290 



LIFE, IN ITS HIGHER FORMS. 



has observed that the larynx is at such a time protruded 

 as much as a quarter of an inch beyond the edge of the 

 dilated lower jaw.* ^ , jv^lAM^b 



Most Serpents master their prey by open violence; and 

 the large species of the tropics embrace it in repeated coils 

 of their bodies, which are then contracted with great mus- 

 cular force, so as to crush and compress their victim to 

 death. But other kinds are furnished with a more securely 

 fatal power, in the presence of two long, hooked, tubular 

 teeth in the upper jaws. These teeth, or fangs, are open 

 at each extremity, and the base communicates with a 

 vesicle, which is a reservoir of powerful poison, secreted by 

 glands spread over the cheeks. When a Rattlesnake or a 

 Viper makes its attack, it commonly elevates the head and 

 draws it somewhat back; then with lightning-rapidity it 

 strikes forward, piercing its enemy with the projecting 

 fangs; at the same instant the poison-bag, which has been 

 just filled by the secretion, poured forth under the excite- 

 ment of rage, is compressed by its proper muscles, and the 

 deadly fluid is injected through the tubular tooth into the 

 wound. 



In the harmless Snakes (or rather those which are not 

 poisonous), each of the upper and under jaws is set with a 

 number of small, but very sharp teeth, pointing backwards; 

 the palate is also armed with two similar rows, so that there 

 are six lines of teeth in the mouth. Owing to the loose 

 jointing of the bones before mentioned, the two sides of the 

 head are capable of being moved to and fro separately, with 

 a sort of see-sawing action. When the teeth have been 

 struck into the victim, this alternate advance of the sides 



* "Zool. Journal." ii. 



