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died from the effects of the bite. But in the generality of cases, and especially 

 if the usual remedies are applied, the poisonous effects of the bite pass away 

 in a few days, causing however much pain and lassitude while they last. The 

 natives have several modes of treating a subject recently bitten, the most 

 effectual one being to scarify the part and to bathe the patient in hot water. 

 Another remedy in repute among them is to anoint the part affected with 

 kokowai, or red ochre. This has the effect of reducing the swelling which 

 almost immediately follows the bite, and alleviating the pain ; and if the 

 subject be robu^st and healthy no further inconvenience is likely to ensue. But 

 if no such remedial measures are adopted, and the bite is neglected, very serious 

 consequences may follow. According to the natives, the common symptoms 

 are an aching pain in the part bitten, which soon becomes much swollen and 

 inflamed ; then a copious sweat, and a feeling of intense languor and depres- 

 sion of spirits. If not checked, this is followed by a convulsive contraction of 

 the limbs, and the case then assumes a dangerous phase. 



During my residence at Manawatu, some years ago, the natives bi'ought 

 me word that a woman had been bitten by a Katipo. I at once j)laced the 

 case in the hands of the Native Medical Officer of the district, Batten Smith, 

 Esq., to whom I am indebted for the following interesting notes : — 



"April 5, 18G3. At 2 p.m. I was called to see a woman named Marara, 

 about fifty years of age, and belonging to the Ngatiwhakatere tribe. It appears 

 that yesterday, about noon, whilst digging potatoes at "Wirokino (near the sea 

 coast) she was bitten by a Katipo on the left hip. In a few minutes after, she 

 complained of ' pains all over her,' which were followed in the space of two 

 houi-s by cold shiverings, lasting only for a few minutes and returning at 

 irregular intervals up to the time of my visit. Her husband had apj)lied hot 

 roasted potato to the seat of pain, though without alleviating it. She has 

 always been a strong and healthy woman. I found the left hip slightly 

 swollen and tender on pressure, but neither any noticeable shining blush nor 

 heat of the skin ; the tongue clean all over ; pulse through, full and strong, 

 reaching only to 75 ; neither vomiting nor headache, cramps in the muscles of 

 the stomach nor sore throat. Countenance anxious, but not bloated ; pupils of 

 the eyes natural, and not over sensitive to light. Pain great in both thighs, 

 but greatest at the immediate seat of the bite, which had the same appear- 

 ance as the prick of a needle or other fine instrument would produce. ]^o 

 swelling of either legs or feet. 



"Ti'eatment : — Solution of niti'ate of silver 10 grains to 1 ounce of water, 

 washed over the hip ; and she was given the following mixture, — Carbonate of 

 ammonia 2 scruples, laudanum 40 drops, chloric sether ^ drachm, peppermint 

 water to 8 ounces. Two table spoonfuls to be taken every second hour. 



"At 9 p.m. the rigors and pain having abated, she was given, — Hyd. Chlor. 

 3 grains, s. s., and list. Alb. 1 ounce, s. m. 



