412 A DESCRIPTION OF 
it has never been observed to take its annual re- 
pose. 
The Viper is a native of many parts of this island, chiefly 
in the dry and chalky counties. Its flesh was formerly 
used for broth, and much esteemed in medicine, particu- 
larly to restore debilitated constitutions. It was also used 
as a cosmetic, being supposed to render the complexion 
fair. It was probably from the use made by the ancients, 
of the Viper in medicine, that Esculapius is represented 
with a serpent. The best remedy against the bite of the 
Viper is to suck the wound, which may be done without 
danger, and after this to rub it with sweet oil, arid poul- 
tice it with bread and milk. 
THE HORNED VIPER. (Vipera cerastes.) 
THIS particular kind of Viper, is nearly allied to the asp, 
and has a pointed and solid horny substance on each 
eye-lid, formed of two projecting scales: its body is 
of a pale yellowish or greyish colour, with distant sub- 
ovate transverse brown spots; and in length it is from one 
to two feet. It appears to be in some measure domesti- 
cated in Egypt, where it enters houses when the family 
