The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-03-22

|
vipers ami elapines, and so forciby is
| the act sometimes performed that the
snakes fang has been found broken off
in the wound, in the reptiles attempt
to extlicate its jaws from the hesh.
The elapine's mode of attack Is less
direct thon that of the viper's, ana de-
ponds to great measure upon the rep
tiles aim, which is not always accu-
rate, 1t was probably the extreme
clumsness of the coral snake in strlklhS
its INTENDED prey that led until very re-
Gently to the belief that 1t was perfectly
harmless. 1t was only after remarka-
| bly, successful achievement in TINS me
| in which the snakes victim died within
| an hour, that the coral snake came I'M
der close scientific scrutiny, and it was
found that its poison is identical with
| that of the Indian cobra. This poison
| is the main constituent of the venom or
| all the elapineS, always mixed, now
| ever, with certain amount OF colorous
| venom The poison of the Vlpers Is
mainly composed of a Sotorous venum,
| with more Oh less admiXture of the CO.
| bra constituent. The cobra and rattle
snake arc selected as typical specimens
| of the elapine and the viper families in
regard to their poison, as the cobra con-
| tains least aGmiXture of the viper or
| cotorous venom, and vice versa. The
| effect of these two poisons is distinctly
| different, the cobra venom affecting
| the entire system, reaching the nervous
or motor centers4 with extreme rapid
| ty, and leaving only slight scar mark
| to the wound, while the viper poison
| acts chiefly by causing modification of
| the part bitten, which may spread with
| more or less rapidity over the entire
| body, or may only result in local affec-
! ton Snake venom, in its most virulent
form, is only modified saliva, doubtless
converted by nature into specific pol
son, as much for the purpose of enabling
the animal to procure food as for a
weapon of defence. The fact that the
blood of the reptile is impregnated with
an antidote which enables it to safely
devour its poisoned prey seems to rem
der this supposition probable. Another
remarkable gift which nature seems to
have bestowed upon certain varieties of
snakes is the power of fascinating or
meSmerizing their victims. Although
this may appear a rather fanciful idea,
some very distinguished scientists Of the
present day are inclined to admit that
there is some truth in it, and there are
cases upon record which can scarcely be
e, planned in any oth,r way.
A remarkable feature of the greater
part of poisonous snakes in this coun
try by means of which they are readily
distinguished from the non-posonous
varieties, is deep pit or hole, found in
the rattlesnakes and their nearest rela-
lions, on the side Of the face, between
the nostril and eye. This feature has
led to the sub classification Of the rat
tlesnakes, moccasins, copperheads, &C.,
into pit vipers." The pit" or cavity,
sinks deep into the maxillary bone, and
represents blind sac lined with cpl
dermis, which, not being connected with
any of the other cavities or organs in
the head by any inside opening or ca
nal, forms another interesting puzzle for
scientists.
When the earlier biologists came to
examine this peculiar structure they
of course, tried to identify it with other
organs already known, some limiting at
the closed nostrils of the fishes while
others pointed out its similarity, in po-
sition at least, to the tear sacs" of the
dear. 1t was urged also, that it might
have some connection with the poison
apparatus. 1t was plain, however,
even to those proposing these explana-
lions, that they were not the true solu-
ton of the question, and so most au
thors have been satisfied with refer
ence to the pits as mysterious
The existence of sixth sense" how
ever, has ] ately pbeen satisfactorily
proved in some animals, as the lateral
line in fishes, and while, in the case of
the pit viper, the purpose Of such an or
gan has not been determined, 1t is now
the general opinion among scientists
that the pit or cavity indicates it's pres
ence, as in nature there Is nothing in
vain. One of the most dangerous of
these pit vipers is the water moccasin,
of which it has been said that it is one
of those creatures, naturally of saw
age disposition, that become tame and
even amiable in captivity. That it is
naturally savage may be gathered from
the fact that a specimen recently cap
tured and confined strikes at every
thing that is put into its cage, some
times even, in the excess of its rage, bit
ing itself, which, however, has not the
slightest i'll effect upon its health
When an attempt was made to place it
in favorable position for taking it's
photograph, the reptile struck at the
keepers rod again and again, and it
was found necessary to desst from fur
Their efforts for fear the snake would in
jure its mouth in its fury. The water
moccasn, which is an inhabitant of the
southeastern states, feeds principally on
fishes. 1t must not be COMPOUNDED with
the true moccasin, an innocuous snake
which it somewhat resembles, and
whose only bad trait is a propensity to
devour it's mate, should both happen to
be imprisoned together in the same
cage. In fact all serpents are canni-
balls, and cases are known where two
have commenced to devour each other,
starting from opposite ends and, when
meeting in the center, still continuing
the meal, with the inevitable result, |