IOO OHIO STATE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



made. Moreover, when salamanders are considered lizards they 

 are held to be poisonous. This leads to a consideration of the 

 poisonous forms belonging to the groups covered by this paper. 



No'poisonous Batrachian has ever been found. It is only 

 among the reptiles that we meet venomous species and these are 

 infinitely fewer in number than the general mind assumes. Of 

 lizards, only one known species is poisonous, this being the Gila 

 Monster, of Arizona, which has a poison gland in the lower jaw. 2 



Of the snakes thus far found in Ohio, there are but three 

 venomous, the large Highland Rattler Crotalus horridus L,. , 

 the smaller L,owland Rattler Sistrurus catenatus (Raf. ), and the 

 Copperhead, These three are dangerous snakes and should 

 be given the greatest deference. As for all the other reptiles 

 found within our borders, they are harmless. But inasmuch 

 as the snakes have teeth which are far finer than a cambric 

 needle, no one cares to be bitten by them. Case after case of 

 tetanus and blood poisoning as a result of a snake-bite has been 

 recorded, but this is a far different matter from introduction of 

 venom into a wound. 



So many superstitions are associated with these forms of 

 animal life that it would be impossible to cover them in this 

 paper, to say nothing of attempting to disprove them. As classic 

 examples, we may cite the power of salamanders against fire ; the 

 production of warts by toads ; the charming powers of snakes ; 

 the ability of toads to exist in air-tight compartments for an 

 indefinite period. It is needless to say that all these are myths. 

 By the agriculturist they are generally held to be useless, or 

 even obnoxious. Snakes are killed at sight and without discrim- 

 ination ; toads, frogs, turtles and lizards are rarely spared, while 

 seldom does a salamander escape with its life. 



Condemnation of such wanton destruction of life cannot be 

 made in too strong terms. There are but three forms found in 

 Ohio that should be destroyed and these are the three poisonous 

 snakes mentioned above. Every other species is not only harm- 

 less, but of decided benefit to the farmer. The fight for preser- 

 vation of beneficial reptiles and batrachians must be carried on as» 

 it is being fought for beneficial birds. 



2. See Cope, 'oo, 481. 



