14 



but snakes are timid creatures, and may, with ordinary care, be 

 avoided. They are rarely met with near towns, and we imagine 

 the cause to be, that the intense heat of the memorable " JJlack 

 Thursday " completely destroyed their haunts. Much as we have 

 traversed marshy lagoons, and places where they are likely to 

 obtain their prey, in search of fresh water mollusca and plants, we 

 have never, after many years' residence in the colony, seen a single 

 live individual. Yet we know of many places where they are often 

 very unwelcome guests, and frequently notice instances of parties 

 being bitten by these reptiles ; and we, therefore, do not hesitate 

 to devote a short space to a few simple remedies, to be applied in 

 cases of emergency. Eirst and foremost, then, we recommend 

 promptitude ; the moment the bite is received, tie a handkerchief as 

 tightly as possible between the wound and the heart, to impede the 

 circulation, and prevent the poison being diffused through it ; then, 

 with a sharp knife or lancet, scarify the flesh through and around 

 the wound, until blood flows freely ; then, pinching up the flesh, 

 suck it powerfully for some time, (the poison is perfectly innoxious, 

 provided the mouth and throat of the person sucking are free from 

 sores, etc.); the juice of any stimulant plant, (A ristolochia) common 

 salt, or even lime, may then be applied. It is, probably, advisable 

 to give to the patient some stimulant as soon as practicable, to 

 prevent his falling into a comatose state ; and, above all, avoid 

 frightening him. In other countries various remedies are employed. 

 A preparation of .the root of Simaba cedron (Zool. Soc. Trans., 9th 

 Nov., 1853). In the Brazils, an infusion in brandy of Simgunba 

 versicolor (Lindley's Veg. King., p. 476), and ipecacuanha 

 poultices, are often used with success ; but the " simple method 

 above mentioned is practised with the most decisive success 

 among the Parinagotos, Macosies, and other tribes inhabiting the 

 mountains of Sibaroni and Parime, against the bites of the Crotahis 

 or rattlesnake, and the more deadly Quaima and Haimararia"* 



Turning aside from the seashore, let us strike through this beau- 

 tiful scrub of Riccinocarpus sidaeformis (a useful purgative), with its 

 snow-white blossoms, around which is twining the pretty dodder- 



* Remarks on Snake Poisons and their Remedies. — Hancock, Cor. Mem. Zool. Soc 



