OF REPTILES* 
323 
with quadruple rows of transverse white beads, like 
lines, passing behind the eyes, on a black ground; the 
scales are varied, some large and shield-formed, others 
small and pointed; all remarkably strong and close set. 
This is a most dangerous and formidable serpent, whose 
poison, though not so rapid in its effects as some, yet 
causes a stupefaction of the mental faculties, a wasting 
of the flesh by incurable consumption, and finally death. 
Common European Viper, (PL 53.) The common 
viper is found in most countries pf the ancient world. 
In the East Indies also it is tb be met with, with only 
very slight variations from the individuals of Europe. It 
is even able to support the vicissitudes of very cold cli- 
mates, being found in Sweden, where its bite is nearly as 
dangerous as in the warmer regions of Europe. It is 
likewise found in Russia, and in several parts of Siberia, 
where it is very numerous, as the superstitions of the 
people deter them from endeavouring to destroy this 
noxious reptile, because they conceive some terrible dis- 
aster will follow the attempt. 
Vipers crawl slowly at all times, and in general only 
attack such smaller animals as are their usual food. — - 
They never willingly attack man or the larger animals, 
except when wounded, trampled on, or irritated, when 
they become furious, and are apt to bite severely. From 
the firmer manner in which their spine is articulated, 
th-ey are unable to turn or twist themselves so much as 
most other serpents, being only able to turn the head with 
any considerable degree of agility; owing to this circum- 
stance, they are easily taken. For this purpose, some 
persons use a forked stick, to fix the viper by the neck; 
and then, seizing it by the tail, throw it into a bag. — 
Others, holding down its head with the end of a stick, 
take it fast in the left hand by the neck; and, while the 
animal makes ineffectual efforts to defend itself, with its 
mouth wide open, cut out its poisonous fangs with a pair 
of scissors or a knife: the viper, after this, is incapable of 
doing injury, and may be handled with perfect safety. 
The English viper-catchers have the boldness to seize 
them suddenly by the neck, or even by the tail, with 
