre- 

 servative against the venom of serpents them- 

 selves. It is a current belief amongst the 

 natives in some countries where serpents abound, 

 that any one swallowing the contents of the 

 poison apparatus of venomous snakes is thereby 

 preserved from any ill effects accruing from the 

 bite of a serpent of that particular species. 



Another kind of ' snake-stones/ adder-gems, 

 ovum anguinum or snake eggs, enter into the 

 ancient superstitions of our own country. Bor- 

 Jase tells us * that " in most parts of Wales, and 



* " Antiquities of Cornwall," p. 137. 



