 The veteran shepherd knows that in certain parts of Palestine, not all parts, there are poisonous snakes called adders. Adders in Palestine live 18 to 24 inches below the ground. They're notorious for coming up out of the hole and nipping the nose of a grazing animal, killing it within minutes with their venomous bite. Now what if he sees those holes? Well, you know what he does? Takes that flask off his belt full of linseed oil.