A. 



Some Experiments at the Government Veterinary 

 Research Laboratories, Pretoria. 



Dr. Theiler, the able Director of the Veterinary and Research 

 Departments of the Union of South Africa, has recently started 

 a series of experiments with the object of ascertaining the exact 

 pathological effect of the venom of each species of South African 

 poisonous snake. For this purpose I have suppHed him with 

 various venomous snakes. The experiments are in their initial 

 stages ; but Dr. Theiler has kindly sent me the following instructive 

 article by his assistant, Mr. W. Horner Andrews. 



A Baboon bitten by a Boomslang. 



The Baboon was bitten on the shoulder by a Boomslang at 

 noon on December 29, igii. 



On the following day there was considerable oedematous 

 swelling at the site of the bite, extending down to the elbow. 

 The Baboon was at first fairly active, but later became dull and 

 depressed. By 5 p.m. she was lying down, although still able to 

 stand and walk, but still very depressed. 



On the morning of the 31st the Baboon was very poorly, 

 refused food and water, and lay for a long period on one 

 side. 



In the evening she was more inclined to eat and drink, but 

 was very weak. 



January ist saw a very decided improvement, although still 

 weak and depressed. After this there was a very rapid recovery. 



She was again bitten by a Boomslang at 12.33 P-™- of 

 January 23. The snake bit exceptionally well, seizing a fold 

 of skin over the abdomen, holding on for about four minutes, 

 and worrying it. 



483 



