Page:Natural History, Reptiles.djvu/238

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230
OPHIDIA.—HYDROPHIDÆ.

ing these Serpents, many of which were captured in the nets employed for fishing. His observations are principally directed to the anatomical characters which distinguish the marine from the

CHITTUL.

terrestrial Serpents, and to the modifications of structure by which the former are adapted to the elements in which they exist. With respect to their physiology, the principal point of interest he establishes is, the circumstance of all the species, without exception, being highly venomous,—a fact which has been denied by Schlegel, who states that the Marine Snakes are harmless; and the same erroneous idea is very current with the natives. Dr. Cantor in proof of the contrary refers to the recent death of an officer in Her