384 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



on received an average of five to ten ordinary fatal doses at a 

 single injection, yet they recovered. 



In experiments which I conducted, the results were more 

 or less similar to the above. I found that in all cases when 

 symptoms of poisoning had started, the local application of 

 permanganate was of no use, a fatal dose of venom having 

 evidently got into the circulation before the application of the 

 permanganate.* 



Various Experiments. 



Mr. James Williams, a temporary assistant at the Port 

 Elizabeth Museum, captured a full-sized Berg Adder {Bitis 

 atropos) and brought it to me. In carelessly handling it the 

 snake succeeded in imbedding its fangs in the ball of his fore- 

 finger, and gripped with great tenacity and power. He tore it 

 away, and in doing so the fangs slit the flesh, leaving a spurt of 

 venom along the slit. It was evident a strong dose of venom had 

 been injected, for the pain was very intense, and the wounds 

 began to grow congested almost immediately. Within five 

 minutes I had ligatured the wound and injected a solution of 

 permanganate of potash into and around the punctures. I then 

 scarified the wounds and forced as much blood out as possible, 

 and in half an hour's time I removed the ligature. The arm 

 swelled somewhat, the glands under the armpit were tender and 

 swollen, and there was slight constitutional disturbance. Within 

 two days all symptoms of poisoning had subsided, and the man 

 was quite well. 



On another occasion he and I were artificially feeding some 

 Puff Adders when one got partly loose and made a drive at his 

 hand, imbedding one of its long fangs in the ball of his thumb. 

 Within two minutes I scarified the wound and rubbed in per- 

 manganate crystals. A ligature was applied, and as much blood 

 as possible forced out of the wound by manipulating the thumb. 

 Williams then sucked the wound for five minutes, and I removed 

 the ligature. The symptoms of poisoning which followed were 

 slight. I have been partially bitten several times, and have 

 also applied venom to wounds, and the prompt application of 

 permanganate of potash has in every case proved effective. 



* A fresh solution of hypochlorite of lime is recommended by Dr. Cal- 

 mette. This is not practical for the layman, and it necessitates waste of 

 precious time. 



