THE ADDER. 179 
throat, with the result I have described.” 
17th July 1900. 
Eythorne 
2. In reply to a eriticism of Aflalo’s, Mr Jacob 
writes :— 
“First, you asswme that my shot carried away not 
only the head but also the upper part of the body. 
This is absolutely incorrect. 1 was only 3 or 4 
yards from the adder, and my shot cut its head clean 
off close to the neck. The body of the reptile was 
injured in no way. The young emerged from the 
gullet, and could not possibly have escaped trom the 
abdomen, as the entire body was intact. If I had 
shot the adder asunder, I should have taken no more 
notice of the occurrence, but should have assumed 
as you do, 
“Secondly, the youne were about 7 inches long, and 
in the largest part of their body about 2 of an inch in 
diameter. They were exceedingly active and lively, 
¢ of 
the world. Would this correspond with the size and 
and had every appearance of knowing somethin 
condition of previously unborn young ? 
“T quite freely admit that if the case was as you 
sugvest—viz., that my shot carried away the ‘upper 
part of the body ’—yours would be ‘ quite a plausible 
explanation, but as the facts stand, [ must ask you 
to allow me to join issue with you. J may say that 
during a shooting experience of nearly forty years I 
have twice shot an adder’s head off whilst in the act 
