The Snakes of Mont Pelee.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue XIII, 27 September 1902, Page 776

The Snakes of Mont Pelee.

Buried under the ashes from Mont Pelee are thousands of the deadly “fer-de-lance.” This snake is reputed to lie among the most venomous of reptiles. It has abounded on the islands of .Martinique and St Lucia, being particularly common on the former. From scientific observations of the territory smothered by the volcanic showers it appears that at least ten thousand of these serpents have been destroyed. From the time of the occupation ■>f these islands the fer-de-lanc? lias inspired terror. Many thousands of victims have met quick death from its bite. Its name is appropriate and characteristic, signifying the head of a lance. Graceful and slender-bodied, and elad in a delicate combination of green, yellow and grey, the serpent might easily be mistaken for an innocuous species if it were not for its head. This is flat and heartshaped, much like the blade of a javelin mounted upon a slender shaft. In proportion to its size, the fangs of the fer-de-lance are enormously developed. Long, glistening teeth, of precisely the same nature as a hypodermic needle, lie neatly folded against, the upper jaw when the reptile’s month is closed.

The fer-de-lance belongs to a family of snakes knows as the pit vipers These reptiles acquired the name from the presence of a mysterious pit between the eye and the nostril. Scientists have long argued upon

this eccentric organ, and it is now thought to represent a sixth sense. What powers or benefits this sixth sense may furnish the reptile are quite unknown. The fer-de-lanee is nocturnal in its habits. During the day it lies quietly secreted in the shrubbery, where its colours blend with the surrounding leaves. Its ever open eyes are always alert and watching for the unconscious intruder. The reptile’s stroke is like a flash of light, and if opportunity is favourable the fer-de-lance seldom misses its aim. As a remedy against the fer-de-lance, the Indian mongoose was importer! to the island. The little animal resembles a ferret, and delights in killing snakes. Before the mongoose had begun to multiply and settle down, however, it was discovered that its likings extended beyond the snake zone. Then came the terrific volcanoes at Mount Pelee, which within the space of a very few hours practically wiped the deadly reptile out of existence.