264 ZOOLOGY. 
tributed over most of the world, being much more abundant, however, in 
tropical and sub-tropical latitudes. The first and most characteristic 
feature is the scarcity of small teeth in the jaws. The upper jaw presents 
few if any teeth on its exterior, contrasting strikingly in this respect with 
_ harmless colubrine snakes, in which the teeth, though small, are in very 
great numbers. This absence of prehensile instruments is more than 
compensated by the formidable poison fangs. These are situated in the 
diminutive superior maxillary bone, which is so articulated to the external 
pterygoid bone that when the latter is pulled back by the muscle of the 
jaw the maxillary is drawn back also, and its attached fangs are imbedded 
in the soft mucous gum, with the point directed backwards. On the other 
hand, a drawing forward of the pterygoid pushes up the maxillary, and the 
fangs then stand more or less perpendicular to the roof of the mouth. The 
fang itself consists of a tube, very sharp at the point, and formed by the 
bending over of the sides of the growing tooth, leaving a seam in front, 
which ultimately becomes wholly or partly obliterated. A tin tube, bent 
up, but not soldered, and cut off obliquely below, so as to form a cutting 
point, affords a good illustration of the character of the fang; or else we 
may imagine a solid conical tooth, flattened out and bent so as to form a 
hollow tube. The glands which secrete the poison are situated one on 
each side of the posterior part of the head, and consist of lobules which 
discharge the venom into the common duct continuous with the hollow of 
the fang. These glands are surrounded by a strong aponeurotic bag in 
connexion with muscles which are capable thereby of exerting a powerful 
compression, and of forcing out the venom with great violence into a 
wound. 
Antidotes to the bite of venomous serpents have been anxiously sought 
for in all countries where such species exist. No directions applicable to 
all possible cases can be given, but the following indications, chiefly by Dr. 
Leuz, as the result of his long continued observations on the European 
viper, are worthy of all attention, as applicable in general to the rattle- 
snakes and copperheads of our own country. | 
No time is to be lost in obtaining assistance after being bitten by a 
serpent ; if a pair of sharp scissors or a knife be at hand, open up the 
wound immediately and allow it to bleed freely, after which it is to be well 
washed ; if the wound be a simple scratch, washing alone will, perhaps, 
suffice. If the bite is not to be managed in this way, endeavor to apply, as 
soon as possible, a powerful pressure to the wound, by laying a small 
pebble or other minute object directly on (not merely near) it, tying round 
a handkerchief, or using the finger, to keep up a direct pressure on the 
spot, and continuing this application until the place affected can be conve- 
niently cut out, or cupping-glasses applied. As long as the direct pressure 
lasts there will be no absorption of the poison, and if no other application 
be possible the thumb may be kept upon the wound until help can be 
obtained. The puncture of the wound may sometimes be reached by the 
mouth of the patient or a companion, in which case prompt suction of the 
spot may render further remedies unnecessary. This may be done by the 
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