[Pl. 96.]][L 156.
Viper or Adder.
Vipera berus.
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[Pl. 97.]][L 157.
Edible Frog.
With vocal sacs inflated in "singing."
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It must not be supposed from the foregoing remarks that we deprecate caution in dealings with the Viper; but we do desire, if possible, to dispose of that senseless fear that is unworthy of man. If the victim is in bad health the bite of the Viper may involve very unpleasant consequences—even death, but this is much more likely to follow from the sting of a gnat! In case of a bite from this species, the approved treatment is to suck the wound thoroughly and apply oil to it. The rustic remedy approved by quack doctors is an oil prepared from the Viper's own fat—"a hair of the dog that bit you" sort of cure. A ligament above the wound will prevent the poison spreading; and the blood may be made alkaline by the internal administration of ammonia. The popular idea in many parts is that the reddish-coloured Vipers have more virulent poison than the others, but there does not appear to be any good grounds for this differentiation.
The Viper is found in all parts of Britain, but is not known in Ireland.