It is generally agreed that the first step in snakebite treatment should be to place a ligature above the bite to restrict the flow of venom, and also to immobilize the patient as much as possible. The ligature should be loosened at least every fifteen minutes. The next steps are sterilization of the skin and the making of an incision through the fang punctures. As pointed out by Stahnke (1954:8), the incision should be made in line with the snake's body at the time of the bite, so as to account for the rearward curvature of the fangs and possibly to reach the deposition of venom. Many instruction booklets and first-aid guides have specified the length and depth of incision to be made, but the actual size and depth of the cut should depend upon the location of the bite. An "X" cut or connection of the fang punctures is likely to facilitate the spread of the venom. No cut should be made that would sever a large blood vessel or ligament. Extensive damage is often caused by well-meaning individuals whose attempts at first aid result in brutally deep incisions and tourniquets applied too tightly and for too long a period of time; the resultant damage in many instances exceeds that of the bite itself (Stimson and Engelhardt, 1960:165). Stimson and Engelhardt also think that time should be sacrificed to surgical cleanliness, and incisions should not be made if a hospital can be reached within an hour. The ligature-cryotherapy (L-C) method proposed by Stahnke (1953) has been severely criticized by other workers. He stated that the ligature should be tight enough to restrict completely the flow of venom until the temperature of the area can be lowered sufficiently to prevent any action of the venom. After 10 minutes the ligature may be removed and the bitten area kept immersed in a vessel of crushed ice and water. If the envenomized member is to be treated for more than four hours (which is the case with almost all pit-viper bites), it should be protected by placing it in a plastic bag. The venom action should be tested after 12 or more hours. This consists of a brief warming period to determine whether or not the action of the venom can be felt. The patient should be kept warm at all times; and the warming at the termination of treatment should be done gradually, preferably by allowing the water to warm slowly to room temperature.