394 NATURAL HISTORY. 



direction ; but his description of the stratagems employed by 

 it, "to surprise any one who is too far from it," is probably 

 more fanciful than correct, as snakes do not attack unless 

 suddenly surprised or irritated. The size of the .Cerastes is by 

 no means great, as its average length is only eighteen inches. 

 The snake charmers of Egypt employ these reptiles precisely 

 as their brethren of India employ the Cobra de Capello. 



PELIAC. (Gr. proper name.) 



Bern s, the Viper. 



The COMMON VIPER, or ADDER, is the only venomous 

 reptile inhabiting England, nor is its bite nearly so dangerous 

 in its consequences as has been reported. Seldom has the 

 bite of the Viper proved mortal, and in all probability, had 

 proper precaution:; been taken, no case would have been 

 fatal. Viper catchers employ olive oil as a remedy against 

 the bite, and, from all accounts, it appears to be a certain 

 preservative against all evil effects. 



It is asserted that when danger threatens, the female viper 

 opens her mouth and permits her brood to hide themselves, 

 but it is by no means an ascertained fact. 



