SNAKE-POISON LITERATURE. 13 



inents at different periods during the summer. 

 In all cases the old skin became very dark as 

 the new one formed beneath it. If, at this time, 

 the snakes were denied access to water, the skin 

 came off in patches. When water was freely 

 supplied, they entered it eagerly at this period, 

 and not only drank of it, but lay in it for hours 

 together. Under these circumstances, the skin 

 was shed entire — the first gap appearing at the 

 mouth or near it. Through this opening the 

 serpent walked its way, and the skin reverting, 

 was turned inside out, as it crawled forth in its 

 new and distinctly marked outer covering : when 

 the old skin was very loose, the snake's motions 

 were often awkward for a time. It is said to be 

 blind during this period, which is probably true 

 to some extent, since the outer layer of the cornea 

 is shed with the skin, and there must obviously 

 be a time when the old corneal layer lies upon 

 the new formation. It is also said that the fangs 

 are lost at the same time as the skin. In some 

 instances this was observed to be the case ; but 

 whether or not it is a constant occurrence, I am 

 unable to say from personal observation." Sir 

 Joseph Fayrer and I have observed that the 

 cohra when in captivity sheds its skin about once 



