24 ECHIS. 



scales, which are very prominent, and point downwards at a different 

 angle to the rest; their friction against each other causes the sound. 

 This little viper does not, I think, hiss at aU. Its fangs are very long 

 and mobile, Hke those of the Daboia. Its eye has a peculiarly vicious 



appearance It is a small viper; a specimen from the Indian 



Museum is twenty-two and a half inches in length and about three in 

 circumference, though no doubt it has somewhat shrunk by the action 



of the spirit It is very active, and can dart a considerable 



distance — a foot or more — to strike its prey : it is by far the most active 

 and aggressive poisonous snake I have seen. " 



