i

:

i>

*•

■» '

'

v

■

, ' ■

1

’v ..

%

CONTINUATION

OF AN

ACCOUNT OF INDIAN SERPENTS

CONTAINING

DESCRIPTIONS AND FIGURES,

FROM

SPECIMENS AND DRAWINGS,

TRANSMITTED FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF INDIA,

TO

THE HON. THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE

EAST INDIA COMPANY ,

AND PUBLISHED BY THEIR ORDER, UNDER THE
SUPERINTENDENCE OF

PATRICK RUSSELL, M.D.F.R.S.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY W, BULMER AND CO. SHAKSPEARE PRESS,
CLEVELAND-ROW;

FOR G. AND W. NICOL, BOOKSELLERS TO HIS MAJESTY,

PALL-MALL.

,

-

. ,

-

*

*

.

■

■• ' ■* '

I . ' 8 . . ■ ■*

■

.

■

■

-

■

-

-

■

t

• *

■

As*

^nlan inj^Ss

*

C-JUN J. 8 1908 j

£ o | "t <3<§

THE

EDITOR’S PREFACE.

The present Fasciculus is the first of a projected Continuation of an Account
of East Indian Serpents, begun in the Description of the Coromandel Collec-
tion lately published.

The Court of Directors considering it proper that an attempt should be
made to complete the account of those pernicious animals, by inviting and
encouraging research to be extended over the whole of British India, was
pleased to transmit instructions to the Presidencies abroad, pointing out in
detail the most probable means of success ; and to render the conveyance of
specimens, drawings, or other communications relative to Serpents, more easy,
and less precarious, it was regulated they should be sent home, addressed to
the Directors.

In these instructions, it was specially recommended to procure and send to
the India-House, specimens in spirits, descriptions, and coloured drawings,
of all such Serpents as were not comprehended in the Coromandel Collection ;
and that the Medical Board should be instructed to solicit the free commu-
nication of the cases of venomous bites, which future experience might furnish ;
as likewise the result of experiments made for discovering the properties of
the poison, and the effects of medicinal applications.

An accurate discrimination of noxious from harmless Serpents, serves at the
same time to lessen the prevalent terror of their poison, and to assist decision
on the comparative merit of remedies employed : and whatever improvements
may be expected in the medical treatment, must be ultimately established on
the aggregate of facts gradually collected from extensive experience.

Descriptions and drawings, from living or recent subjects, made on the
spot, are, no doubt preferable for ascertaining the species, to descriptions made
from specimens preserved in spirits. But the former are not to be always
expected. Of persons in India disposed to furnish specimens, some may
harbour an aversion to handling even the dead reptile; others, through

IV

PREFACE.

diffidence, may be unwilling to undertake a technical description: in either
case, a well preserved specimen, with the aid of a few circumstances which
may be easily collected, will answer the purpose.

The circumstances alluded to, are the following : the name of the Serpent
in the vulgar language of the country; if rare, or common; its colour; its
repute among the natives ; the usual consequence of its bite ; and what re-
medies are employed. The colour may sometimes be described in words;
but, in many instances, the variegations can hardly be conveyed without the
aid of a coloured figure: which, in cases where a better drawing cannot
be procured, will render a mere sketch tolerably coloured, an acceptable
substitute.

The Editor is led to insist on the advantage of drawings made in India,
from the embarrassment he experienced in describing some of the subjects
in the present Fasciculus, of which specimens only had been received, and
where the change produced by the spirits, left the colour, in a great measure,
to be decided by conjecture. To the Naturalist accustomed to specific cha-
racters reckoned less inconstant, a minute description of colour may be less
requisite; but in common use, it will ever remain a material circumstance.
In some hundreds of living Serpents which I had occasion to examine in
India, the colour in individuals of the same species was found to vary less
than the number of scuta or squamae; and seemed to be less influenced by
size, age, or situation, than I had been taught to expect: the tints were
more or less vivid; the skin more or less glossy; but fillets, rings, and,
in their general form, even spots, were found to maintain a characteristic
similarity.

On a presumption, that having it sooner known in India what specimens
had been received, might prove an encouragement for new contributions, the
publishing in Fasciculi has been adopted, in preference to waiting till a
number of specimens sufficient for a complete volume should be collected.
But the promiscuous arrangement of the subjects of different genera, unavoid-
able in that mode of publication, will require a systematical index; in which
also the Serpents of the Coromandel Collection are intended to be included :
with as many of the native synonima of the whole, as can be procured. It
is for this reason requested, where any of the subjects in the above collec-
tion, or in the published Fasciculi, happen to be met with under different
names, that the new name may be transmitted for insertion in the projected
index.

PREFACE.

y

Besides die Serpents exhibited in the present Fasciculus, several have
lately arrived from Bombay and Madras, and intelligence of several others
has been received from sundry places, which may be expected in due time.
A second Fasciculus may probably, therefore, appear early next year.

Where a specimen comes accompanied with a description and drawing,
the Editor’s duty will be restricted merely to correcting the press: nor will
more be required for such facts or experiments as may be communicated in a
form for immediate publication. In regard to medical cases of persons bitten,
if related at length, it is proposed that brief mention of them should only be
made in the Fasciculi; reserving the detail for an Appendix, where they can
be arranged more advantageously for comparison with similar cases already
collected. Of this kind, which justly deserve to be preserved, several have
lately appeared in the India Newspapers, and in the printed correspondence
of the Physician-General at Madras.

A description of the poisonous apparatus in Serpents, as also the result of
some experiments made in India on their poison, may be found in the Coro-
mandel Collection ; and, to avoid repetition, the Editor takes the liberty of
referring for other preliminary matters, to the Preface of that work, which is
equally adapted to the present Continuation.

To conclude : it is with singular satisfaction he has remarked the subject
of Serpents, within these last three years, to have been revived in India;
and, from the abilities of many Gentlemen at present in that country, he
is disposed to indulge strong hopes that the favourable opportunity now
offered by the Court of Directors, will not be allowed to pass away unre-
garded ; that inquiries will continue to be prosecuted with spirit ; and that
a too long neglected branch of Indian Natural History may soon, by united
exertions, be highly improved: an event no less interesting to other tropical
climates, than to the territories of the East India Company.

London, August 2,0th, 1801 .

- . .

-

.

.

m : / ;■ , ' ' Mf ■

'■ a - . . • - ■ ■ „

'/v.M '

■ * ' ^

•-

: ' • - ' ' 1 • - - -

4

-

'

» ...

.

-• . " , -

i

*

-

■i

‘

.

• •

■

••

INDIAN SERPENTS.

No. I.

COLUBER.

Abdominal Scuta 185
Sub-caudal Squama 59
Coluber Naja , Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 3 82 .

The hooded snake, or Cobra de Capello, of the East Indies, generally reputed the most
dangerous of the serpent tribe in that country, has of late been so amply treated of, in
the Account of Coromandel Serpents, that referring to that work for a description of the
Cobra, as also for the result of various experiments on its poison, it may be sufficient
at present to offer some remarks of another kind, omitted before, on account chiefly of
the want of an explanatory drawing, which my painter in India, (a native,) attempted
unsuccessfully to execute.

The figure now presented is a sketch from life, by an English artist in Bengal, and
exhibits the Cobra preparing for combat: his head and neck erected in a curve,
resembling a swan’s neck, are firmly supported by the convolutions of part of the trunk
and the tail, while the hood is partially, not fully, expanded.

The gentleman to whom I am obliged for the drawing,* favoured me at the same
time with the following remark.

“ When the Cobra de Capello has raised himself for combat, he makes a full inspi-
ration, by which the whole body being inflated, the scales are separated from each
other,- and the interstitial skin becomes visible from the head to the tail, but less and
less in approaching the vent. On the succeding expiration, the body collapsing, the
interstitial skin is no more visible, except on the hood and upper part of the trunk.
In this manner, as the animal breathes, the body alternately swells and shrinks, but
the hood and the neck remain expanded.”

It may be further remarked, when the hood is expanded, the neck bent, and the nose
pointing directly foreward, that no part of the head is visible to a spectator placed
exactly behind : yet the head is not properly hooded, or concealed by the hood, and
the scales in front, are not so much separated as on the back of the hood, which is
somewhat convex.

* Mr. Alexander Russell of Bengal, a former contributor to the Coromandel Collection, and to whom acknowledg-
ment is due for all the specimens contained in the present Fasciculus.

PART II.

2

DESCRIPTION OF

In the exhibition of serpents, by way of show, by strollers in India who travel
round the country, the Cobra de Capello makes a conspicuous figure, and, so far as I
know, is the only serpent they pretend to charm by music. It is indeed the only
venomous serpent I ever remarked in their collections, though sometimes consisting of
more than a dozen of different species.

These itinerants are usually provided with pretended antidotes against poison, which
they vend to the spectators ; and, in proof of their boasted efficacy, will allow themselves
to be bitten : but in such case, the fangs of the Cobra have commonly been eradicated,
and where blood is drawn, the wound has been made by the common teeth, or
holders.

The showman, placed on the ground, sits squatted on his hams, holding a reeden
pipe in his left hand, which he begins to sound as soon as he has taken off the cover of
the round flat basket, in which the serpent lies coiled up. At the sound of the pipe, or
when less alert, excited by the touch of a small rod, the Cobra raising his head, assumes
by degrees the attitude in which he is represented in the Plate. Sometimes he is
shaken out of the basket, which makes no difference in his subsequent movements.

The serpent being erect, the showman commences what is called the dance, by a
slow movement of his body sidewise to right and left alternately ; varying the measure
to the cadence of his music, and sometimes rising and sinking on his hams. The
serpent, with eyes intently fixed on its master, imitates his gestures, but watches
particularly his right hand, which, shielded by the lid of the basket, or sometimes
naked and clinched, is now and then advanced in a hostile manner, to provoke the
serpent to snap. The movements of the serpent are not devoid of grace, and afford
some amusement ; but being unable to sustain the exercise beyond a short time, it
becomes necessary, when the exhibition is prolonged, to produce a fresh performer.

It need hardly be remarked, that the music of the pipe has no influence on a Cobra
in its wild state. He is trained for exhibition by a course of severe discipline, of which
a circumstantial account has long since been given by Kempfer.*

That bad accidents from the bite of the mutilated snakes commonly exhibited to
the public, should not be oftener heard of, has been remarked on another occasion,
as surprising.* But, though rare, they sometimes happen, and may easily be
accounted for.

In the Account of Coromandel Serpents, more than a score of the hooded snakes,
under different appellations, are mentioned as having been examined without discover-
ing any specific character of distinction, or difference in the malignity of their poison.
Since my return, however, from India, I have heard of a small Cobra de Capello, found
in the vicinity of Benares, which seems, from the description, to be specifically
different from any known on the coast of Coromandel ; but a specimen being expected,
a further account is reserved for a future occasion.

* Amoenitates Exotics, p. 5 69.

t Account of Coromandel Serpents, p. 8S.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

3

OBSERVATIONS.

I have before had occasion to remark, that the natives on the coast of Coromandel,
distinguish a number of varieties of the Cobra de Capello, by different names ; but that
I had found the distinctive characters extremely vague.*

The mark in the hood of the Coromandel Coodum Nagoo, is indeed very different from
that of the others ; but slight variations, both in shape and colour, are met with in all
of them.

The hood of the Sankoo Nagoo is plain, without any mark. From the specimen
now in the Museum of the late Mr. John Hunter, it appears that Seba was mistaken
in conceiving the want of the spectacle-mark to be a specific character of the female
serpent.t I am led to repeat this remark on observing that the mistake of Seba
has been adopted by the Count de la Cepede in his Continuation of Buffon’s Natural
History.J

Laurentius has made it a distinct species, calling it Naja non Naja.

In Gmelin’s edition of Linnaeus, the three following varieties of the Coluber Naja
are adopted from Laurentius, and references made to the figures in Seba’s Thesaurus.

1 Naja fasciata Seba Thes. Vol. II. Tab. 89. f. 3.

2 Naja Siamensis, ib. f. 1,2.

3 Naja Maculata ib. Tab. 90. f. 2.

The Naja Brasiliensis of Laurentius, Seba, p. 96. Tab. 80, f. 4, is, by Gmelin, made
a new species under the name Rufus.

The figure on the hood of that serpent, is certainly different from the others ; but if
sufficient to constitute a distinct species, would not the Coromandel Coodum Nagoo
have the like pretension ?

The two hooded snakes in Seba, the one from Peru, Thes. Vol. II. Tab. 8 5. f. 1, the
other from New Spain, Tab. 97. f. 4, are treated of separately by Cepede, on a suppo-
sition that the skin of the neck was not (as in the other species) capable of expansion.
But this can hardly be inferred from the words of Seba, “ non huic majus ac cuicunque
vulgari serpente tumet collum.” Which may be equally said of all hooded snakes, when
their necks are in a collapsed state.

As to the Cobra from Peru, in Seba, Tab, 85. f. I, a more particular description is
found in Gronovius.§ It has 193 Scuta, and 62 Squama? ; and I should think there is
no ground for suspecting it differs materially from the Cobra de Capello of the East
Indies. The same may be said of Seba’s serpent from New Spain, Tab. 9 7. f. 4 : by
the way, the description of the mark on the hood of that serpent, (p. 103,) by no means
agrees with the figure referred to.

It appears upon the whole, that the hooded snake is a native of the new, as well as
of the old continent.

* Account of Coromandel Serpents, p. 7. t Ibid. p. 9 .

| Histoire Naturelle des Serpens, Tome II. p. S9. Paris 17 8 9. $ Zoophylacium, p, 20 . No. 96.

4

DESCRIPTION OF

No. II.

COLUBER.

Abdominal Scuta 209
Sub-caudal Squama 129
Called by the natives, Kalla Jin.

The head broader than the neck, depressed, thin, ovate. The principal laminae
twelve in number. The one in front trigonal, somewhat emarginate ; the pair between
the nostrils, orbicular ; the next pair square, and larger ; the central lamina between
the eyes, small, trigonal, with a singular cordate appendage ; the lateral laminas
large, oblong-ovate ; the posterior pair semicordate with a pretty large lamina on
each side.

The mouth large. The lower jaw a little shorter than the upper. A double row of
palatal teeth, and a marginal row, above ; no fangs: the under teeth as usual.

The eyes lateral, nearer the rostrum than the angles of the mouth, large, oval. The
nostrils lateral, very near the point of the rostrum.

The trunk. The neck small, round ; the back convex, the sides towards the scuta
compressed, the abdomen flat. The tail tapers to a very small, sharp, point. The
scales ovate, smooth, imbricate : but those next the scuta, are larger and somewhat
angular.

The entire length of the subject two feet ten inches, of the tail nine inches ; circum-
ference of the neck eleven lines, of the body one inch and a half.

The colour. This animal is singularly and beautifully speckled. The orange colour
marks on the upper part of the polished black head, give it a resemblance to some
species of beetle. Along the ridge of the back, from the neck to the end of the tail,
is a row of orange yellow, crucial, spots, with oblique rows of short, straw-colour lines
on each side. The ground colour is black. The scuta are of a yellowish white, with
a black dot on each side of the margins.

OBSERVATIONS.

Allowance must be made in the colour, for change produced by the spirits ; the
specimen not being accompanied with a drawing.

In the second Volume of Seba’s Museum, this serpent seems to be described in two
places. In p. 7. Tab. 7, under the name of Ibiboboca, from Brasile ; and in p. 60,
Tab. 61. “ Serpens Ceilanica pomposa veste ornata.”

INDIAN SERPENTS.

5

No. III.

COLUBER.

Abdominal Scuta 151
Sub-caudal Squama 93
Called by the natives Dooblee.

The head , a little broader than the neck, oblong-ovate, compressed. The two
anterior laminae between the nostrils trigonal ; the next pair square, rounded behind ;
the middle lamina between the eyes lanceolate, those on the sides conical, convex ;
the semi-cordate lamina well shaped, large.

The mouth proportionally large. A marginal row of teeth above ; no fangs.

The eyes large, orbicular. The nostrils small, very near to the point of the rostrum.

The trunk round, well shaped. The tail tapering, becomes very slender, and ter-
minates in a long, sharp point. The scales, on the back ovate, carinate, on other parts
smooth.

The length thirteen inches ; of the tail, four inches.

The colour of the head light brown ; the trunk freckled with dusky yellowish spots ;
the scuta a yellowish white, and most of them with black margins.

No. IV.

COLUBER.

Abdominal Scuta 154
Sub-caudal Squama 6 7
Called by the natives Chittee.

The head oblong-ovate, hardly broader than the neck, obtuse, flattish on the crown,
compressed on the sides. A single triangular lamina between the nostrils ; the next
pair orbicular, the middle lamina between the eyes broad, shield-form, the lateral conical
and slightly convex ; the semicordate pair sub-truncate, with an oblong lamina on each
side.

The mouth middle size. A marginal row of teeth in the upper jaw ; no fangs.

The eyes large, lateral, sub-oval. The nostrils small, on the edge of the rostrum.

The trunk. The neck and body round, swells towards the middle, and, as usual,
gradually diminishes towards the anus ; but the tail tapering rapidly, ends in a sharp
point.

The scales smooth, ovate.

The length of the subject one foot seven inches ; of the tail three inches, and three-
fourths.

PART II.

6

DESCRIPTION OF

The colour. The crown of the head, and upper parts of the body, appear uniformly
of a bluish clay colour ; the belly of a tawny buff.

No. V.

COLUBER.

Abdominal Scuta 135
Sub-caudal Squama 73
Called by the natives Dora.

The head a little broader than the neck ; oblong, obtuse, compressed on the sides.
The laminas between the nostrils small, conical, the next pair orbicular ; the middle
lamina between the eyes oblong, acuminate, the lateral sub-conical, convex ; the semi-
cordate pair well shaped, rather large.

The mouth moderate size; a marginal row of teeth above; no fangs. Two front
teeth in the lower jaw remarkably large.

The eyes small, globular. The nostrils close to the rostrum, small.

The trunk. The body round, regularly shaped ; the tail rather thick, tapering to a
sharp point. The scales ovate ; on the back, in several series carinate, on other parts
smooth.

The length of the subject described two feet two inches; of the tail seven inches
and a half. Circumference of the neck, one inch and a half; of the thickest part of the
trunk two inches and a half.

The colour. The head of a clay colour ; the body much darker, and variegated with
dusky-yellowish spots. The scuta and squamae a yellowish- white.

No. VI.
ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 323
Squama Sub-caudales 46
Called by the natives Kerril pattee.

The head very small, oblong, obtuse, slightly convex on the crown, flattish on the
sides. The principal laminae ten in number. The first, in front, trigonal, the point
inserted between the next pair, which are oblong, square, and perforated by the
nostrils ; next to these a sub-orbicular pair ; the central lamina of three between the

INDIAN SERPENTS.

7

eyes, orbicular with a sharp point ; those on the sides oblong ; the posterior pair rudely
semicordate, and deeply divided at the base by the point of the central lamina.

The mouth wide, the jaws of equal length. One, or more, very minute fangs are
found on each side of the upper jaw, situated in the usual place. There are no marginal
teeth ; and the palatal, as well as the teeth in the under jaw, are remarkably small.

The eyes lateral. The nostrils almost vertical, round.

The trunk. The neck slender, hardly broader than the head, round, long ; the back
rounded, the sides declivous, the belly carinated ; the trunk grows gradually thicker,
till near the anus, where it diminishes a little. The tail short, flat, round pointed, the
edges very thin. The scales imbricate, oval on the upper part of the neck, and smooth ;
on other parts carinate; on the back ovate, on the sides and belly orbicular : the abdo-
minal and subcaudal scales inconsiderably larger than the others.

The length three feet four inches ; of the tail four inches and a quarter. Circum-
ference of the head one inch three lines ; of the neck one inch and a half ; of the
thickest part of the body three inches three-fourths ; two inches from the vent, two
inches one-third.

The colour , olive green above, yellow beneath, with 5 8 black, or dark-blue bands on
the trunk, and nine on the tail. These bands completely encircle the body, but are
broadest on the ridge of the back, narrowing towards the belly.

OBSERVATIONS.

A fowl bitten in the thigh, very soon became disordered ; it drooped its head, and
within a minute and a half showed other signs of infection ; at the end of five minutes,
it was seized with convulsions, and in two minutes more expired : that is, in seven
minutes after the bite.

This Anguis, and the four which immediately follow, were brought to Calcutta from
the salt water rivers which intersect that part of Bengal called the Sunderbunds.

They were observed to be very alert and nimble while in water, but moved slowly
on dry ground. Those who brought them, appeared ignorant of their being venomous.
They said they were found only in salt water ; that they soon die, when taken out of
the water ; and even in fresh water can survive but a short time: they added, probably
with a view of enhancing the price, that they were very rare.

I must remark here, that all the specimens in spirits from Calcutta, being carefully
put up, were received in good preservation, and four of them were accompanied with
coloured drawings.

8

DESCRIPTION OF

No. VII.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 335
Squama Subcaudales 40
Called by the natives Shootur sun.

The head hardly thicker than the neck, extremely small, oblong, flattish on the
crown and sides, obtuse. The larger laminae twelve in number. One in front trigonal,
convex, the pair next behind, oblong square, and perforated by the nostrils, the next
pair orbicular ; the central lamina between the eyes broad, pentagonal ; the lateral,
small, roundish ; the semicordate pair long, with a thin lamina near the point, on each
side.

The mouth large; the jaws of equal length. A small fang was found in the upper
jaw, on each side, with three common teeth immediately behind them, disposed rather
obliquely, in respect to the palatal rows. The rest of the teeth very minute, curve,
reflex.

The eyes orbicular. The nostrils nearly vertical.

The trunk. The neck extremely small, long, round ; the body disproportionately
thick, the sides declivous, the belly carinate. The tail flat, somewhat curve, round
pointed. The scales carinate, imbricate ; ovate on the back, on other parts orbicular,
those on the carina of the belly not larger than the others.

The length three feet eleven inches ; of the tail four inches and a half; of the head,
three fourths of an inch. Circumference of the head, one inch ; of the trunk, where
thickest, (in its collapsed state) four inches three-quarters.

The colour , a dark blue, intermixed with green. The neck crossed with bands of
greenish yellow ; and broader bands of the same colour across the sides and the tail.

OBSERVATIONS.

In the dimensions of this and the other subjects, allowance must be made for the
change produced by the spirits.

A small specimen, measuring in length, one foot two inches one-fourth accompanied
the large one. It was in every respect completely formed, and coloured like the mother ;
and one of nine which Mr. Russell found on opening her belly, each contained in a
distinct egg.

The common teeth behind the fangs, in this and the three following subjects, is a
very remarkable circumstance. The only instance I have ever met with of a similar
anomaly in the teeth, was in the Boa, No. III. of the Coromandel Collection.*

* P. 3 . The position of the teeth is'distinctly shown in the Anatomical Plate, No. XLV. of that work.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

9

No. VIII.

ANGUIS.

Squamce Abdominales 33 8
Squamce Subcaudales 4 8
Called by the Natives Kalla Shootur Sun.

The head small, a little broader than the neck, ovate, flattish on the crown and the
sides. The front lamina trigonal; the pair perforated by the nostrils oblong, large;
the next pair smaller, sub-orbicular ; the central lamina between the eyes, short,
resembling the point of a lancet ; the lateral oval ; the semicordate pair narrow, deeply
cleft at the base, and several laminae on each side.

The mouth wide ; the under jaw somewhat shorter than the upper. There is a
small fang on each side of the upper jaw, behind each of which, in a line more parallel
to the palatal rows than in the preceding subject, are three common holders. The
rest of the teeth are curve, as usual, but very small.

The eyes high, small, orbicular. The nostrils nearly vertical, large.

The trunk. The neck slender, round, swelling gradually into the body, which is
rounder, and more proportionally shaped than any of the angues described in the
present fasciculus ; the back convex, the sides declivous, the belly carinated. The tail
more curve and obtuse, than in the others, and much thicker in the middle, but the
margins thin, as in them. Most of the scales carinated ; on the neck oval, on other
parts ovate, or orbicular, all imbricated : those on the belly not bigger than the
rest.

The length, three feet eleven ; of the tail, five inches and a half ; of the head, three-
fourths of an inch. Circumference of the head, one inch.

The colour. The neck a bluish black, with yellow bands ; the back likewise of a
bluish black, but some shades lighter ; the sides and belly, yellow, encircled by faint
darkish bands, to the end of the tail.

REMARKS.

No drawing accompanied the specimen of this serpent, and allowance should be
made for alteration of colour produced by the spirits.

PART II.

10

DESCRIPTION OF

No. IX.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abclominales 308
Squama Subcaudales 4 8
Called by the natives, Chittul.

The head small, in proportion to the length of the animal, hardly broader than the
neck, oblong, roundish, obtuse. The front lamina trigonal ; the first pair oblong-
square, large, and perforated by the nostrils ; the next pair sub-orbicular ; the central
lamina between the eyes lancet-form ; the lateral sub-oval ; the semicordate pair ill
shaped, with some large scales on the sides.

The mouth small for the size of the subject. There are small fangs in the upper jaw,
and behind them are four common holders, placed, as in the preceding, less obliquely
than in No. VII.* The teeth are very slender and short.

The eyes high, small, orbicular. The nostrils on the verge of the declivity of the
obtuse rostrum.

The trunk. The neck round, nearly of equal thickness ; the body more round than in
any of the preceding angues, till within ten inches of the anus, when, as in them, it
becomes compressed ; the belly is not carinated till near the tail. The tail flat, but
shorter and less curve than in the others. The scales small, smooth, imbricate ; orbi-
cular on the sides, on other parts ovate ; but those on the belly are orbicular with
ciliated margins, and, in comparison with the other angues, much larger in size.

The length five feet ; of the tail five inches ; of the head one inch and a half.
Circumference of the head two inches and a quarter ; of the neck one inch and a half ;
of the trunk, where thickest, four inches and a half.

The colour , blue, with circular bands of yellowish white.

OBSERVATIONS.

A fowl bitten in the thigh by this serpent, expired in eight minutes.

* Vide p. s.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

l I

No. X.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominal es 306
Squama Subcaudales 52
Called by the natives Hoogli pattee.

The head oblong, obtuse, bulges behind, and thicker than the neck. The front
lamina small, but trigonal as usual ; the next pair, perforated by the nostrils, oblong,
remarkably large ; the pair immediately behind similar in shape, but placed obliquely,
and receiving between them the point of the middle oval lamina, of the three between
the eyes ; the lateral sub-lunate ; in the centre of the semicordate laminae, there is an
uncommon oval one divided longitudinally, which, having been observed in several
subjects, would appear to be not accidental.

The mouth, proportionally large. In the upper jaw, on each side, there is a small
poison fang, behind which, placed obliquely (as in No. VII.*) are two or three common
teeth. The palatal rows, and the teeth in the under jaw are small.

The eyes oval. The nostrils gaping.

The trunk. The neck roundish ; the back rounded ; the sides declivous, compressed ;
the belly carinate. The tail flat, curve, round pointed, the edges very thin. The scales
ovate ; on the back carinated and imbricate ; on the sides smooth, orbicular, contiguous,
on the carina of the belly smooth, small, ovate, imbricate.

The length, three feet and half an inch ; of the tail five inches ; of the head one inch
two lines. Circumference of the head one inch eight lines.

The colour of the head, back, and tail, blue ; the sides and belly pale buff.

OBSERVATIONS.

A fowl bitten in the thigh, by this reptile, expired in five minutes.

* Vide p. s.

< i

■

■

■

-

.

'•

■ '

.

■

'

-

• \ , -

.

-

■

-

r

■

' ' . ' -

■

-

INDIAN SERPENTS.

13

No. XI.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales SIS'!

1-363

Squama Subcaudales 4 5 J
Called by the Natives Valakadyen.

The head oblong, compressed, equally thick with the neck behind, but contracting
as it projects into the obtuse rostrum. The front lamina (usually trigonal) is here
round ; the pair immediately behind large, pyramidal, perforated by the nostrils ; the
next pair nearly of the same shape, placed obliquely between the eyes and the nostrils ;
the central lamina of the three between the eyes, small, round ; the lateral broad ;
the semicordate pair well shaped on one side, on the other lacerated : the occiput
covered with small orbicular scales, each having a raised point in the centre.

The mouth wide ; without fangs ; the teeth above and below extremely small. The
eyes small, orbicular, high, lateral. The nostrils vertical, ringent.

The trunk cylindrical, of equal thickness throughout, or swelling a little at the
middle. The tail short, double-edged, sword-form. The scales small, orbicular,
hexagonal or oval ; in most parts rather contiguous than imbricated ; each scale has a
small raised point in the middle.

The length three feet three inches, of which the tail claims four inches and a half.

The colour. The head and trunk above, a bluish gray ; the abdomen yellow ; the
whole of the tail of the same colour with the head.

Received from Tranquebar.

OBSERVATIONS.

Though this serpent has no venomous organs, its bite is represented by the natives
as infallibly mortal, if proper remedies are not instantly applied.

The present, and the two subjects immediately following, as well as the last five
subjects in the First Part of the present Collection, properly belong to the new genus
Hydrus, some years ago instituted by Mr. Schneider," and adopted by late naturalists.
I have, however, though approving of the new genus, adhered to the Linnean classi-
fication, for the sake of uniformity ; reserving the alteration for an intended classical
index.

The genus Hydrus is thus defined by Mr. Schneider, “ Corpus anterius gracile,
“ sensim crassescens, squamosum. Cauda anceps. Body slender in front, gradually
“ thickening, squamous. Tail (compressed) two-edged.”

* Schneider, Amphib. Jena, 1799 .

PART II.

14

DESCRIPTION OF

To this definition the several subjects alluded to above agree in general ; but I do
not comprehend how the serpents No. XVII. XX. XXX. and XXXIII. of the
Coromandel Collection, came to be placed by Mr. Schneider in the genus Hydrus ;
seeing all the four want the characteristic tail, and none of them possess the general
habitus. In regard to two of them, No. XX and XXXIII, Dr. Shaw expresses his
opinion that they are not very properly stationed in that genus."

No. XII.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 228
Squama Subcaudales 3 8
Called by the natives Shiddil.

The head not thicker than the neck, small, short-ovate. The first pair of lamina
square, rounded at the corners, and perforated by the nostrils ; the next pair small
round ; the centre lamina between the eyes oval ; the lateral cordate ; on each side of
the semicordate laminae are several large scales.

The mouth narrow, the jaws of equal length. There are no fangs ; the teeth very
small. The eyes high and globular. The nostrils large, nearly vertical.

The trunk cylindrical to near the tail, where it becomes slightly compressed. The
tail short, flat, and curve. The scales on the occiput and part of the neck, smooth, on
the body carinated, and being arranged lozen-wise the carina present as many parallel
ridges on the trunk and the tail as there are rows of scales. There is little difference
in point of size, of the middle abdominal scales and those on other parts.

The length one foot and a half, including the tail, which measures only two inches.

The colour buff, with broad rings of black, or dark blue, from the neck to the tip of
the tail, which is black. Between the rings on the back, but not on the abdomen, faint
darkish spots are interspersed.

OBSERVATIONS.

This serpent was also received from Tranquebar, and its bite is held by the natives
to be dangerous though not mortal. It produces, as they pretend, a burning heat ovei
the whole body. It certainly has no venomous apparatus.

* Zool: Vol. Ill; p. 569 , 57 0 .

INDIAN SERPENTS.

15

No. XIII.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominal es 244
Squama Subcaudales 34
Called by the natives, Kadell JVagam.

The head very small, hardly thicker than the neck, oblong, cylindrical ; the fore
part covered with laminae, the rest with small, orbicular, contiguous scales. The front
lamina round, with a sharp point inserted between the first pair, which are perforated
by the nostrils ; the next pair small, round ; the three laminae between the eyes nearly
of a size, the middle one ovate, accuminated ; the semicordate pair narrow with a
broad scale on each side at the point.

The mouth small, the upper jaw longer than the under. There are no fangs. The
teeth minute. The eyes globular, and very small. The nostrils vertical.

The trunk. The neck enormously slender and long, covered above with small
orbicular scales ; but underneath there is a series of about forty or fifty scales somewhat
larger ; those which succeed are of the same size with the other scales. From the
long neck, the body swells and lessens proportionably, but is more compressed as it
approaches the tail, which is short, flat, and two edged.

The length two feet nine inches of which three inches belong to the tail.

The colour light blue, with cross yellow bands, more especially on the neck and
the tail ; the belly of a lighter yellow, with faint blue bands.

Received from Tranquebar.

OBSERVATIONS.

The bite of this serpent is reputed by the natives to be not less dangerous than that
of the Cobra de Capello ; but the absence of poisonous organs sufficiently shows the
notion to be a popular error.

It is remarked by the Rev. Mr. John, to whom I am obliged for the present and
the two preceding specimens, that he never found a land, a river, or a tank snake with
a flat tail. Such as are sometimes found in rivers, have been brought in by the tide,
and can live only a short while out of salt water. He remarks further, that it is very
difficult to procure sea snakes ; for though often caught in the nets, they are held in
such dread by the fishermen that hardly any inducement can procure their preser-
vation : they are first bruised on the head with a billet, and then returned into the
water. The Moolagoo Pam (T alia Pam, No XLIV. Corom. Serp.) he says, is often
cast on shore by the surf, but rarely any other of the flat tailed snakes.

16

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XIV.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 144
Squama Subcaudales 85
Called by the natives at Bombay, Ourdia.

at Calcutta, Dora.

The head oblong-ovate, somewhat thicker than the neck, and compressed towards
the nose, the fore part covered by nine laminae. The first pair separating the nostrils
small, pyramidal ; the next large, square, rounded behind ; the central lamina
between the eyes long, and rather narrow, those on the side conical, convex ; the
semicordate pair ample, with several large, smooth scales, on each side. The occiput
covered with small orbicular scales.

The mouth proportionably small ; there are no fangs ; the marginal row above, as
well as all the other teeth, remarkably short. The eyes globular. The nostrils very

small.

The trunk swells and diminishes moderately ; but the tail tapers to a fine point. The
scales on the neck and on part of the tail smooth ; on the back and sides ovate and
carinated; a row of broader, smooth scales, next to the scuta.

The length three feet seven inches ; of which the tail measures eleven inches.

The colour of the head light chesnut ; from each orbit proceed two remarkable
bluish-black streaks, of unequal length ; the shorter descends obliquely to the mouth
the other creeping obliquely along the cheek and the occiput, makes a turn upward to
be united with a spot of the same colour on the neck. The back and the sides are also
of a bluish-black colour, with dusky-yellow patches every where interspersed. The
belly and underpart of the tail are of a yellowish white.

OBSERVATIONS.

The subject described was received from Bombay. Specimens of various sizes
have been since received from the same place, as well as from sundry other parts, but
without the country names. They varied in colour, being more or less dark, and in
the spots being more or less yellow or white ; but the streaks from each orbit were
conspicuous in all of them.

It would seem that this species is common. In the different stages of its growth, as
well as at different places, it has obtained distinct names ; circumstances in which it is
not singular : but the variation in colour in young and old subjects is rather more than
usual ; for which reason I have in the following plate given the figures of two of
smaller size.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

17

No. XV.

COLUBER A.

Scuta Abdominalia 146
Squama Subcaudales 82
Called by the natives at Tranquebar, JVeer Pamboo.

at Calcutta, Dooblee.
at Bombay,

The length one foot two inches and a half, of which the tail measures three inches
three-fourths.

The colour a dusky lead, with numerous black dots on the back and the sides. The
abdomen and under part of the tail white.

COLUBER B.

Scuta Abdominalia 143
Squama Subcaudales 83
Called by the natives at Tranquebar, JVeer Pamboo.

at Bombay,

The length one foot two inches, of which the tail measures three inches four lines.

The colour here is less dark, and more spots of dusky yellow are interspersed than
in the last subject. Besides the two black lines from each orbit, two specks on the
semicordate laminae are found in both the above subjects, as in all of the same size
which I have seen ; but not always in larger subjects.

It were superfluous to enter into a more detailed description, after that given of the
Ourdia, to which species both certainly belong.

OBSERVATIONS.

Under the name Neer Pamboo, two other serpents, very different from the Ourdia ,
have been received from Tranquebar.

The one, the Karoo Bokadam , No. XVII. Coromandel Serpents.

The other Ghittee. Continuation of Indian Serpents, No. IV.

PART II.

18

DESCRIPTION OF

The tail, in this species, would seem to be peculiarly liable to injury. In subjects of
a foot in length, it is hardly at the tip thicker than a hair ; and in a dozen of specimens
of various sizes, the tail was generally found not entire : a circumstance I the rather
notice, as it may obviate error in reckoning the subcaudal squamae.

No. XVI.

BOA.

Scuta Abdominalia 189

Scuta Subcaudalia 1 8 >

Squama Subcaudales

Boa Johnii.

Called by the natives Erutaley JVagam.

The head small, round; short, obtuse ; covered with small, round, contiguous scales,
except on the declivous front, where three pair of small laminae may be remarked.
The first thick and trigonal ; the next between the nostrils square ; the third pair
oblong, and placed obliquely ; the common scales between the eyes a little bigger than
those on the crown and the occiput.

The mouth small and narrow, the upper jaw projecting beyond the under. There
are no fangs ; the teeth above slender and short, but in front of the under jaw somewhat
longer. The eyes small, globular, placed near the crown. The nostrils high, separated
by the second pair of laminae.

The trunk round, for the most part nearly of equal thickness, or swelling a little till
within three inches of the vent, where it is thickest, but soon resumes its former size,
which it maintains, hardly tapering, to the end of the tail. The obtuse point of the tail
resembles the head, and in point of thickness sometimes exceeds it. The scales mostly
small, orbicular, smooth, in some places contiguous, mostly imbricated. On each side
of the scuta, there is a double row of scales, larger than the dorsal. 1 he scuta broad,
and with little diminution in size, are continued on the short tail till within an inch
of the point, where they are succeeded by ordinary round scales.

The length two feet six inches ; of which three inches belong to the tail.

The colour. The head, back, and upper part of the tail of an uniform darkish brown;
the abdomen of a much paler brown, with more of a reddish cast.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

19

OBSERVATIONS.

The figure was drawn exactly from the specimen received ; but from the stricture
and distortion of the subcaudal squamte, where the scuta terminate, I was led to suspect
that the nipple-form end of the tail was an accidental deformity. The suspicion has
since been confirmed by two different drawings made in India, and I choose therefore
to refer to No. XVII. (a small specimen of the same species) for a more correct repre-
sentation of the tail, which from the resemblance of its point to the head, has obtained
for the serpent the name of double-headed.

Captain Hardwick (lately arrived from Bengal), among many excellent drawings, has
got one of this serpent ; and his written description, in the number of subcaudal scuta,
agrees exactly with mine. In the small specimen, however, (No. XVII.) the scuta
amount to twenty-eight.

The specimen was received from the Rev. Mr. John, of Tranquebar ; but the serpent
is not uncommon in Bengal. In the former place, its bite is said to produce leprosy;
an effect often ascribed, by the natives, to many other serpents which have no poisonous
organs ; at the latter, it is with more justice deemed perfectly harmless.

Mr. John preserved one of three feet, for more than a twelvemonth, in an earthen
pot filled with earth, which was changed once a month. “ During the whole time, he
“ gave it no food ; and except that the thick tail was somewhat extenuated, the animal
“ suffered no apparent alteration. In its movements it was very slow ; it generally lay
“ coiled up sluggishly with its head under the belly, was not easily roused, and never
“ showed a disposition to bite.”

It may be remarked, that in the Linnean system, subcaudal squamae constitute a
generic character of Coluber, in like manner as subcaudal scuta do of Boa; “ but
“ in some few species of Colubri, exclusive of the usual subcaudal scales, are a few
“ scuta, or undivided lamellae, either at the beginning or towards the tip of the tail.”*
Of this anomaly, two instances (No. XXXIX. and XL.) occur in the Coromandel
collection.

The general habit of the present subject is that of Anguis ; but the unusual breadth
of the abdominal as well as subcaudal scuta, and the number of the latter in proportion
to the scales on the under surface of the tail, seem to exclude it from that genus. I have
therefore classed it with the Boae, and named it after the respectable missionary who
sent me the specimens, to whom I lie under obligation for many communications.

* Shaw’s Zool. Vol. III. p. 364.

20

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XVII.

BOA.

Scuta Abdominalia 1931
Scuta Subcaudalia 28 >

Squama Subcaudales

Called by the natives Manedulli Pamboo.

This small serpent, though distinguished by a different name, is merely a young
subject of the species last described.

The length nine inches four lines ; of which the tail claims one inch two lines.

The colour a coral red, with irregular black spots and patches on the sides, from the
neck to the end of the tail.

The present subject differs from the last in colour, in the number of subcaudal scuta,
and in the shape of the tail. In this last respect I consider the present figure more
correct, for reasons already assigned.

OBSERVATIONS.

The colour of the figure was copied from an Indian drawing coloured from life ; in
the preserved specimen it had faded to a dusky white ; while the spots on the back
and the tail, though changed to a pale brown, remained distinctly visible.

No. XVIII.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdomnalia 191
Squama Subcaudales 136
Called by the natives Sarey Pamboo.

The head thicker and broader than the neck, oblong, obtuse, flattened on the sides.
The first pair of laminae, which separate the nostrils, are round ; the next pair of the
same shape, but twice as large ; the three between the eyes, broad ; the semicordate
pair irregularly shaped, and truncate.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

21

The mouth wide. A complete marginal row of teeth above : no fangs. The eyes
large and globular. The nostrils ringent.

The trunk round, compressed, remarkably slender. The tail long, and tapers to a
very slender, round point.

The length one foot nine inches and a half, of which the tail claims five inches and
a half.

The colour. The head cinerious above, and the white cheeks remarkably streaked
with black ; the neck lead colour, striped with obscure, oblique, black and white lines ;
but from the middle of the body to the tip of the tail, the colour is more of a bluish
gray, and the black stripes more strongly marked. The scuta white, many of them
with black margins ; the subcaudal squamae are still more remarkably checkered black
and white.

OBSERVATIONS.

This serpent is not reputed dangerous by the natives ; they nevertheless assert that
its bite occasions blindness in persons aged above forty: which I consider as fabulous.

It was received from Tranquebar at the same time with the head of a large one of
the same species, which measured in all six feet. The large one was considered by
the Rev. Mr. John to be thejeri Potoo No. XXXIV. of the Coromandel Collection.

He remarks further, that it is often found in company with the Cobra de Capello ,
and that from the sharpness of its scales it sometimes does harm to the rice grounds.

If I am not mistaken, on a superficial view, small specimens of this serpent are not
rare in the English collections.

Where so remarkable a difference of colour between young and old subjects of the
same species occurs, as in the foregoing instances No. XV. A, B, XVII. and XVIII.
they come naturally to be regarded as distinct species, and different names are con-
ferred on them accordingly. Hence the number in lists of serpents procured from the
natives of India, far exceeds the number of existing species ; the same individual in
its progressive states obtaining distinct names, the species in consequence come to be
fallaciously multiplied.

But however properly the naturalist may, on examination, lessen the number of
species, by bringing classically together individuals before separated, yet, to all prac-
tical purposes in the country, it must ever be of material consequence (at least in respect
t.° poisonous serpents), to collect not only the provincial names, where different lan-
guages obtain, but also the local names in the same dialect applied to different stages of
the serpent’s growth : for the bite of venomous serpents of every age is always in some
degree noxious. The bite of a young Cobra de Capello, .though not more than nine
inches in length, has been known to prove fatal to a chicken in a few minutes.

PART II.

22

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XIX.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 271
Squama Subcaudales 24
Ataligato Seba Thes. V. ii. Tab. 7 7. fig. 6.

Called by the natives

The head small, not thicker than the neck, oblong, round, obtuse, the crown rather
flat. The laminae which separate the nostrils, triangular ; the next pair of a roundish
shape, and twice as large ; the shield-from lamina trigonal and proportionally large,
the lateral very small, forming one of several scales which border the orbit ; the semi-
cordate pair unusually large, and intersected by the point of the shield-form lamina.

The mouth narrow. A fang of moderate size on each side, but no marginal row of
teeth above. The eyes globular, and very small. The nostrils on the edge of the rostrum
large and open.

The trunk cylindrical, somewhat thicker than a swan quill ; a little thicker at the
middle, and from an inch and a half above the vent diminishes very gradually to the
tip of the short tail. The scales universally smooth, glistening, as if highly varnished.
Those on the neck suborbicular, and rather contiguous than imbricated: on the back
the scales are imbricated, and more of an ovate shape.

The length thirteen inches eight lines, of which the tail claims nearly one inch.

The colour chesnut : the scuta a dull yellow. A narrow, oblique, yellow streak from
each nostril, first edges the shield-form lamina, then runs united to the nap of the neck,
where it is crossed by a similar line from a yellow patch on each cheek. From the
junction of these yellow lines, a chain of white scales runs straight along the middle of
the back to the end of the tail, and a similar white thread runs along the side parallel
to one of a chesnut colour next to the scuta. The scuta are crossed at unequal distances
by narrow dark bands. The white and chesnut threads terminate at the vent ; and
there are no cross bands on the under part of the tail.

OBSERVATIONS.

I have hardly met with a venomous serpent of less suspicious external appearance
than the present subject. The head is covered with regular laminae, the scales are
smooth, close, and varnished, and its body variegated with elegant simplicity; at the
same time, it is so peculiarly marked as not to be easily mistaken.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

23

It was received from Java in 1801, without any accompanying history or country
name. It is indisputably noxious, though in what degree, or whether it grows to a larger
size, are circumstances remaining to be ascertained hereafter.

The description and figure of the Ataligato given by Seba suit the present subject so
exactly, as to admit little doubt of its being of the identical species. Seba indeed men-
tions it as a rare Mexican serpent ; * but several other serpents, besides the Cobra de
Capello, are found in the new as well as in the old Continent, or in their respective
islands.

It is thus described by Seba “ Pulcherrimus hie anguiculus squamis purpureis tenui-
“ bus per corpus supernum obsitus. Juxta dorsum protensas gerit tres albicantes
“ fasciolas. Venter albus annulis quasi nigris distinguitur. Perpusillum est ejus capi-
£t tulum ; et castera quoque longus et tenuis, rotundulus tamen et glaber conspicitur.”

No. XX.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 1041

P P 7 7 7 1241

Squama Subcaudales 7 7 J
Called by the natives in Java

at Vizagapatam, Boodro Pam.

The head broader than the neck, swelling out behind on each side, depressed in
front, and compressed on the sides of the obtuse rostrum. Close behind the trigonal
lamina, which separates the nostrils, a pair of small oval lamina? is placed obliquely;
the scales on the crown smooth, the rest of the head covered with small, orbicular,
carinated scales : a narrow lamina above each orbit excepted.

Between the nostril and the eye, on each side, but more on a line with the eye than
the nostril, an aperture is observable (similar to that found in the rattle snake) which is
larger and more ringent than the nostril.

The mouth large. No marginal row of teeth above ; but a long fang on each side,
and two remarkably long holders in front of the under jaw. The eyes large, globular.
The nostrils on the verge of the rostrum, very small.

The trunk round, slightly compressed ; the scales ovate, carinated, imbricate ; but two
rows next the scuta on each side larger than the others, hexangular, and smooth. The
slender round tail terminates in a fine sharp point.

The length one foot eleven inches, of which four inches five lines belong to the tail.

* Seba Thes. II. T. 7 7. f. 6.

24

DESCRIPTION OF

The colour of the upper half a dark green, which brightening towards the tail,
assumes a bluish cast ; the scuta are of a yellowish green, with a bright yellow fillet
on each side of the abdomen, continued down half the tail.

OBSERVATIONS.

This serpent was received from Java, An 1801, together with a large Bodroo Pam,
and several other serpents more common on the Coromandel coast.

The present subject seems merely a variety of the Bodroo Pam, No. IX. of the
Coromandel Collection ; from which it varies principally in the number of subcaudal
squamae, and in the sharp, fine point of the tail.

It was in describing this specimen that I discovered a material mistake committed
in my former description of the Bodroo Pam , in which the nostrils are represented as
“ wide and large, and situated near the eyes:”* while the real nostrils, situated near the
point of the nose, from their smallness in the recent subject, happened to escape my
notice.

This wide aperture near the eyes is similar to that found in the rattle snake, with
which I was not then acquainted ; and which I believe had not at that time been
remarked in any of the genus Coluber, except in the yellow snake of Martinico.

To the description of the Martinico serpent by Cepede, I owe my escape from a
second error, that of attributing double nostrils to the present subject ; and by his
remark on the singularity of the aperture, I was led, in conjunction with my friend
Mr. Everard Home, to an enquiry, of which the result has lately been communicated
to the Royal Society .+

No. XXI.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 150
Squama Suhcaudales 5 1
Called by the natives

The head cordate, considerably broader than the neck, depressed; the rostrum,
which is rather pointed than obtuse, compressed near the point. The anterior pair of
laminae small, trigonal ; the next, twice as large, but round ; the shield-form lamina
well shaped, the lateral truncate cones slightly convex ; the simicordate pair broad
and short : small, orbicular, contiguous scales cover the occiput.

* Coromandel Serpents, No. IX.

t Phil. Transact. 1804. Part I. p. 70.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

25

Between the rostrum and the eye, situated as in the Bodroo Pam, there is a ringent
aperture on each side, considerably larger than the nostril.

The mouth wide. The fangs visible one each side, remarkably long. No marginal
row above, and the palatal row, as well as the teeth in the under jaw, unusually small.
The eyes globular. The nostrils very small, placed at the base of the front lamina.

The trunk. From the head to the end of the tail carinated, the sides, which at first
are compressed, dilate as they approach the flat, or plain abdomen. The tail taper
rapidly to a small sharp point. The scales ovate, smooth, imbricate.

The length twelve inches and a half : the tail two inches two lines.

The colour. The upper part of the head brown, with a cineritious fillet on both
sides running obliquely from each orbit along the occiput. The general colour cine-
ritious, with many round or oval dark spots, of which thirty-three pair may be counted
from the hind head to the end of the tail : some of the spots have ragged edges, and each
pair nearly joins at the dorsal carina. The white abdomen is strewed with dusky dots
and short lines : and next to the scuta on each side there is a row of small, dusky,
round spots, which grow fainter and fainter as they approach the tail.

OBSERVATIONS.

This serpent also was received from Java, without name or memoranda relative to
its history.

It affords another instance of a venomous serpent with large laminae on the head,
and scales on the trunk not carinated. Of the former, Cepede had met with no example
except in the Coluber Naja. “Je n’ai vu que sur la tete du Naja les neuf grandes ecailles

qui garnissent celle de la plupart du Couleuvres ovipares et non venimeuses.” *
Considering the number of serpents Cepede examined, this remark deserves particular
notice. He afterwards, however, found a second instance in the Coluber Hemachate ; t
and Shaw gives a third in the Coluber Porphyriacus from New Holland. J

* Hist. Natur. V. II. Discours, p. 67, 88. + P. I15. j Zool. V. III. p. 423.

PART II.

26

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XXII.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 151
Squama Subcaudales 46
Called by the natives

The head big, thicker than the neck, ovate, slightly depressed, the rostrum com-
pressed on the sides, and the point turning up. Between the nose and shield-form
lamina, small, smooth, orbicular scales surround a pair of round laminae ; of the three
between the eyes the middle lamina is narrow, lance-shape ; the lateral broad and
convex ; the semicordate pair short : the occiput covered with smooth orbicular scales,
smaller than those in front.

The ringent aperture between the nostril and the eye is also found here, in the
same situation as in the two preceding subjects.

The mouth rather large. There are fangs on each side, of a size proportionably
large : no marginal teeth above, and the palatal teeth in the under jaw small. The
eyes oval, large. The nostrils , near the point of the reverted rostrum, very small.

The trunk. The neck slender ; the body towards the middle rather thick ; the back
carinated, the sides swelling to the abdomen, which is convex, not flat as in the last.
The tail terminates in a small horny point. The scales on the back carinated, but
smooth on other parts.

The length one foot two inches and a half, including the tail of two inches and a
half.

The colour. The upper part of the head dark brown, with a cineritious streak from
each orbit. The trunk of a lighter brown than the head, with cinerious and brown
oval spots on the back and sides. The belly yellowish, freckled with minute dots.
On each side of the fore part of the trunk, there is a row of small darkish spots next
the scuta.

OBSERVATIONS.

This serpent was received from India in 1 802 without country name, or the place
where it was found being specified.

It has more of the viper appearance than the last. The dorsal scales are carinated,
and the laminae on the head less regular than usual : yet, except on the rostrum, they
are more completely formed than commonly found in venomous serpents.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

27

“ Quelques serpens venimeux (says Cepede) ont quelquefois entre les yeux trois
£S ecailles nn peu plus grandes que celles du dos.”* This peculiarity, however, does
not apply to the laminae in the present subject.

In the observations on the Bodroo Pam (No. XX.), reference was made to a paper
lately published in the Philosophical Transactions, “ on the Orifices found in certain
st venomous Snakes situated between the nostril and the eye:” of which the three
subjects immediately preceding afford examples.

Similar orifices in the rattle snake had long since been described, and were sus-
pected of being the external organs of hearing ;t but were regarded as peculiar to the
Crotalus, and had not been found, so far as I know, in any of the other serpent tribe,
till discovered in the yellow snake of Martinico.

On a cursory inspection of several collections in London, these orifices were
found in three of the genus Boa ; and in eleven of the genus Coluber ; exclusively of
the Martinico snake, the Bodroo Pam, the two subjects last described, and two others
lately received from the West Indies. In all, three Bose, and fifteen or sixteen
Colubri.

Hitherto the orifices have only been found in venomous serpents ; but in none of
the genus Anguis.

It being intended, in a subsequent fasciculus, to give the figures explanatory of Mr.
Home’s anatomical investigation, it will be sufficient to remark here, his having
clearly ascertained that the orifice near the eye in these venomous serpents, has no
connexion whatever with the auditory organ.

No. XXIII.

%

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 3101

(-303

Squama Subcaudales 9 3 J
Called by the natives

The head small, short-ovate, obtuse, covered with nine laminae. The first pair
between the nostrils, rounded in front ; the next pair square and larger ; the middle
lamina between the eyes heart-shape, the lateral semilunate ; the semicordate pair long
and obtuse.

The mouth large ; the teeth small ; no fangs. The eyes large and globular. The
nostrils wide.

* Hist. Nat. V. II. Discours, p. 67.

+ Phil. Transact. Vol. XIII. p. 26.

28

DESCRIPTION OF

The trunk. The neck roundish, smaller than the head. The body much compressed,
and more slender near the vent than near the head. The tail tapers rapidly to a long,
small, horny point. The scales ovate, and smooth.

The length two feet three inches, of which five inches belong to the tail.

The colour. The head cineritious, with an oblique black fillet from each orbit ; and
a bifid blotch of the same colour on the crown : the cheeks streaked with black. The
trunk nearly of the colour of the head, with a row of distinct dark brown spots, round
or oval, on each side of the ridge of the back : on the tail, the spots run into each
other. The scuta are marked on their anterior edges, with four, or three, obsolete dusky
points.

OBSERVATIONS.

The specimen was received from Java, without country name, or description. Of
four different specimens examined, the variation in the number of scuta and squamae
was very inconsiderable: the colour and maculae were alike in all.

The present subject, in the compressed form of the trunk, in the colour and dispo-
sition of the dorsal spots, bears a strong resemblance to the serpent last described.

No. XXIV.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 209
Squama Subcaudales 160
Serpens viridis ore acuminato Aspidis species. Seba
Thes. V. ii. Tab. 5 7. fig. 4.

Col. Nasutus. Shaw Zool. V. iii. Part ii. p. 54 8.

Called by the natives

The head long, wedge-form ; the rostrum narrow, compressed, sharp, but not turned
up at the point as in the Coluber Mycterizans. The usual front lamina (which in other
serpents covers the point of the nose) extends internally on the mouth, and projects
externally a very little beyond the first pair of laminae. In the Coluber Mycterizans,
the front lamina though somewhat reverted interiorly, is elongated externally into a
slender blunt point which turns upwards and backwards : in other respects there is a
strong similitude. The first pair of laminae separating the nostrils, pyramidal, cut
obliquely at the base ; the next pair oblong, large, rounded behind ; the central lamina

INDIAN SERPENTS.

29

of the three between the eyes, funnel-shape ; the lateral, projecting over the eyes,
broad, pyramidal ; the semi-cordate regularly formed.

The mouth rather wide ; there are no fangs ; but a complete marginal row of teeth
above. The eyes oval, large, lateral, placed in grooves, which extend to the nostrils.
The nostrils very small, and distant from each other.

The trunk , thicker in all its proportions than that of the Coluber Mycterizans, but
tail long, slender, and taper to a sharp point. The scales smooth, linear or oblong on
the upper part of the trunk, though rather tending more to oval than in the Coluber
Mycterizans, or the Bolla Passerchi formerly described.*

The length, four feet eleven inches, of which the tail measures one foot eight.

The colour green as in the Coluber Mycterizans, and a yellow thread runs also along
each side of the scuta, and subcaudal squamae, from the throat to the end of the tail.

OBSERVATIONS.

This subject was received from Java, and I had no doubt of its being the green
serpent found in Seba, to which I have referred.

Its similitude to the Coluber Mycterizans is striking at first sight ; but besides its
general habitude, the straight pointed rostrum sufficiently distinguishes it.

No. XXV.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 186.

Squama Subcauclales 153.

Called by the natives, Mancas in Guzerat.

Rooka in Mahratta.

The head somewhat broader than the neck, oblong, flattened on the crown, and also
on the sides from the eyes to the obtuse or rounded rostrum. Two square laminae divide
the nostrils ; the next pair larger, of the same shape ; the middle lamina between the
eyes funnel-shaped ; those on the side large ; the semicordate pair regularly shaped,
with some large scales on each side of the point.

The mouth large. Two rows of teeth above ; no fangs. The eyes oval and remarkably
large. The nostrils rather large.

The trunk cylindrical, elegantly shaped. A remarkable series of oblong-round scales
on the ridge of the back, and a row of pentagonal scales on each side of the scuta ; the

* Coromandel Serpents, No. XIII.

PART III.

so

DESCRIPTION OF

other scales linear disposed in oblique rows. The tail tapers to a slender point, and
is covered with scales nearly orbicular.

The length three feet five inches, of which one foot two belongs to the tail.

The gull, when biggest, one inch and a half.

The colour of the upper part of the head and trunk dark blue ; the neck, abdomen,
and tail, a bluish white. The colour in the recent subject is probably more green.

OBSERVATIONS.

The laminae of the head in this serpent, as well as the disposition of the linear scales
on the trunk, resemble those of the Coluber Mycterizans, or Passerchi Pam.

The specimen was received from Bombay, sent with several others by Dr. Scott.

It was declared very venomous by our snake-catcher, who said he had known two
men killed by it. By another its bite was said to occasion immediate giddiness, and to
prove mortal in two days.

It is represented as living on trees ; and not uncommon.

No. XXVI.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 17 6.

Squama Subcaudales 127.

Called by the natives Gumberi muken.

The head hardly thicker than the neck, oblong, obtuse. The front pair of laminae
nearly square, rounded only a little on the posterior edge ; the next pair of the same
shape, but larger in size ; the middle laminae of the next three behind, funnel-shaped ;
the lateral, broad, conical ; the semicordate pair well shaped, with two little specks, or
dots in the middle.

The mouth large. No fangs. A full row of teeth above, and in the under jaw the
teeth are numerous and close.

The eyes large, and globular. The nostrils large, and situated on the edge of the rostrum.

The trunk rather slender in proportion to its length, but cylindrical and well-shaped.
The tail attenuates gradually to a sharp point. The scales on the neck near the head are
orbicular ; but from that to the vent they are oblong, or linear ; except a row of large
hexagonal scales on the ridge of the back, and a similar series on each side of the scuta.
The linear scales are not continued on the tail, but give place to hexagonal.

The length three feet eight, of which the tail measures one foot one inch and a half.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

si

OBSERVATIONS.

The specimen was received from Mr. John of Tranquebar, who represents the
serpent as extremely beautiful when alive.

It certainly has no poisonous apparatus, though said by the natives to be highly
noxious. They account for its name (implying top-climber) in the following manner:
that after the death of the person bitten, it ascends a tree near the funeral pile, looking
down, as if with malicious pleasure, while the corpse is consuming.

This serpent is described by Schneider." He mentions two specimens in Block’s
Museum. In one, Scuta 198, Squamae 158 ; in the other, Scuta 144, Squamae 65

In two drawings received from Mr. John the Scuta are 190, Squamae 150.

The difference in the subcaudal squamae in Schneider’s description, may possibly be
owing to the tail having been mutilated, a common accident, where it is so slender near
the point, as in the Coluber Mycterizans and others ; the difference in the scuta,
supposing no error in counting, is greater than I ever met with in the same species,
being no less than 6 5.

He describes the scales as carinated, which I found smooth.

No. XXVII.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 206
Squama Subcaudales 8.

Anguis Scytale Lin. Sys. Mat. p. 923. Called by the natives

The head, small, short, a little more depressed and obtuse than the tail, to which it
bears a resemblance sufficient to entitle it to the denomination of double-headed snake.
The front trigonal lamina intersects two of the same shape, which are perforated by
the nostrils ; the next pair large irregularly square ; behind, five trigonal laminaa
occupy the place of the shield-form, lateral, and semicordate.

The mouth wide, the lower jaw shorter than the upper. A marginal row of teeth
above ; no fangs. The eyes globular, very small. The nostrils small also.

The trunk cylindrical, swells a little to the middle, and afterwards diminishes very
gradually, so that the short tail is nearly as big as the head but less obtuse, The scales
orbicular, polished, and ciliated ; contiguous in some places, in others imbricate, and

* Hist. Amph. Java, II. p. 299 .

32

DESCRIPTION OF

so disposed as to appear polygonal. A series consisting of about 206 may be counted
on the middle of the abdomen, hardly, if any thing, larger than the dorsal scales ; but the
subcaudal squamae are very different, and might be termed scuta. The tail is very
short, thick, cordate.

The length , one foot eight inches, of which the tail claims only half an inch. The
circumferences of the neck one inch and a half ; middle of the trunk two inches ; near
the vent one inch seven lines.

The colour of the head and back bluish black ; two yellowish spots on the nose, and
two or three incomplete rings of the same colour on the occiput and neck. The belly
of the same colour with the back and sides, but crossed by more than 30 broad,
yellowish rings with ragged edges, some complete, but most of them imperfect ; the
under part of the tail yellow tipped with black, and a black dot on each side of the
vent.

OBSERVATIONS.

This anguis was received from Java, without description, or local name.

Though it agrees in several circumstances with the Anguis Scytale of Linneus, it
differs materially in the number of squamae. The dilatation of the subcaudal squamae
resembling scuta is not marked in any of the descriptions or figures of the Scytale which
have fallen in my way.

No. XXVIII.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 20 7 .

Squama Subcaudales 6.

Called by the natives Shilay Pamboo.

The head of this serpent thicker and more depressed than the very short thick tail,
which, with a black dot on each side resembling eyes, might at first sight be mistaken
for the head. The anterior pair of laminae are trigonal, and perforated near the base by
the nostrils ; the second pair large, oblong ; between the eyes are three trigonal laminae,
indented ; behind which there is a cluster of smaller angular laminae.

The mouth proportionably large. A marginal row of teeth above ; no fangs. The
eyes orbicular, very small. The nostrils on the edge of the rostrum.

The trunk cylindrical, not much thicker than a swan’s quill, and nearly of equal

INDIAN SERPENTS.

33

thickness throughout. The tail short, ovate, smaller than the head, and ends in a blunt
point. The scales on the occiput and upper part of the neck, round and contiguous ;
on other parts more ovate and imbricate. They are all smooth, and look as if varnished ;
there is no abdominal row distinguished by their size ; but the subcaudal squamae
resemble scutella.

The length nine inches, two lines ; the latter claimed by the tail.

The colour on the crown and back dark chesnut ; there is a narrow, cross, yellowish
fillet on the occiput, and two of the same colour on the neck ; along the rest of the
trunk maybe counted about twenty-eight pair of similar fillets, these points alternating,
not joining ; the abdomen of a lighter chesnut, with above thirty cross bands of paler
brown with ragged margins ; the under part of the tail lighter than the abdomen, and
on each side of the vent there is a black dot.

OBSERVATIONS.

Two specimens of this serpent were received from Tranquebar, where its bite is
said to produce great weakness, and such a wasting of flesh, that the skin hangs loose,
and may be handled like a piece of white cloth. The absence of poisonous organs
stands against this fiction.

No. XXIX.

ANGUIS.

Squama Abdominales 194.

Squama Subcaudales 6.

Anguis Maculata ; Lin. Sys, Nat. 391. Called by the natives

The head not thicker than the neck, short ; the front slightly declivous, the rostrum
obtuse. The front pair of laminae triangular, and perforated by the nostrils ; the next
pair large, sub-orbicular ; the three between the eyes ovate, the middle one smallest ;
in the place of the semicordate laminae there are two ovate, and scales of the same shape
cover the occiput.

The mouth rather wide, the marginal row of teeth complete : no fangs. The eyes
orbicular, distant, small. The nostrils small.

The trunk is sub-cylindrical, and nearly of equal thickness, or swells very incon-
siderably ; the circumference within an inch of the vent rather exceeds that of the
neck, and the short tail differs less from the head in size than in shape.

PART III.

34

DESCRIPTION OF

The scales near the head contiguous ; on other parts imbricated : but all sub-orbicular,
smooth, ciliated, splendent, and differ little in size. The subcaudal scutella, as in the
two former subjects, are found here also, though in one specimen less expanded.

The length ten inches, of which half an inch belongs to the tail.

The colour. The head blackish, with two yellowish devaricating streaks from the
crown, and two roundish spots of the same colour on the neck. The trunk above
presents thirty-six pair of reddish-brown sub-orbicular spots of various sizes, with black
margins of various breadths, an undulating black thread that runs along the ridge of the
back serving as part of the margin to each pair. The yellowish-white abdomen is
crossed by twenty-eight bands, broader, but of the same colour as the margins above,
with which they are united ; in some places the belly appears tesselated black and white.

OBSERVATIONS.

This anguis was received from India without the country name, or mention from
whence sent.

There can be no doubt of this being the Anguis Maculata of Linnaeus, but it is
remarkable that the difference in subcaudal squamae as given by Gronovius (no less than
five) should not have been noticed by Linnaeus, who cites Gronovius ; and that the
dilatation of the subcaudal squamae, as a deviation from the generic character, should
have passed unnoticed by Linnaeus in his own description.*

It should however be remarked that of two specimens, the expansion of squamae in
one was less perceptible than in the other from which the drawing was made.

No. XXX.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 2201

>281.

Squama Subcaudales 6 1 J
Called by the natives Ghunalee.

The head broader than the neck, long oval, depressed above ; the rostrum compressed,
obtuse. Between the nostrils are interposed two pentagonal laminae ; the next pair
larger, sub -triangular ; behind which appear an unusual row of small laminae ; the
shield-form lamina? exactly shaped, those on each side convex, sub-lunated ; the semi-

* Mus. Ad. Ic. p. St-

INDIAN SERPENTS.

35

cordate pair truncate, obscurely divided, and marked with four darkish dots ; the hind
head covered with smooth orbicular scales.

The mouth large ; the under jaw considerably shorter than the upper. The teeth
remarkably small ; a marginal row above, and no fangs. The eyes large, sub-orbicular.
The nostrils small.

The trunk. The neck , at first smaller than the head, swells into the trunk, which is
well and proportionally formed : the tail round, remarkably short, terminates in a
slender point. The scales oval, smooth, and every where very small in size ; and the
usual row of larger scales bordering the scuta is wanting. The scuta remarkably wide.

The length , three feet four inches, of which the tail measures seven inches four lines.

The colour above cineritious, with large darkish ragged spots along the ridge of the
back, while others smaller and more faint are scattered on the sides. The abdomen
and under part of the tail uniformly white without spots.

OBSERVATIONS.

Two specimens in good preservation were received from Dr. Scott, of Bombay, sent
to him from Buchier, by Mr. Bruce. The serpent, it seems, is found also in the
Mahratta country.

The natives pretend that its bite is in a short while followed by blotches on the skin,
and proves mortal in a fortnight, or within the month.

The serpent, however, has no venomous organs.

The smaller of the two specimens is here described. The only difference found was
in the abdominal scuta, the number of which in the largest was 2,3 8.

In the lesser, 220.

18 .

No. XXXI.

BOA.

Scuta Abdominalia 204.

Scuta Subcaudalia 44 .

Called by the natives Seu Walalay.

The head obtuse ovate, a little thicker than the neck, the crown flat, the rostrum
rounded at the point, but flattish on the sides. The first pair of laminae between the
nostrils very small, sub-orbicular ; the next pair thrice as large, oblong-square, anteriorly

36

DESCRIPTION OF

rounded ; the shield-form lamina broad, and short, the lateral remarkably slender ; the
semi-cordate pair large, with several small laminae on the sides.

The mouth moderate in size ; the teeth very slender ; the palatal teeth complete,
but no marginal row, the fang on each side extremely small. The eyes on the side,
distant, globular, small. The nostrils small, on the verge of the rostrum, distant from
each other.

The trunk cylindrical, swelling very moderately, from two inches behind the head
to within four inches of the vent ; it then tapers to the tail, which is short, with a
small point, but not sharp. The scales small, close, imbricate, ovate, but on the ridge
of the back to the end of the tail there is a series of somewhat larger, orbicular, or
rather hexangular scales ; all are smooth, and splendent.

The length two feet three inches, of which the tail measures four inches two lines.

The colour of the head and about one third of the upper part of the trunk a pale
yellowish brown ; the rest a reddish brown, variegated with rings composed of pale or
whitish short lines, rather than dots, intermixed with the brown scales. The abdomen
white, with a yellowish cast, without spots.

OBSERVATIONS.

The present subject was received from Mr. John, of Tranquebar, and is clearly a
variety of the Gedi Paragoodoo, No. I. of the Coromandel Collection, which by the
Tamuls is named Kara Walalay. The present is distinguished on account of its colour,
and called Brown Walalay. I never met with it in the Circars, nor with a Gedi Para-
goodoo without rings, which Mr. John once saw.

On the subject of the Gedi Paragoodoo, it may be proper to remark here that I have
two specimens from Bombay of a size much larger than I met with in the Circars.

The largest, Scuta Abdom.

220 .

Length

3 feet

1 1 inches.

Scuta Subcaud.

50 .

Tail

-

5 inches 2 lines.

Circumference

-

3 inches and half.

The smallest, Scuta Abdom.

221 .

Length

3 feet

7 inches.

Scuta Subcaud.

52 .

Tail

-

5 inches 5 lines.

Both specimens, except the number of abdominal scuta, agreed exactly with the
description formerly given of the Gedi Paragoodoo.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

37

No. XXXII.

COLUBER.

Scuta Abdominalia 170 .

Squama Subcaudales 54 .

Serpens Ceilonica Bitin dicta, Seba, II. t. 9 4 .

Ulpera, Gron. Amph. JVo. XLII.p. 63 .

Coluber Lachesis, Shaw 7j>ol. III.p. 2, 40 2 .

Called by the natives

The head somewhat broader than the neck, thick, oblong, contracted at the rostrum ;
the crown flattish, and covered with small, ovate, imbricate, and carinated scales. A
large, triangular, convex, lamina fronts the compressed rostrum, on each side of which,
two smaller edge the nostril. Between the nostrils there is a remarkable rose-fashion
cluster of small, smooth, orbicular, contiguous scales or laminae. The upper edge of
the orbit is covered by an oblong thin lamina, as one more lineal does that of the
nostril. All the rest of the scales on the head are carinated, except a few on the cheeks
smooth, and orbicular.

The mouth large ; the teeth in the under jaw, as well as the palatal rows above,
remarkably slender ; and the fangs, on each side in the usual situation, were propor-
tionally not large.

The eyes oval, rather small. The nostrils on the side of the compressed rostrum, large,
ringent, and near each other.

The trunk roundish, thick, and clumsy. The tail short, round, tapering to a horny
point, which is covered above with scales. The scales long ovate, and highly carinated,
except a row on each side of the abdomen, smooth and orbicular. They are all strongly
adherent on the anterior part, but towards the point loose and detached, as if capable of
ruffling on erection. The scuta remarkably broad.

The length four feet six inches, of which the tail measures seven inches 3 lines.

The colour a light brown, with large sub-orbicular, chesnut-coloured spots from the
neck to the vent. The scuta white ; bordered half way down the trunk, by distant,
black dusky spots, three-fourths smaller than those on the back.

3 8 DESCRIPTION OF

REMARKS

This subject, killed at Bombay in 1803, was received from Dr. Scott, and supposed
to be of the same species by which a boy, belonging to Mr. Leachman, had been
mortally wounded a few years before. From its venemous apparatus no doubt can be
entertained of its atrociousness, and indeed all external appearances condemn it.

I have referred to the figure in Seba, Tab. 94, as approaching nearest to the present
subject. It differs however in the shape of the rostrum, and still more in representing
fangs in the under jaw: an anomaly of which there is no other instance, so far as I
know.

That Seba ascribes fangs to both jaws can admit of no doubt. “ Ori tarn supra, quam
infra, haud plures quatuor insident dentes, longi, incurvi, acuti, quos emittere rursus
rursusque recondere valet animal.” Vol. II. p. 99.

The Serpens Corallina Amboinensis of Seba, PI. 30, has no fangs in the under jaw,
and in the shape and lamina of the rostrum, comes nearer my specimen than either of
the figures, PI. 93 and 94.

What Seba depicts as testiculos, Tab. 93, is the double penis, and in my specimen
is much more conspicuous ; so that his Bitin, PL 94, is not a female.

A good description of the Bitin, as far as a dried specimen admitted, has been given
by Gronovius (Amph. Zool. Hist. PI. 68, No. XLI.) ; but though he refers, under doubt,
to the figures in Seba, it is plain from the shape and shortness of the tail, that his Bitin
belonged to neither of the two, but rather to the Serpens Corallina Amboinensis of Seba,
Tab. 30. The abdominal scuta in his specimen were 141, the caudal squamae 24.

Much has been written concerning this serpent ; authors in succession copying from
one another. Fernandes (Hist. Rept. Tract. III. p. 70, Rome 15.) represents it of enor-
mous bulk, in the Island of Cuba, with fangs of the length of a finger

INDIAN SERPENTS.

39

No. XXXIII.

COLUBER.

JAVA.

Scut# 168.

Squama 8 4 .

The head ovate, obtuse, a little broader than the neck, depressed, covered chiefly with
small orbicular smooth scales behind, the laminae extending only to the crown. The first
pair of laminas large, round, and perforated by the nostrils. Behind these are two tri-
angular, and one diamond shape: all these are black. The next pair roundish. The

semicordate very short.

*

The mouth proportional ; a complete marginal row (of teeth) above. No fangs. The
eyes small. The nostrils vertical, very minute.

The trunk cylindrical, and covered with very small,' oval, close (slightly carinated)
scales. The tail short, tapering to a small obtuse point. The row of scales next the
scute are not larger than the others. The middle lamina between the eyes, narrow, lance
shape ; the lateral (ones) broad.

The length one foot one inch, of which the tail measures three inches.

The colour black (or very dark brown), with cross bands of dusky yellow, at equal dis-
tances, half surrounding the trunk, from the neck to the end of the tail : a remarkable
cowl of the same dusky yellow on the hind head. The scute are of a lighter yellow,
with a row of distant black spots on each side. The under part of the tail speckled with
black.

No. XXXIV.

COLUBER.

JAVA

Scuta 140.

Squama 42.

The head hardly thicker than the neck, oblong, ovate, The first pair of laminas tri-
gonal ; and the second, irregularly square, rounded. The shield-form lamina sharp-
pointed; the lateral lamina conical, the semi-cordate pair truncate.

40

DESCRIPTION OF

The mouth small ; no fangs ; a marginal row of teeth above. The eyes not large,
orbicular.

The nostrils minute, but open.

The trunk. The neck and body cylindrical ; the latter swelling a little about the middle,
tapers towards the tail, which is thick and short, ending in a sharp point.

The length, one foot one inch and three lines, of which the tail measures two inches
and seven lines.

The colour dark chesnut, intermixed on the upper part of the body, with waving
whitish dotted lines, forming imperfect squares. The cheeks and rostrum light, and there
is a collar of yellowish white round the neck. Along the centre of the back there are
twelve larger white irregular-shaped dots, each surrounded by a black margin. The
scute yellow : one half of every third or fourth scuta chequered with black.

No. XXXV.

COLUBER.

JAVA.

*

Scuta 144.

Squama 33; tail broken.

The head oblong, ovate, a little broader than the neck. The first pair of laminae tri-
gonal, the second pair larger, and roundish. The shield-form lamina completely regular,
the lateral, narrow ; the semicordate pair large, with a white speck on each.

The mouth rather large, without fangs. The eyes large, orbicular. The nostrils small,

vertical.

The trunk. The body swells and tapers inconsiderably ; the tail round, thick, taper,
but had been broken. The scales oval, and some rows on the back very slightly carinated.
The length , one foot four inches three lines. The broken tail measured three inches

two lines.

The colour. The head black, or very dark brown. The cheeks streaked with black.
The trunk striped. Along the ridge of the back, to the end of the tail, runs a black thread,
on each side of which are two parallel broad fillets ; the one, a mixed cinereous brown,
the other black. The scute white, edged with brownish black, giving the appearance of
so many cross bands ; but on the tail the bands are divided in the middle.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

41

No. XXXVI.
COLUBER NAJA.

JAVA, XVII.

Scuta 186.

Squama 64.

This specimen is of nearly the same size with a specimen received from Tranquebar,
Scuta 180,) but the principal difference is in the colour and circular bands on the
Squama 5 7,) trunk, which I never observed in young subjects on the Coast.

The length of this specimen is one foot two inches two lines.

No. XXXVII.

COLUBER.

JAVA, XIII.

Scuta 194.

Squama 6 6 .

The head ovate, flat, thin. Two roundish laminae between the nostrils ; the next pair
nearly square; the shield lamina bell-form; the semi-cordate pair obtuse.

The mouth of moderate size ; no fangs. A marginal row of teeth above. The eyes very
small, globular. The nostrils minute.

The trunk round ; swells and tapers proportionally ; a little compressed about the
middle. The tail short, with a round point. The scales ovate, smooth.

The length , one foot seven inches. The tail, three inches and three quarters.

The colour , dark brown, freckled with dusky, yellow, short, waving threads, which
form irregularly oval spots along the back. The belly , white.

42

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XXXVIII.

COLUBER.

*

JAVA, XIV.

Scuta 170 .

Squama 52 .

The head obtuse, ovate, scarcely broader than the neck ; rostrum rounded. On the point
of the front laminae a trigonal pair separates the nostrils ; behind these a narrow pair.
The shield-form lamina very broad, acuminated ; the semi-cordate, well shaped.

The mouth without fangs. The eyes spherical. The nostrils lateral, very small.

The trunk is of the thickness of a small goose-quill, tapers to a sharp point at the tail.
The scales smooth.

The length , seven inches three lines, of which the tail measures one inch two lines.

The colour . A black double fillet crosses the orbits, and there is an oblique streak of
the same colour on each cheek. From the middle of the shield-form lamina rises a black
fillet, which, dividing into two, is continued on each side of the ridge of the back to the
tip of the tail : two narrower stripes of the like colour run parallel to these as far as the
anus. These fillets are edged with very fine white lines. There are two other smaller
waving lines on each side, which extend the whole length of the body. The colour
between these stripes is a light bay, so that the body appears black and bay alternately.
The belly, dusky white.

No. XXXIX.

COLUBER.

INDIA, I.

Scuta 202.

Squama 68.

The head, oblong, ovate, flat, considerably broader than the neck The first pair of
laminae rounded ; the second pair much larger. The shield-form lanceolate ; the semi-
cordate pair small, but well shaped.

INDIAN SERPENTS.

43

The mouth large, without fangs ; a marginal row of teeth above.

The eyes small, orbicular. The nostrils small.

The trunk. The body is small for its length, gradually enlarges till beyond the middle ;
it then as gradually decreases towards the anus, where it suddenly becomes less, and ter-
minates in a small sharp pointed tail. The scales are every where very obtuse.

The length , one foot eight inches, of which the tail measures three inches and a half.

The colour. The head dark brown, the cheeks striped with the same colour ; the back
is of a lighter brown, having a dull greenish tint, which grows fainter at the sides, and
is lost as it approaches the scutae. The belly is white.

No. XL.

COLUBER.

INDIA, II.

Scuta 1 5 1 .

Squama 4 6 .

The head small, rostrum obtuse. The first pair of laminas small, and nearly orbicular,
and are perforated by the nostrils. The second pair very small, triangular. A third
pair a little larger, ovate. These terminate at the orbits of the eyes: the remainder of
the head is covered by very small orbicular scales, which towards the occiput become
carinated. The mouth small, no fangs, a marginal row of very small teeth above. The
nostrils small. The eyes small, ovate.

The trunk. The body thick round, and tapers very gradually into the tail. The scales
are long oval, and carinate throughout.

The tail is short, and terminates abruptly, appearing as though a small part had been
lost by accident during life.

The length , one foot eight inches, of which the imperfect tail three inches, two lines.

The colour. The upper part of the head, back, and tail, are of an uniform bluish
black colour. The sides are uniformly marked from the chin to the extremity of the tail,
with rounded spots of the same colour as the back. These spots regularly alternate with
each other, and are connected to one another by slips, from a smaller row of irregular
shaped spots along the middle of the belly. The belly, white.

44

DESCRIPTION OF

No. XLI.

COLUBER.

JAVA, XVI.

Scuta 217.215.

Squama 7 6. 7 8.

The head broader than the neck, the occiput swelling out. The rostrum obtuse. The
lamina between the nostrils small, square ; the next pair of the same shape, remarkably
large ; the three between the eyes remarkably small ; the central one resembles the point
of a lancet, the lateral, pyramidal, short. The semi-cordate pair long, with several large
scales on each side.

The mouth proportionally narrow; the teeth very small, a marginal row above; no
fangs. The eyes globular, very small; the nostrils large.

The trunk cylindrical, swells and lessens moderately; the tail tapers more sensibly to
a very small not acute point. The abdomen Battish ; the scales remarkably small, ovate,
smooth, close.

The length , three feet one inch and a half ; of which the tail measures seven inches.

The colour. The head a yellowish bay ; the trunk dark brown, deepening towards
the tail ; six or eight yellowish bands are visible on the back, narrow on the ridge of
the back, and expanding towards the scutae; they are bright on the neck, but evanescent
about the middle of the trunk. The scutae, and other parts beneath, are of nearly the
same colour with the bands ; but both may probably have been altered by the spirit.

No. XLII.

COLUBER.

JAVA, XVI.

Scuta 23 8.

Squama 9 5 .

The head very little larger than the neck. The front lamina trigonal; the first pair
pentagonal ; the second nearly of the same form, but much larger. The shield-form

INDIAN SERPENTS.

45

lamina regular ; the lateral ones sub-conical, the semicordate pair broad, obtuse, having
a large lamina on each side near their apex.

The mouth proportionally large ; a marginal row of teeth above ; no fangs. The eyes
large; globular. The nostrils close to the rostrum, rounded, open.

The trunk depressed; scales ovate, smooth. The tail round, gradually tapering to an
obtuse point.

The length, three feet eight inches and a half, of which the tail measures nine inches.

The colour , a bright bay, inclining to yellow. A black line passes up the cheek to
the eye, and from thence back and downwards to the angle of the mouth. Another line
runs from the eye, along the margin of the semicordate pair of laminae, and terminates in
a transverse band of black at the occiput. From thence begin fillets, which gradually be-
come wider and blacker, and afterwards diminish in strength, become broken, and finally
disappear about half way towards the tail. These fillets have a white dot, or break at
every inch distance. On each side, at a small distance from the former, is a much smaller
dark line, which is more broken, becomes fainter, and is lost at the same part of the body
with the other fillets. The remainder of the body and tail is of a uniform light bay
colour, which becomes weaker at the sides. The belly is white.

Coliiber Na|a 0 c4\ h-\ '.fm » m %4 4

.

c ’ '

/

331 r TV

V

j t.

T/4.ferlM ■

- J -

>

>

$

// <L / - /

o tiir.su Ho £•' ' £'

f <

jPe.-lc sc. j. r it Strand.

r*

%P

/W'V 'd/ras)

A •

.

.

.

■

■

-

.

■

-

%

’ ■ .

'

.

sun . <f . i?

/rt/ww 9f v *

*

■

.

1

-

'

'

■

• - -

I

■ - .

.

■ . . - HR

- •

' - '

•- - .. ' 1 * '

■* - -

IX

X .

m w

&ctgr*>;^gV-.0^i<

Ho o gli pattee,

Jfr-s ^^‘%4lA4 $ 844&Q.

J J?

J’tde -n; j Sz Strand..

XI

/A- / ,

l ou//. ass/

Jr/s.'.

/S

-• ' -

I-

xn

.

ifc ■

.

.

,

'

<■

.

r

'

' : • ■

1

■

■

■

-

t

■

■

'

:

'

. .

.

Oiirdia- A

©nirdia

7A-

/

-rf,

,ay : - f

v«

.

■

■

'

M !

'

■ 1 1
1

- •

.

■

■

.

»

.

.

.

■

■

.

t

>

9i&44

MamedmHi Pamlboo

• H

-

• /}

yc$Hzt£‘

B © dr to © Pam . x V*

44--'h'UC<i *-'}~Y / /■(■<■•<$ -t^- I

* t ' .J

'

.

.

. '■ > ; '

*

/:

' V

'

.

■

'

.

■

■

.

xki

j T

XXII

A -
-iM

t

* A .

t- / JL-4-&4 ^i'VtAJ!-'jh -nM.

& \

■Ms^c- j

|b ;

Pi't

’

■

■ -

.

’

. -

<

- ■

■

■

-

■

. r - • • -• ... .

• .. , ' • , •

,

.

. . .

,

.

V

'

.

;

t

■

f'

XXV

.

■

'

••

'

.

. . ■-

■ ' ' • ' 1

t

/ r

;• • ■ :

> .. - * ■■ ■ j h , ' y

■ : :■■■ : : ' ' v

■ •.

y:-v

v:

■ '

.

, ■

• - *•

• . -

-

$

'

■

' ' V

.

'

-•

A

-

7

.

■ " • •

.

■

.

■

■

XXXII

/ 7<

-Fa*rc4-Tol:2.

\ >

.

I

mrr

/

p

f

Fare 4. V&L 2.

Faso 4. 2oI/. 2.

€®lklb'.sip Mags

Fare 4 Yol. 2.

i

/>

Jr*

a

f k

0/<hJ£VU / Ji K&wAi'dv I

Jfaro/jL I'd 1 . 2

✓

mu

Fascy. 4 Tol. 2.

t

#

£fas%>. / $$%•&*><*■

■

XL

i

Jr

■ Sntmste&t 0£$j

Fcl^c^FoT/.Z,

mi

■

-

'

■

■

.

* •

- -- -

■ i '

-

, ; •

: ‘V:"v

-

-

• V •

■

-

,

■

.

-

■

■

*

'

1

*

-

_

« v ; v.;-' *

m £

■

-

■f

' ' V \ ' ■

' i -

%

.

.

.»* ■ I

* ffff- ift -

f/u/os .Thins ) C C C 1 Y. l J ltU&\'\ I \ p. $62.

APPENDIX,

No. I.

Remarks on the Voluntary Expansion of the Skin of the JVeck in the Cobra de Capello,
or Hooded Snake of the East Indies. By Patrick Russell, M. D. F. R. S. With a
Description of the Structure of the Parts which perform that Office. By Everard Home,
Esq. F. R. S.

Read before the Royal Society, June 14th, 1804.

The remarkable expansion of the skin of the neck in the Coluber Naja of Linna:us, or Cobra de Capello
of the East Indies, and which constitutes a principal character of the species, is produced by an apparatus,
hitherto, as I believe, very imperfectly described. It is a voluntary action, totally distinct from that infla-
tion which all serpents when irritated are more or less capable of, and which the Coluber Naja also assumes
at the same time that it expands its hood.

In botanical excursions in India, fragments of serpentine skeletons, made by the black ants, were occa-
sionally met with ; but in such as were supposed to belong to the Coluber Naja, the peculiar disposition and
structure of the cervical ribs, so different from that in other serpents, had escaped me.

In other serpents, the ribs from the first vertebra to those of the middle of the trunk gradually increase in
length; thence they gradually shorten or decline to near the end of the tail, where they disappear or are
transformed into short eminences ; but in the Coluber Naja, the cervical ribs gradually lengthen to the
tenth or eleventh, after which they successively shorten to the twentieth. The ribs, again increasing in
length, are at the middle of the trunk, nearly as long as the middle cervical ribs, and then declining, as
usual in other serpents, disappear on the tail.

So obvious a peculiarity in the skeleton of the Cobra de Capello, having escaped my notice in India, and
finding myself unable to account for the expansion of its hood, which is commonly, in that country, con-
ceived to be connected with inspiration, I brought with me, on my return to England, several subjects for
dissection, in order to have the matter properly ascertained ; my friend Mr. Home readily undertook the
task, and the subjoined result of his investigation will, I have no doubt, prove satisfactory.

I have on another occasion asserted as a fact, that the neck of the Cobra de Capello, in a quiescent state,
shews no external protuberance whatever;* and it is clearly accounted for in the following description,
from the ribs, when depressed, lying upon the spine over one another.

MR. HOME’S DESCRIPTION.

The mechanism by which the Cobra de Capello, when irritated and ready to seize its prey, expands the
skin of the neck, giving it the appearance from which the snake takes its name, consists entirely of muscles,
acting upon the ribs and external skin of the animal.

From the rounded form of the hood, the skin has the appearance of being inflated ; but the most careful
examination did not discover any communication between the trachea or the lungs and the cellular mem-
brane under the skin.

In this snake, the ribs nearest the head, to the number of twenty on each side, have a different shape from
the rest ; instead of bending equally with the other ribs towards the belly, they go out in a lateral direction,
having only a slight curvature, and when depressed, lie upon the side of the spine on one another.

* Continuation of an Account of Indian Serpents, page 3.

48

APPENDIX I.

The first rib is shorter than the rest, and they become gradually longer to the tenth and eleventh, which
are the longest; they afterwards become gradually shorter to the twentieth, which is nearly of the same
length as the first; so that the ribs on each side, when extended, form an oval figure, of which the spine is
the middle line or long axis.

In the extended state of the ribs, the skin of the back is brought over them, forming the hood; and in their
depressed state the hood disappears.

The ribs are raised by four sets of muscles : one set from the spine to the upper edge of each rib ; a second
set from the ribs above, passing over two ribs to the third rib below ; another set have their origin from
the rib above, pass over one rib, and are inserted into the second below ; and a fourth set pass from rib to rib.

The combined effects of these four sets of muscles, raises and extends the ribs ; their direction and ap-
appearance is so distinctly seen in the annexed figures, as to make a more particular description in a paper
of this kind, unnecessary.

The skin of the back is brought forwards on the neck, by a large set of very long muscles going off from
each of the first twenty ribs on each side, a quarter of an inch from their head by a tendinous origin, which
soon becomes fleshy ; the longest of these muscles is two inches long ; they are inserted into the skin ; and
when the ribs have been first extended, have the power of bringing the skin forwards to a great extent. By
these means the hood is formed.

To depress the ribs, and restore the parts to that state in which the neck of the animal does not appear
disproportionally protuberant, but of the same size as the rest of the snake, there are three sets of muscles :
one set goes from the vertebrae of the neck to the lower edge of each rib ; but, to give these muscles a
greater length of fibre, they are not inserted into the rib immediately above the vertebrae, but pass upwards
and outwards over three ribs, and are inserted into the fourth at the middle part of it. These muscles
become antagonists to those which raise the ribs.

The second set arises from the points of the ribs ; and each muscle goes to be inserted into the skin nearer
the head, counteracting the muscles which bring the skin forwards, and drawing it by their action back
again. The third set goes from the root of one scutum to the root of the scutum immediately above it, so
as to bring it down upon the other.

The object of the present paper being to explain the mechanism upon which the hood, the peculiar
characteristic of this species of snake, depends, it is not meant to enter into the uses for which the hood is
intended. It may not however be improper to observe, that the expansion of the ribs answers no good pur-
pose respecting the lungs, since they are not so situated in this animal as to receive any advantage from it ;
but the gullet, where it passes down along the neck, admits of great expansion; and the extended state of
the ribs, at the time the animal is employed in catching its prey, may give to the gullet a facility of being
dilated for the reception of the food.

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES.

PLATE VII.

Fig. 1, A side view of the head and neck of the Cobra de Capello, drawn from the living animal.

Fig. 2 ,. A back view of the hood.

Fig. 3. A front view of the hood.

PLATE VIII.

Fig. 4. A back view of the neck in its expanded slate; the external skin being dissected off, and turned
aside to shew the muscles which raise the ribs, and bring the skin forwards towards the head.

This view is intended principally to exhibit the muscles which raise the ribs, and those which,
when the ribs are raised, act upon the external skin, and bring it forwards.

AA. The scales on the head of the snake.

BB. The eyes.

APPENDIX I.

49

CC. The muscles which surround the poison glands.

DD. A portion of the poison glands exposed.

EE. A pair of muscles which rise from the neck, and terminate in the head.

F. One of a pair of muscles which bring the head back.

GG. The skin divided in the middle line of the back dissected from the muscles, and turned on each
side.

HH. The intercostal muscles.

II. The muscles which bring forward the skin of the back upon the neck to form the hood. They
arise from the ribs, and are inserted into the skin.

KK. Muscles which raise the ribs : they originate from that part of the rib near the spine, pass over
two ribs, and are inserted into the rib below near its extremity.

LL. Muscles which raise the ribs ; arising from one rib and passing over the next, to be inserted into
the rib below.

MM. The intercostal muscles.

Fig. 5. A front view of the neck. The parts are dissected to shew the mode in which the ribs lie in their
depressed state ; also the muscles by which they are depresssed, and those which bring the skin
back into its natural state.

AA. The two portions of the lower jaw separated from each other, and turned aside.

BB. The poison fangs.

CCC. The ribs in their depressed state lying over each other on the side of the spine.

DDD. The ribs on the opposite side in their extended state: their extremities become the boundary
of the hood, and give it an oval form.

EE. A pair of muscles which bring the head forward upon the neck.

FF. The intercostal muscles.

GG. The muscles which bring the ribs downwards upon the spine.

HH. The muscles which bring the skin backwards from the neck : they have their origin from the
points of the ribs, and are inserted into the lower edge of the abdominal scuta.

II. The abdominal scuta divided in the middle line of the belly.

KK. The muscles which go from the lower edge of one scutum to the lower edge of the scutum over
it, to bring the scuta closer together, and make them overlap.

LL. An internal view of the skin of the snake beyond the abdominal scuta.

No. II.

Observations on the Orifices found in certain Poisonous Snakes , situated between the JVostril and
the Eye. By Patrick Russell, M.D. F. R. S. With some Remarks on the Structure of
those Orifices , and the Description of a Bag connected with the Eye\ met with in the same
Snakes. By Everard Home, Esq. F.R.S.

Read before the Royal Society, February 2, 1804.

In the description of the Fer-de-lance, or yellow snake of Martinico, the Count de la Cepede has remarked
an orifice on each side of the head, between the nostril and the eye, which had by some naturalists been con-
ceived to be the external organ of hearing ; but not having an opportunity himself to ascertain the fact by
dissection, he recommends it as an interesting object for future investigation.*

* Hist. Nat. tom. ii. p. 122.

so

APPENDIX No. II.

I have, in the course of the last three years, received two Colubers from Java ; and, by favour of Dr.
Clark, two from Martinico ; all four venomous, and distinguished by lateral orifices. In the month of
January, 1803, Dr. Garthshore presented me with a specimen of the yellow snake of Martinico in excel-
lent preservation.

Six subjects, distinguished by these lateral orifices now in my possession, offering a fair opportunity to de-
termine a curious circumstance in comparative anatomy, the specimens were submitted to my friend Mr.
Home, of whose assistance I had more than once availed myself in similar investigations. My request was
once more attended to; and the subjoined Description and Remarks were received in return.

Among the specimens submitted to Mr. Home, was one of the Bodroo Pam , in the description of which,
lately published,* I have misrepresented the orifices now in question as the nostrils, having intirely over-
looked the real nostrils.

W hile the anatomical disquisitions were going on, inspection was made into some of the numerous collec-
tions of serpents preserved in the Museums in London. In the British Museum I was shewn, exclusive of the
Rattle-snake and the Fer-de-lance, four or five Colubers, t with lateral orifices; in the Leverian Museum I
found two or three; in the Hunterian Museum, two Colubers,? and three Boae ;§ and in that of Mr. Heaviside,
one Coluber.jl

The total found in the Museums above-mentioned, (exclusive of the Rattle-snake,) were ten or eleven
Colubers, and three Boae; which, added to five Colubers in my own possession, amount to eighteen or nine-
teen subjects furnished with lateral orifices.

It appears on the whole, that the lateral orifices have hitherto been found only in venomous serpents.

That (exclusive of the Rattle-snake), they have been found in fifteen or sixteen species of Colubers, and in
three of the Genus Boa.

That they have not as yet been discovered in any of the Genus Anguis.

Mr. Home’s investigations have clearly established that these lateral orifices in serpents, and the bags to
which they lead, have no communication with the organ of hearing. Another fact ascertained by him is,
that serpents distinguished by lateral orifices, have a cavity situated between the bag and the eye, which, so
far as I know, has not been observed before.

MR. HOME’S DESCRIPTION AND REMARKS.

The orifices situated between the eye and the nostril in the Rattle-snake, and in some species of Coluber,
do not lead to the nostril or to the ear, but to a distinct bag of a rounded form; there is a hollow of the
same shape surrounded by bone, and adapted to receive it. Dr. Tyson’s description of the Rattle-snake is
tolerably accurate : he says, “ between the nostrils and the eyes, but somewhat lower, were two orifices which
“ I took for the ears, but after, I found they only led into a bone that had a pretty large cavity, but no
“ perforation.’’^

The cavity which Dr. Tyson describes to be in the bone, is a cup, formed by the bones of the skull and
those of the upper jaw; it is in shape not unlike the orbit, and is formed in a similar manner.

These bags bear a relative proportion to the size of the snake ; they are lined, as also the eyelids, with a
cuticle which forms the transparent cornea, making a part of the outer cuticle, and is shed with it ; and, when
examined after the snake has cast it off, their shape is more perfectly seen than under any other circumstances.

In the annexed figures one of these bags is represented in different views ; all of them of the natural size,
both in the Fer-de-lance or yellow snake of Martinico, and in the detached cuticle of the Rattle-snake. The
appearance in the Bodroo Pam is exactly the same ; but, as the bag in that snake is of a smaller size, it was
considered unnecessary to give a representation of it.

In the deer and antelope there are bags, in the same relative situation repecting the eye and the nose,

* Account of Indian Serpents collected on the Coast of Coromandel, No. IX.
t No. 977, 1058. §.No. 893, 1016, 1046. || No. 64.

f All I believe Nondescripts.
Philos. Trans, vol. xiii. p. 26.

APPENDIX No. II.

51

resting upon the skull ; there is also a cavity in the bone adapted to receive them. The bags vary in size in
the different species of these genera. The French naturalists have given the name of larmiers to these
bags, conceiving them to be receptacles for the tears, of which the thinner parts evaporating, a substance
remains called larmes de cerf.

I requested my friend Mr. Andre to examine these bags in the common buck, and to observe their rela-
tive position to the puncta lachrymalia ; his situation in the Earl of Egremont’s family at Petworth afford-
ing him every opportunity for doing it. He informs me that the bags are lined with a cuticle similar to
that of the meatus auditorius externus in the human ear ; their internal surface is smooth, free from hair,
and without any appearance of glandular structure. From the inner angle of the eye to this bag, there is a
kind of gutter in the skin, of a darker colour than the rest of the skin in light coloured animals, and the hairs
are shorter than on the rest of the body : the substance contained in the bags resembled that found in the
ears.

The lachrymal gland in the deer, he says, is very large, and the puncta so much so, as to admit the
rounded end of a common probe. There is no lachrymal sac ; the tubes from the puncta unite and pass
through a small opening in the bone to the nose.

The following account of these bags, in the Antelope of Sumatra, was transmitted to me in the year 1 792,
by Mr. Bell. “ The external orifice is of the size of a crow quill ; it leads into a bag not larger than a
“ small marble, which is lined with a cuticle with hair. From this bag there is a secretion of a limpid fluid,
“ which keeps oozing down the nose.” This gentleman, unfortunately for Natural History, died at Sumatra
soon after the date of his letter.

In the Hunterian Museum, intrusted by Government to the care of the College of Surgeons, there are
several specimens of these bags from the Egyptian Antelope, with annulated horns, and also from some
other species ; these are preserved so as to shew the internal cavity of the bag, and the structure of the
gland immediately behind it. In these specimens the glandular part is one-fourth of an inch in thickness;
from the centre of this gland, an excretory duct opens into the bag immediately opposite to the external
orifice. The bag itself is lined with a cuticle, and thinly set with strong hairs.

The facts now produced are sufficient to prove that these bags have a secretion of their own, the quantity
of which varies according to the climate and other circumstances ; and there is no reason for thinking that
the tears ever pass into them, the passage into the nose being unusually free, and the orifices in the bags in
many species unfavourably situated for the reception of the tears.

We are at present unacquainted with the use to which the fluid secreted in these bags is applied.

As amphibious animals, in general, have no glands to supply the skin with moisture from within, but
receive it by coming in contact with moist substances, it is possible the bags in the snake may be supplied in
that manner, and the more so, as the cuticular lining appears perfect.

Another peculiarity is remarkable in snakes furnished with the bags described above, namely, an oval
cavity situated between the bag and the eye, the opening into which is within the inner angle of the eyelid,
and directed towards the cornea. In this opening there are two rows of projections which appear to form
an orifice capable of dilatation and contraction. From the situation of these oval cavities, they must be con-
sidered as reservoirs for a fluid, which is occasionally to be spread over the cornea ; and they may be filled
by the falling of the dew, or the moisture shaken off from the grass through which the snake passes.

This apparatus in the snake has that position which is best adapted to pour out the fluid upon the cornea,
when the head of the snake is erect.

Dr. T yson had superficially observed the apparatus which has been described, and considered it as a
membrana nictitans. He says, “ inwards it seemed to have a membrana nictitans, which removes any dust
61 that might adhere to the eye.”*

* Phil. Trans, vol. xiii.p. 27".

APPENDIX No. II.

52

As Snakes in general have no apparatus to wash the cornea, these particular species must have some

peculiarities in their mode of life, with which we are not at present acquainted.

EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES.

PLATE III.

Fig. 1. Represents a side view of the head of the Fer de lance, or Yellow Snake of Martinico, to shew the
external appearance of the orifice with its relative situation to the nostril and the eye. The parts
are delineated of their natural size.

Fig. 2. A side view of the head of the same Snake, in which the bag is laid open. At the aperture of the
cavity, which opens towards the cornea, there is a double row of small projecting points.

Fig. 3. The cuticle of the Rattle-Snake, after it had been cast off from one side of the head, represented of
its natural dimensions. In this view the internal surface only of the cuticle is seen, There is an
aperture of an irregularly oval form, which is the opening of the nostril: a little farther on is the
lining of the rounded bag, in a distended state ; nearer the eye is the cavity communicating with the
space before the cornea, it is of an oval form, and has a narrow neck ; beyond this neck is the trans-
parent cornea, which in the Snake is cuticular, and is shed with the external covering of the other
parts. Through the transparent cornea a bristle is seen passing before its external surface into the
cavity.

This figure is taken from a preparation in the Hunterian Museum.

ISTo. III.

Extract from Mr. Home’s Account of the Case of a Man who died by the Bite of a Rattle-Snake.

Read before the Royal Society, December 21, 1809.

The following cases were sent from India, to my late friend Dr. Patrick Russell: they arrived after his
death, and Mr. Claud Russell very kindly gave them to me, knowing the subject of them to be one, in
which I had taken an interest,

A boy, a slave of a gentleman in India, was bitten by a snake called Kamnlee by the natives, in the lower
part of the arm, at eight o’clock in the evening. The blood flowed very freely for some time. He died
next day at noon in great pain.

A sepoy, 60 years of age, was admitted into the hospital of his regiment, under the care of Mr. Perrin,
assistant surgeon, at four o’clock in the afternoon of the 15th of October, 1802, in consequence of his being
bitten by a Cobra di Capello, on the back part of the hand. At the time of his admission he complained of
pain running up the arm. He immediately took a drachm of eau de luce, and this dose was repeated every
half hour, and the same remedy was applied externally as a lotion to the arm and forearm. At four o’clock
in the morning of the 16th of October, the pain began to increase, and the arm to swell with great hardness
and stiffness, and tumor in the axilla, with much inclination to vomit. He took twelve grains of Dr. James’s
powder, which brought up a great quantity of bilious matter. He drank copiously of warm water, but no
perspiration was induced. He appeared relieved for a short time. At eight o’clock in the morning the arm

APPENDIX No. III.

53

was distended, painful, and discoloured. He took four ounces of brandy, and repeated it every houi until
twelve o’clock, with a drachm of eau de luce occasionally. At this time he was a little revived. The
brandy was reduced to two ounces, which were carefully and regularly given every hour, until twelve at
noon on the 17 th of October, when the arm was more free from pain, but much swelled, hard, and black :
his spirits and pulse also were considerably relieved. The eau de luce was now omitted, but the brandy was
continued every hour, until twelve o’clock at noon on the 18th of October, when the stiffness and tumor in
the axilla had disappeared : the arm was still swelled, but was softer, and less painful. The brandy
was omitted : at night he took six grains of Dr. James’s powder. On the 19th of October the arm was less,
softer, with little or no pain ; a blister was formed and burst on the back of the hand, which discharged
three ounces of black foetid pus. On the 20th, an abscess burst on the hand, in the same situation as the
blister, which discharged a large quantity of a fluid having an offensive smell. He was directed to take a
drachm of Peruvian bark in port wine, every two hours. On the 22 d the swelling was gone, but the dis-
charge was considerable. From this time the man gradually, but slowly recovered, with the loss of the use
of his forefinger, which remained permanently extended, and some of the other fingers were affected in a
less degree.

In this case, the swelling of the arm was slower in coming on, and less extensive ; the pain running up to
the axilla, which preceded it, was mistaken for the effect of absorption.

,

'

1 )g^| i ' ' ' ^ - m . I

>

INDEX.

PART I. COAST OF COROMANDEL.

BOA.

No.

I.

Gedi Paragoodoo,
Pakta Poola,

-

Page

Ven. 1

II.

Horatta Pam.

Scut. abd.
Scut, subcaud.

1 f°} 1 75- Arni,

Ven. 2

III.

Bungarum Pamah.
Sackeenee, in Bengal.

-

Scut. abd.
Scut, subcaud.

2 1 2 6g. Mansoor Cottah,

Ven. 3

IV.

Padain Cootoo,
Manooli Pampoo,
Mondi Poda.

-

Scut. abd.
Scut, subcaud.

20 ^ 1 228. Madras,

Not ven. 5

PART II.

CONTINUATION OF INDIAN SERPENTS.

XVI.

Boa Johnii,
Erutaley Nagam,

-

Scut. abd.

Scut, subcaud.
Squam. subcaud.

1

1 i8j > Tranquebar.

• • • *J

Not ven. 18

XVII.

Manedulli Pamboo,

Scut. abd.

Scut, subcaud.
Squam. subcaud.

5931

28 L Tranquebar.

Not ven. 20

XXXI.

Seu Walalay,

Scut. abd.
Scut, subcaud.

2 ° 4 j Tranquebar.

Ven. 35

COLUBER.

PART I. COAST OF COROMANDEL.

Coluber Naja. Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 382. Scut. abd.

185 [242. Common in India.

Ven.

7

Cobra de Capello. Seb. Mus. 2.

Squam. subcaud.

57 J

Native reputed specific distinctions.

A. Arege Nagoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subcaud.

l8 9 )
60 J

-

Ven.

8

B. Coodum Nagoo,

Scut. abd.

1871

Ven.

ib.

-

Squam. subc.

57 5

C. Sankoo Nagoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

1831

6 6 l

-

Ven.

9

D. Mogla Nagoo,

E. Malle Nagoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.

192-1

6 5 S

195 1

62/

-

Ven.

ib.

Ven.

ib.

Squam. subc.

F. Cumboo Nagoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

186 -1
60 /

-

Ven.

ib.

G. Jonna Nagoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

( 7 ) G
OO

-

Ven.

ib.

INDEX.

No.

H. Nella Tas Pam.

Scut. abd.

186 1

Ven.

Page

Squam. subc.

62 J

to

I. Kistna Nagoo

-

Scut. abd.

1861

Ven.

ib.

Squam. subc.

6 3 J

K. Korie Nagoo.

—

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

1847
57 >

-

Ven.

ib.

VII.

Katuka Rekula Poda,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

168 1 w

5 9 ) 327 -

Common.

Ven.

ib.

VIII.

—

• “

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Nerva.

Ven.

12

IX.

Bodroo Pam,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

17 °}228.

Vizagapatam.

Ven.

13

X.

Wanna Pam, - - Scut. abd. 143 -1

Coluber Stolatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. p.379 Squam.subc. 70 J 21 3 -

Raja Mundrah.

Not ven.

14

Neerogady.

Neergady.

XI.

Wanna Cogli,
Wanna Pam, &c.
Kurharria, in Bengal.

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

45 T 2 1 1

166 r 11 -

Samul Cottah.

Not ven.

15

XII.

Passeriki Pam,

Pastiletti, - - Scut. abd.

Coluber Mycterizans, Linn. Syst. Nat. p.389. Sq.sub.

1781

406 1 3 44.

Vizagapatam.

Not ven.

16

XIII.

Botla Passeriki,

-

Scut. abd.

174 ? „

Not ven.

18

Squam. subc.

148 P 22 -

XIV.

Jara Potoo,

-

Scut. abd.

1757

Not ven.

Candee Poda,

-

Squam. subc.

19

XV.

Tar Tutta, Scut. abd. 22 9

235

237]

Squam.

subc. 87

«5

97 l

1

334 J

Vizagapatam.

Not ven.

20

316

320

XVI.

Gajoo Tutta,

“

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

-

Not ven.

22

XVII.

Karoo Bokadam,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Is! 203 -

Ganjam.

Not ven.

23

XVIII.

-

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

I^S 282 -

Madepolam.

Not ven.

24

XIX.

Wanapa Pam,

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

182 }

38 1 2 2°-

Vizagapatam.

Not ven.

ib.

XX.

Paragoodoo,

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

140 } 189.
49 5 y

-

Not ven.

25

XXI.

Nooni Paragoodoo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

’Slw*-

-

Not ven.

2 6

XXII.

Pedda Poda, -

Scut. abd.

252 ) ,

Not ven.

27

Squam. subc.

62 1 3 * 4 -

XXIII.

Pedda Poda,

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Ganjam.

Not ven.

28

XXIV.

Pedda Poda,

“

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

tWs-

Vizagapatam.

Not ven.

30

XXV.

Dameen,

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

120}

Ganjam.

Not ven.

3 i

XXVI.

Karetta,

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

‘SI-

Hyderabad.

Not ven.

S 2

XXVII.

Condanarouse. - Scut. abd.

Coluber lineatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. p.982. Squ. subc.

tl 2 %

Ganjam.

Not ven.

ib.

XXVIII.

Naugealled Keaka,

“

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

138 1

Ganjam.

Not ven.

33

XXIX.

Patza Tutta,

“

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

202 7
Q1 j 2 93 -

Casemcottah.

Not ven.

34

XXX.

Mutta Pam,
Ally Pam,

—

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

a f }211.

52 i

Lake of Ankapilly.

Not ven.

35

XXXI.

Goobra,

—

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

181 \

130 J 3 11 '

Hyderabad.

Not ven.

36

XXXII.

Mega Rekula Poda,

“

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

222 > 315 .
93 °

Vizagapatam.

Not ven.

37

INDEX.

No.

XXXIII.

Nee'li Koea,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

XXXIV. Jeri Potoo

Coluber Mucosus, Linn.
Laur. Amph. p. 77. N.
Katla Tutta,

156.

XXXV.

XXXVI.

XXXVII.

XXXVIII,

XXXIX.

Katla Vyrien,
Katla Vyrien,

Bora,

XL. Hurriah,

Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Scut. abd.
Squ. subc.
Scut. subc.
Squ. subc.
Scut. abd.
Scut. subc.
Squ. subc.

Syst. Nat. p.388. Scut abd. 199 i

199 1320 .

121 J

188

55

2 43-

*87 Is* 1 -

243 } 32 5 -

Vizagapatam.

Vizagapatam.

Vellore.

Arnee.

Bengal.

Hyderabad.

Page

Not ven. 38

Not ven. 40

Not ven. 4,1
Not ven. 42
Not ven. 42
Not ven. 43

Not ven. 44
Not ven. 45

PART II. CONTINUATION OF INDIAN SERPENTS.

I.

Chinta Nagoo. - Scut. abd.

ColuberNaja, Linn. Syst. Nat. p.382. Squ. subc.

1851
59 J

244.

Bengal.

II.

Kalla Jin,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

Bengal.

III.

Dooblee,

Scut abd.
Squam. subc.

i5ij
93 1

244.

Bengal.

IV.

Chittee,

Scut. abd.
Squam subc.

1541
67 3

221.

Bengal.

V.

Dora, -

Scut. abd.
Squam, subc.

73 J

Bengal.

XIV.

Ourdia, at Bombay, 7

Scut. abd.

1441

226.

Bombay.

Dora, at Calcutta, J

Squam. subc.

82 3

pA. Neer Pamboo, at Tranquebar,

) Scut, abd.

1461

228.

XV.

\ Dooblee, at Calcutta,

3 Squam. subc.

82 3

I B. Neer Pamboo, at Tranquebar,

Scut. abd.

. 1431

22/6.

L

Squam. subc.

83!

XVIII.

Sarey Pamboo,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

1911

136!

327.

Tranquebar.

IX.

- 7 Sc. abd. 271 1

Ataligato, Seba Thes. V. II. Tab. 77. fig. 6. 3 Sq. subc. 24 3

295-

Java.

XX.

Bodroo Pam, at Vizagapatam, 7

Scut. abd.

1647

773

241.

Java.

at Java, 3

Squam. subc.

XXI.

-

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

150 7
513

201.

Java.

XXII.

— — “

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

'ft™-

India.

XXIII.

“ - — —

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

210 1
933

3°3-

Java.

XXIV.

1 209 1
} 160J

Aspidis Species, Seba Thes. V. II. Tab. 57. fig. 4-
Coluber Nasutus. Shaw Zool. V. III. part ii. p. 548.

■3 6 9 -

Java.

XXV.

Mancas, in Guzerat, 7

Scut. abd.

1867

339 -

Bombay.

Rooka, in Mahratta, 3

Squam. subc.

153 ^

XXVI.

Cumberi Muken,

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

1767
127 3

3°3-

Tranquebar.

XXX.

Chunalee,

Scut. abd.

220 7

Buchier.

Squam. subc.

61 J

XXXII. Serpens Ceylonica. Bitin dicta. Seb. II. t. 94. q

Ulpera Gron. Amph. No. XLII. p. 63. I Sc. 170 7 Bombay

Col. Lachesis, Shaw Zool. v. III. part ii. p. 402. j Sq. ‘ 54 ^ ^ ^

Called by the Natives , J

Ven. 1

Not ven. 4
Not ven. 5
Not ven. 5
Not ven. 6
Not ven. 16
Not ven. 17
Not ven. 17

Not ven. 21
Ven. 22

Ven. 23

Ven. 24

Ven. 2 6

Not ven. 27

Not ven. 29

Not ven. 29
Not ven. 30
Not ven. 35

Ven. 38

r

Mo.

XXXIII.

XXXIV.

XXXV.

XXXVI.

XXXVII.

XXXVIII.

XXXIX.

XL.

XLI.

XLII.

Coluber Naja

. )

Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.
Scut. abd.
Squam. subc.

INDEX,

168

.681 T
84 j2 5 2. Java.

I J ava -

1 £ 4 \ T ail broken. Java.
33 J

1861 T
64 W°- Java.

" 1 ^}26o. Java.

1 1 222. Java.

52 J

2 ^g 1 270. India.

I "46 Mia-

21 7 l } 2 93 2 Jg} 293- Java.

I 2 f 5 } 333 - Java-

Page

Not ven.
Not ven.
Not ven.
Ven.

Not ven.
Not ven.
Not ven.
Not ven.
Not ven.
Not ven.

ANGUIS.

PART I. COAST OF COROMANDEL.

XLI. Nalla Wahlagillee Pam, Squam. abd.

Squam. su'ocaud.

XLII. Rondoo Talooloo Pam, Squam. abd.

Squam. subc.

XLIII. Rondoo Talooloo Pam,

XLIV. Tatta Pam, ?

Anguis Scytale, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 392 . 3

| Vizagapatam.

151 } 2 7 1 .

120 3 •

Vizagapatam.

Vizagapatam.

PART II. CONTINUATION OF INDIAN SERPENTS.

Not ven. 47

Not ven. 48
Not ven. 48
Not ven. 49

VI.

Kerril Pattee,

Squam. abd.

Squam. subcaud. -

s le }s 6 9 -

The Sunderbunds.

Ven.

7

VII.

Shootur Sun,

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

S ||} S 7-

The Sunderbunds.

Ven.

8

VIII.

Kalla Shootur Sun,

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

The Sunderbunds.

Ven.

9

IX.

Chittul,

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

“

8 %\sse.

The Sunderbunds.

Ven.

10

X.

Hoogli Pattee,

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

.

The Sunderbunds.

Ven.

1 1

XI.

Valakadyen, t

l

i

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

^ 45 ^ 3 ^ 3 " 'J' ran< l Ue ^ ar ‘

Not ven.

*3

XII.

Shiddil,

Squam. abd.

-

228

0 1200.

Not ven.

14

Squam. subc.

-

3 8/

XIII.

Kadell Nagam, -

Squam. abd.
Squam. subc.

-

Not ven.

15

XXVII.

-

-

Squ. abd.

20 6 1
8 }2!4.

Java.

Not ven.

S 1

Anguis Scytale, Linn. Syst. Nat.p. 923.

Squ. subc.

XXVIII.

Shilay Pamboo,

Squam, abd.
Squam. subc.

“

20 ?}-s*

Tranquebar.

Not ven.

32

XXIX.

-

Squam. abd.

-

^ 4 1200.

India.

Not ven.

33

Auguis Maculata, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 391.

Sq. subc.

6 I

London : Printed by W. Bulmer and Co.
Cleveland-row, St. James’s,

• •

.

‘

*

;

i f ■