. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. Birds; Reptiles. 94. OPHIDIAN EEPTILES. are nmch longer than the others, and placed one to the right, the other to the left of the upper jaw. The Adder, then, is fur- nished with two of these poison-fangs; they are curved and sharp- pointed, convex ante- riorly, and furnished with a straight duct which commences in one part by a slit placed Tig. and Tongue of a Poisonous Colubrine Snake. ^^ ^-^^ anterior part of its base, terminating by a second and sma
. Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting. Birds; Reptiles. 94. OPHIDIAN EEPTILES. are nmch longer than the others, and placed one to the right, the other to the left of the upper jaw. The Adder, then, is fur- nished with two of these poison-fangs; they are curved and sharp- pointed, convex ante- riorly, and furnished with a straight duct which commences in one part by a slit placed Tig. and Tongue of a Poisonous Colubrine Snake. ^^ ^-^^ anterior part of its base, terminating by a second and smaller cleft towards its point, and on the same side. This last cleft is like a little trench or fine furrow, which extends the whole length of the convexity. These hooked teeth are surrounded by a fold of the gums, which receives and partly hides them, like a sheath, when they are at rest or hidden. They are attached to the upper maxiUary bones, which are small and very mobile, and are put in motion by two muscles. Behind them are dental germs, intended to replace them when they fall out. The other teeth in the roof of the mouth belong to the palate, where they form two rows. Such are the terrible weapons of the Viper group. It is not, therefore, as many persons still believe, with the tongue that the Adder inflicts its wound ; the forked, projecting tongue serves them as a feeler, and to drink with, but cannot inflict a wound. We have said that when in a state of repose the hooked teeth are hidden ; when the animal wishes to use them, they issue from their fleshy sheath, somewhat in the same manner as a man draws his knife, when attacked, to defend himself, and in this case the knife is poisoned. Adders use their fangs to seize the small animals which serve as their prey. They do not voluntarily attack a Man; on the con- trary, they flee at his approach. But if he imprudently places his foot on or attempts to seize them, they defend themselves vigorously. Let ua see how an Adde
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecad, booksubjectbirds, booksubjectreptiles
