THE ADDER. 137 
The immediate treatment is directed to the pre- 
vention of the venom being absorbed into the system ; 
the after-treatment to keeping up the strength of the 
patient, and the relief of local conditions. The im- 
portant point to remember in dealing with a case of 
adder-bite is that the fangs penetrate sufficiently far 
into the tissues (or may do) to throw the dose of 
venom directly into the circulation, and so affect the 
heart in a very short time. Take prompt action, and 
do not be afraid of doing too much. 
Adder attitudes and movements.—Connected 
with the subject of adder-bite is the question of the 
attitude of the adder when about to strike. From 
experience I can say but little, as I have only had 
an adder /uce ate on one oceasion, and then I pre- 
vented any further movement on her part. But very 
extraordinary statements are made about the way 
adders spring and jump. But very few people have 
sufficient command over their nerves to observe an 
adder’s movemeuts very closely, if they are under the 
impression that the reptile is about to strike at them 
the next moment; and with all respect to those who 
have written to me on this point, I am inclined to 
think most statements made on the matter are a little 
exaggerated. It may be quite possible that, under 
the influence of great fear or excitement, a sudden 
spasmodic contraction of the muscles in a certain way 
might cause an adder to project itself a few inches off 
the ground (somewhat in the same way that a stunned 
