The animals were from five to seven inches long and had lobster-like claws.

Each bite drew blood, but the Fakir was none the worse.
The venom of poisonous snakes may be considered the most typical of animal poisons, being unrivaled in the fatality and rapidity of its action.

Fortunately in our country there are few snake-bites, but in the tropic countries, particularly India, the mortality from this cause is frightful.

Not only are there numerous serpents in that country, but the natives are lightly dressed and unshod, thus being exposed to the bites of the reptiles.

It is estimated by capable authorities that the deaths in India each year from snake-bites exceed 20,000.