SERPENTS AND REPTILES. 
215 
upwards in lengthy variegated with rich chestnut 
spots or bands, on a lighter brown ground ; the 
scales are remarkably short, close-set, and hard ; 
the eyes are vertical ; the head compressed, and 
covered with very minute brown scales, and reddish 
stripes. 
35. It is abundant in Egypt, and other parts of 
Africa, as well as in Asia. It is imported in con- 
siderable quantities every year to Venice, for the 
use of apothecaries in the composition of theriaca, 
and for other purposes. 
36. It is very poisonous, but not always fatally so. 
The death produced by its bite is said to be speedy, 
but devoid of pain. 
THE COMMON VIPER. 
37. This snake is found abundantly in Europe, 
and in some parts of America. It is the only one 
of the serpent tribe, in Great Britain, from whose 
bite any evil consequences are to be apprehended. 
It is usually two or three feet in length. The back 

How is the Egyptian Viper described ? Where is it abundant ? 
What is it used for ? What is said of its bite 1 
Where is the Common Viper found ? How is it described ? 
