SNAKES. 



445 



formed a valuable addition to our collection, 

 and I had bestowed great pains and care on 

 them previously to their being forwarded to 

 England. 



During my excursion I did not meet with a 

 single snake ; which leads me to believe that 

 they chiefly inhabit the banks of rivers; be- 

 cause, when a sudden increase of the waters 

 takes place, snakes are brought down by the 

 stream, and constantly land in the town, which 

 makes it very dangerous to walk out at night, 

 without a lanthorn. Four persons were bitten 

 lately near Mr. Higson's house, which is on 

 the banks of the river. Two died from not 

 getting the assistance of curanderos in time; 

 and two recovered, after suffering great pain 

 for two or three days. Immediately on being 

 bitten, it is necessary to take a lancet and well 

 open the part affected ; get some person to 

 suck the wound very dry ; after which, to- 

 bacco leaves and rum should be applied, with 

 the fresh leaves (if attainable) of the guadua- 

 tree, pounded with the tendrils of the guacha, 

 or, if not to be had fresh, the dried leaves, &c., 

 must be used. This must be well bound round 

 the wounded limb, and the patient should take 



