SNAKE-POISON LITERATUEE. 27 



4i^. — When the fang enters, and from the 

 quick starting of the anitoal injured, 

 or from other cause, it is withdrawn 

 so soon, that a large portion of the 

 venom is thrown harmless upon the 

 surface near the wound. 



5th. — When from the nature of the part struck 

 the snake is unable to close its jaws 

 upon the parts. 



There are other causes of an ineffectual bite 

 referable to the snake itself. 



1st. — Its gland may contain little or no venom 

 (a) from recent exhaustion, (b) from 

 impeded secretion through sickness. 



ind. — The efficient fangs may have been shed 



or lost. 

 Here I may note that fangs are renewed. 



When snake-poison is required for immediate collection of 

 experimental purposes or for collection, it is ab- 

 solutely necessary either to handle the reptiles 

 yourself, or to have them manipulated under 

 your own supervision. In the former case, to 

 ensure accuracy of observation, and in the 

 latter, to obtain a supply of the genuine article. 

 The specimens supplied by samp-wallqhs are 



snake-poison. 



