316 Correspondence . [April, 
I am well aware that Adhemar’s theory is far from being de- 
monstrated ; but is not its doubtful compatibility with the dodtrine 
of Descent at least worthy of consideration ? If the Antarctic 
ice-cap possesses the dimensions lately ascribed to it in the 
“ Quarterly Journal of Science,” — say a thickness rising from 
about half a mile at its margin to 24 miles at its centre, and ex- 
tending over a circle of 3000 miles diameter, — it seems to me 
that we have here a mass of water which if rapidly set at liberty 
would go far to render Adhemar’s deluges (with the last of which 
that of Noah is probably identical) at least physically possible. — 
I am, &c., 
A. P. P. 
THE SENSES OF THE LOWER ANIMALS. 
To the Editor of the Monthly Journal of Science . 
Sir, — In an article on the “ Senses of the Lower Animals,” in- 
serted in your last year’s volume, the alleged fondness of serpents 
for milk and their power of destroying it by smell are incidentally 
referred to. In “ Science Gossip ” a case is mentioned, on the 
authority of a country clergyman, where a viper followed for 
some distance a woman who was suckling her infant. Popular 
tradition in many parts of Europe accuses snakes of fastening 
on the teats of cows. Now I do not deny that serpents may 
have an acute scent, as the manner in which the common viper 
congregates wherever the marsh-rosemary ( Ledum palustre) 
flourishes seems to be sufficient affirmative evidence ; but in my 
own somewhat extensive personal experience I never met with 
any instance of a snake of any kind being attracted by milk, and 
I should be happy to hear if any of your naturalist readers have 
in this respedt been more successful. — I am, &c., 
Serpent-Hunter. 
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS— A CORRECTION. 
To the Editor of the Monthly Journal of Science . 
Sir, — On page 236 of the March number of your Journal a foot- 
note to my article on “ Optical Illusions ” states that “ An 
account of a very similar observation was communicated by Mr. 
J. Aitken to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, in November, 1878, 
apparently without any knowledge of the observations of Addams, 
Brewster, or of the author of this article.” I have received 
word from my friend Mr. Aitken that, while the observation was 
