24 THE LAND-MARKS OF 



forward upon its lachrymal articulation, when 

 , the motion reaches its limit, and is checked by 

 the ligament which I have described, the support- 

 ing lachrymal bone in turn yields to the power 

 applied through the maxillary bone. 



" These movements elevate a little the muzzle 

 of the snake, so as to give to the snake a very 

 singular expression during the act of striking. 

 Their more obvious and important result is the 

 elevation of the fang, which rising, thursts off 

 from its convexity the cloak-like vagina- dentis, 

 so that it gathers in loose folds at its base. 



The bite " -^s the uusheathed tooth penetrates the flesh 



described. i» j_i • j_" • ^ . i • -i 



01 the victim, a series oi movements occur, which 

 must be contemporaneous, or nearly so. The body 

 of the snake still resting in coil, makes, as it were, 

 an anchor, while the muscles of the neck con- 

 trapting,. draw upon the head so violently, that 

 when a small animal is the prey, it is often 

 dragged back by the effort here described. If 

 now the head and fang remain passive, the pull 

 upon the head would withdraw the fang too soon, 

 but at this moment, the head is probably stayed 

 in its position by, the muscles below or in front 

 of the spine ; while the ptergoideus extemus and 



