332 PROCEEDINGS OS THE ACADEMY OF 
have scarcely any species in common with the shells of San Diego, while in 
general they agree with those of the West American tropical fanna. They are 
more nearly related to those of Acapulc6 and Panama than to those of Mazat- 
lan, although in the same latitude on the opposite side of the Gulf. The 
presence of such shells as Oniscia tuberculosa, Cassis coarctata and abbreviata, 
Lathirus castaneus, Oliva porphyria, Columbella hcemastoma, Conus princeps, &c, 
Several of which are also found at Guaymas, though not at Mazatlan, distinctly 
points to far more tropical conditions than could have been expected in so 
high a latitude. The Trochidce, Patellidce, and similar intertidal families, 
however, bear more near relationship to the shells of Mazatlan; while a. soli- 
tary, though fine and apparently fresh specimen of Haliotis splendens, entirely 
unknown in the Gulf, serves as a connecting link to the fauna of Lower Cali- 
fornia. 
Catalogue of the Venomous Serpents in the Museum of the Academy of Natural 
Sciences of Philadelphia, with notes on the families, genera and species. 
r>Y E. D. COPE. 
In the cephalic vertebra of the typical venomous serpents, we observe the 
greatest modifications of the archetypal vertebra, in the ophidian order. This, 
which is most excessive in the inferior arches, consists in 
First, the great shortening and thickening of the haemapophysial element 
of the nasal vertebra, (superior maxillary,) to serve as a firm foundation for 
the long curved venom fangs. 
Second, its ginglymoid articulation with its neurapophysis (prefrontal), by 
motion, upon which the fangs are erected or depressed, and 
Third, the great lengthening of the pleurapophysial element of the frontal 
vertebra, (the tympanic bone), which, acting as a fulcrum, gives the greatest 
mobility to the articulated pterygoid appendage, the ectopterygoid, and conse- 
quently to the superior maxillary. 
Thus, it is evident that this modification has immediate reference to the 
complete specialization, and more perfect exercise of natural functions, the 
apprehension of living prey, and its subsequent deglutition. 
From the possession of these attributes of high organization, we infer that 
nature has assigned to the typical venomous serpents the first place in the 
category of ophidians. 
Hence, also, in attempting to define them as a natural group, we look to 
those points of structure whence we deduce the evidence of superiority. 
In the Colubriform venomous serpents, the hsemapophysis of the nasal 
vertebra still falls considerably short of its hsemal spine, and is much thick- 
ened in a vertical direction at its distal end, to give a firm support to the 
fangs. But a tendency to revert to the ordinary ophidian type is seen in its 
posterior elongation, its oblique articulation with the shortened ectopterygoid 
appendage, and its imperfect articulation with the neurapophysis. In conse- 
quence of this structure, the external pterygoid muscle plays upon the 
maxillary bone at a disadvantage, having, in point of fact, but little power to 
effect the depression of the fangs. The pleurapophysis of the mandibular arch 
is shortened. The result of this is, that the pterygoid, articulated to a shorter 
fulcrum, cannot be drawn forward by the spheno-pterygoid muscle to so great 
an extent ; hence much less mobility is given to the dependent ectopterygoid 
and superior maxillary. Of this group genus Naja, (Laur.) offers a typical 
example ; of the first, Crotalus (Linn). 
Nowhere have we a more conclusive example of the futility of attempting 
to define higher groups by external characters alone ; for, in respect to these, 
the groups, in question, blend in a manner beyond the possibility of satis- 
factory separation. There are, indeed, external peculiarities', which are highly 
characteristic of each. On the one hand there are the depressed, scaly head ; 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
the perforate fangs ; the absence of solid maxillary teeth ; the elliptical pupil. 
On the other, we observe the elevated, plated head ; fangs, which, in closing 
round the poison duct, have not obliterated the line of junction ;* the pres- 
ence of solid maxillary teeth, and the circular pupil. But in the first, many 
genera have the head more or less completely plated ; Daboia (Gray) has 
circular pupil. In the latter, Vermicella (Or.,) Elaps (L.,) Cyrtophis (Sund.. ) 
and Sipedon (Merr.,) have no solid teeth behind the fangs; Dendraspis 
(Schl.) has perforated fangs", and Acanthophis (Daud.) has the pupil erect 
and elliptical. 
In recapitulation, we characterize as follows the families Viperidas and 
Najidse, adopting the appellations given them by the Prince of Canino, whose 
genius here perceived that order, "in tracing which the human mind is only 
translating into human language, the Divine thoughts expressed in Nature in 
living realities."! 
1. VirERIDJE. 
Essential char. Superior maxillary bone vertical by excessive abbreviatiou 
anteriorly and posteriorly, supporting Venom fangs alone ; united to the an- 
terior fiuuiiti aL its upper extremity, and to the ectopterygoid at the lower 
extremity of its posterior face by ginglymoid articulations. Caudal vertebra-.- 
normal, without greatly developed processes. 
Characters not universal. Tympanic bone much elongated, giving great 
breadth to the head posteriorly. Fangs having all external trace of the en- 
folded canal obliterated. Pupil erect, elliptical. Occipital region scaly. 
2. Najid.*:. 
Essential char. Superior maxillary bone horizontal, abbreviated and sup- 
porting venom fangs anteriorly ; elongated posteriorly, and united to the 
prefrontal and shortened ectopterygoid by imperfectly moveable articulations. 
Caudal vertebra? normal, without greatly developed processes. 
Characters not universal. Tympanic bone shortened, causing the head to 
be but little distinct from the body. Fangs not perfectly consolidated over the 
canal. Pupil circular. Occipital region plated. 
These families correspond to the Solenoglyphes and ProteroglypL.es 
Conocerques, of Dumeril and Bibron. Though the arrangement of these 
eminent herpetologists is certainly, in this point, more natural than that 
of the British Museum catalogue, where the Najidse (Elapsidse) are placed 
among the Colubrine snakes ; yet it appears to us that they are in error in 
not considering the sea-snakes, Proteroglyphis Platycerques, as constitut- 
ing a group of equal rank with those above defined. They are characterized 
by numerous external peculiarities, and the compression of the caudal vertebra?, 
and unusual development of their neural and hajmal spines, constitute a 
modification whose importance may be partly measured by its striking 
adaptation to a special end in their economy. 
3. Hydeophid-b. 
Essential char. Superior maxillary bone horizontal, possessing very little 
mobility ; abbreviated, and supporting a grooved fang anteriorly ; much 
elongated posteriorly, and supporting a series of solid teeth. Caudal vertebra) 
compressed, inferior and superior processes much elongated, to serve as a sup- 
port to the compressed, oar-like tail. Pupil round (?) 
Characters not universal. Head not dilated posteriorly; in consequence Of the 
shortness of the tympanic bone. Body compressed ; scales not imbricated, 
nor united into gastrosteges on the belly. Head plated. Nostrils superior, j 
valvular. 
* Termed by herpeiologists " grooved," "canneles." 
tA^assiz. 
1 P^aturus Daud. is an exception. 
1859.] 
334 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 
In the foetal Crotalus the gastrosteges are divided, but they unite into broad 
shields some time before the young animal bursts its membrauous envelope. 
But it is not until some size is attained that the grooved line where the grow- 
ing edges of the fang unite and isolate the canal, is obliterated. 
Thus we see typified the three families of the venomous serpents, and their 
relative positions in the scale of being. But these characters, while parallel 
to those deduced from the skeletal structure, do not, like them, define the 
groups they characterize. ' 
Those genera of serpents which are characterized by entire urosteges, ex- 
hibit a degree of development one step beyond those that have them divided, 
since the latter retain that arrangement which characterizes the foetal condi- 
tion of the former. 
I. VIPERIDiE. 
1. CROTALINJE. 
Fangs without external groove. Pupil erect, elliptical. Head very distinct. 
A deep fossa on each side behind the nostrils, partly occupying the excavated, 
superior maxillary bone. 
The genera of this group are here arranged in what appears to be their 
natural succession, without reference to the position of that which exhibits the 
highest typical perfection. 
Total species Species in 
estimated. Mus. Acad. 
A. Vertex symmetrically plated. 
* Urosteges two-rowed. 
Numerous scale-like plates substituted for the frontals, 
1. Hypnale, 
Frontals, two pairs, regular. 2. Trigokocephalus, 
** Urosteges, one-rowed. 
Tail terminating in a horny point. 3. Ancistkodon, 
Tail terminating in a rattle. 4. Crotalophorus, 
B. Vertex, scaled. 
* Urosteges, one-rowed. 
Tail terminating in a rattle. 5. Crotalus, 
Tail without rattle. 6 . Teleuraspis, 
** Urosteges, two-rowed. 
f Superciliary region p'lated. 
Urosteges four-rowed at the tip. 7. Lachesis, 
Urosteges two-rowed to the tip ; soales carinated. 
8. Bothrops, 
Urosteges two-rowed to the tip ; scales smooth. 
9. Parias, 
Superciliary plates, two pairs, 10. Meg^ra, 
ft Superciliary region scaled. 
A rudimental superciliary resting on the preoculars. 
11. Cryptelytrops, 
No rudimental superciliary plate. 12. Atropos, 
2. VIPERIN^E. 
Fangs without external groove. Head very distinct. Pupil usually ellipti- 
cal. No lachrymal fossa. 
A. Superciliary region scaled. 
* Urosteges two-rowed. 
TDec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 335 
Nostrils lateral ; horn-like processes over eyes. 
13. Cerastes, 
Nostrils vertical, surrounded by several nasals ; pupil 
erect. 14. Clotho,* 
Nostrils vertical, each in a single nasal ; pupil round. 
15. Daboia, 
** Urosteges one-rowed. 
Nostrils lateral. 16, Toxicoa, 3 1 
B. Superciliary region plated. 
* Urosteges one-rowed. 
Nostrils lateral. 17. Echis, 2 
** Urosteges two-rowed. 
Top of head scaled. 18. Vipera, 2 2 
Top of head plated. 19. Pelias, 1 1 
3. ATRACTASPIDIN^. 
Fangs without external groove. Head not distinct from the body. Gape 
small. Pupil round. No lachrymal fossa. 
Head symmetrically plated : urosteges one-rowed : 
frontal plates, two pairs. 20. Atractaspis, 1 
Head symmetrically plated : urosteges one-rowed ; fron- 
tal plates, one pair. 21. Brachycranion, 1 1 
4. CAUSING. 
Fangs with an indistinct external groove. Head moderately distinct. Pupil 
round. No lachrymal fossa. 
Head symmetrically plated ; urosteges two-rowed. 
22. Cadsus, 1 1 
Total, 83 34 
1. CROTAL1NJE. . 
Hypnale Fitzinger. 
Systema Reptjlium, 1843, p. 28. 
1. H. nepa nobis. Coluber nepa Laurenti. Spec. Synopsis Reptilium, 
p. 97, 1768. Trigonocephalies hypnale Boie, Schlegel, et aliorum. 
Our specimens agree very nearly with the description of Trigonocephalus 
Z a r a Gray, Brit. Mus. Catal. of Snakes, p. 15, in the narrow white vitta upon 
the temporal region, the brown lips with one or two white spots posteriorly, the 
white band upon the lower part of the neck, etc. ; the scales are smooth except 
a few dorsal rows, which have traces of carina?. Dr. Gray's description is, 
however, so brief, that we cannot, with confidence, refer them to it, the more 
so as no subseqitent author notices its existence. Besides, Dr. Gray's species 
was brought from Singapore. Two spec. Ceylon, Mr. Cuming. 
Trigonocephalus Oppel. 
Rept. p. 50. 
a. Scales carinate. Trigonocephalus. 
2. T. Blomhoffii-Boie. 
Three spec. Ningpo, Dr. McCartee. 
*It is probable that some of the species assigned by Dr. Gray to Clotho, belong more 
properly to Cerastes. 
1859.] 
336 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
Garden of Plants, Paris. 
Var. meg asp ilu s nob. Head somewhat broader than usual. Breadth 
of vertical plate nearly equal to it's length. Superciliaries large. Posterior 
frontals five-sided, not rounded laterally and posteriorly. Temporal region 
scaled. About twenty large, annular black spots on each side, arranged alter- 
nately, and often confluent on the back. These enclose rhomboidal brown 
spaces, each of which has a central black spot. Gastro- and urosteges black, 
with aiew white variegations. 142 X 1X46. 
One spec, No. 136. Habitat? Perry Expedition. 
b. Scales smooth. Calloselasma nob. Leiolepis Dum. and Bibr., 1854, 
not of Cuvier, 1829. 
3. T. rhodostomus Boie. 
One spec. Java, 
Ancistrodon Beauv. 
Trans. Am. Phil. Soc, iv., 381, 1799. Cenchris Daud., Hist. Rept. 1803. 
Toxicophis Troost, Ann. Lye, New York, iii., 190, 1833. 
M. P. de Beauvois, in characterizing this genus, alluded to the characters 
by whieVt it ma.v be known from all others, viz : the plated bead, pjit.ire uros- 
teges, and absence of rattle. Hence his name cannot be set aside for Cenchris, 
of later date. He spelled it Agkistrodon, but according to the universal rule 
of latinizing the Greek, it should be Ancistrodon. 
4. A. contortrix Bd. & Girard. 
Two spec. FoxbuTg, Penna., 
One " Pottsville, 
" " . South Carolina, 
Two " Mobile, Ala., 
Eight " Kansas, 
Three " Loc. ignot., 
5. A. piscivorus nobis. Toxicophis piscivorus B. & G., Smiths. Catal., 
p. 19. 
One spec. Adams Co., Miss., H. Sargent. 
Two " South Carolina, Dr. Holbrook. 
Two " Loc. ignot., Dr. Wilson and Garden of Plants. 
Prof. Baird. 
C. T. Hughes. 
Dr. Holbrook. 
Dr. Nott. 
Dr. Hammond. 
Dr. Wilson. 
6. A. p u g n a x Ho&is. Toxicophis pugnax B. & G., Smiths. Cat., p 
Six spec. 
Texas, 
Crotalophorus Gray. 
20. 
Dr. Heermann. 
Am. Philos. 205, 1825. 
7. C Kir t Ian dii Holbr. 
8. C. tergeminusflo/k 
One spec. 
<< << 
Five " 
9. C. miliarius Holbr. 
Three spec. 
One 
One " 
One " 
Two spec. 
Ohio, 
Kansas, 
Loc. ignot., 
Ohio, 
S. Carolina, 
Georgia, 
Florida, 
CroTalus Linn. 
Dr. Holbrook. 
Col. McCall. 
Dr. Hammond. 
Dr. Wilson, et ah 
Dr. Holbrook. 
Dr. Leidy. 
Dr. Jones. ' 
F. Party. 
29. 
Urocrotalon Fitzinger, Syst. Rept. Schema, p. 
Uropsophus Wagler, Amphib., p. 176. 
The confusion in the synonymy of some of the species of this genus is very 
great, and is not diminished by the frequent reference of good species by Eu- 
ropean herpetologists, as varieties of others previously described. Thus in the 
[Dec, 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 337 
Brit. Mus. Catalogue we find terrificus (adamanteus,) and Oregonus referred 
to durissus (horridus,) and Prof. Jan, Rev. et. Mag. de Zoologie, 1859,. p. 
156, considers atrox and. confluentus as varieties of terrificus (adamanteus.) 
10. C. durissus Linn. Syst. Nature i., p. 214., 1760, (Stockholm Edit.) 
"Albo flavoque varius maculis rhombeis nigris disco albis." 
Caudisona durissus Laur. Rept. p. 93, 1763. Crolalus durissus Merr. Syst. 
Ampbib. p. 156, 1820. Cuvier Regne Animal, p. 122, pi. 32 (of the edit. Au- 
douin, Blanchard, etc.) Griffith's edit. do. ix., p. 267. Crot. horridus Latreille 
iii., 186, do. Daudin, (1803) Wagler, Schlegel, Gray, Dumeril and Bibron. C. 
cascavella Wagler, Spix Serp., Brazil, p. 60, 1824. 
The errors introduced into the synonymy of this species and the C. h o r r i - 
dus of Linmeus, by Latreille and Daudin, and perpetuated by subsequent 
writers, have been clearly set forth by Major J. Le Conte, Pro. Acad. Nat. Sci. 
vol vi. p. 415. 
There are four specimens of this formidable serpent in the Acad. Museum, 
which illustrate very well the changes which age produces in the plates on the 
muzzle. 
No 141 hronwlit by Dr. Hering from Surinam, is a very ynnng individual^ 
marked precisely as in Regne Animal Reptilia, pi. 32. There are three pairs 
cf plates all closely in contact on the median line, the first subtriangular, the 
second oval, the third lie partly between the superciliaries. 
No. 3. Surinam, Dr. Hering. This is 2 feet 7J inches long. The plates 
are as in the preceding, except that the second pair are broader, and 
concave. The head is rather narrow, resembling fig. 2, pi. 84 bis of the Erpe- 
tologie Generale. This and the last belong to var. c of the Cat. Brit. Mus. 
No. 2. Head and tail of a very large individual, Vera Cruz, Dr. Burroughs, 
the former measuring two inches between the angles of their jaws beneath. 
Second pair of plates much elongated transversly with some, small scales be- 
tween and around them ; of the third pair, one is divided, the other partially ; 
and there are small scales between them and the superciliaries. 
No. 1. Surinam, Dr. Hering. Length four feet five inches. First pair of 
plates entire ; second, divided into three on each side ; third, small, in con- 
sequence of irregular subdivision. 
11. C. terrificus. Caudisona terrificus Laurenti Rept. p. 93, 1763. Cro- 
talus rkombifer Daud. v., p. 325, 1803. Dumeril and Bibron. 1854. Crotalus 
udamanteus Beauv., Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. iv., p. 368, 1824. Holbrook, Amer. 
Herp. iii. p. 9, 1842. Baird and Girard, Cat. Smiths. Inst., p. 3, 1853. 
One spec. South Carolina, Dr. Holbiook. 
12. C. atrox Bd. & Girard. 
Three spec. Texas, Dr. Heermann. 
13. C. lucifer B. & G. . 
One spec. S. California, Smiths. Institut'n. 
14. C. oregonus Eolbr. One spec. Oregon, T. Nuttall. 
15. C. cerastes Hallowell. One spec. California. D. Heermann. 
16. C. confluentus Say. C. Lecbntei Hall. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. vi. 
p. 180. . 
Fifteen spec. Kansas, Dr. Hammond. 
Three " Rocky Mountains, " 
" " California, Dr. Heermann. 
One " New Mexico, Dr. S. Woodhouse. 
C- Lecontei was stated to differ from C. confluentus in possessing two 
rows of scales between the suborbitals and superior labials instead of four ; in 
having a row of four scales between the nasals instead of six ; in the less number 
of longitudinal rows on the body, the absence of a white border to the rostral plate, 
etc. Examination of the above specimens shows that the number of scales in 
1859.] 
338 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 
the rows between the nasals varies from two to four in the first, from four to 
six in the second ; that the number of rows of supralabials varies from two 
to three ; the rows of scales on the body vary from 24 (the number attributed 
to L e co n te i) to 26 ; that the rostral plate is often half bordered, sometimes 
not at all. 
17. C. horridus Linn. Syst. Nat. i. p. 214, Edit. 1760. Cuvier, Regne 
Animal, ii. p. 78, 1817. Crotalus durissus Daud. Hist. Rept. v. 304, 1803. Also 
of Holbrook, Dumeril and Bibron, Baird and Girard. Crotalus atricaudatus 
Daudin and Wagler. Uropsophus durissus Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. Urocrotalon 
durissus Fitzinger, 1843. 
Nine spec. Penna. Drs. Mitchell and Rand, and Mr. J. H. Slack. 
One " 
Ten " 
No. 47 (Penna.,) dark variety. The black double rhombs become confluent 
upon the plants anteriorly, enclosing the lighter ground, which thus forms a se- 
ries of oblong spots. Posterior rhombs all confluent into transverse black bands. 
Gastrosteges clouded with brownish black. Nos. 48 and 49 are intermediate 
between this and the ordinary variety. 
The remaining species of this genus are : 
C. mo loss us B. & G., Catalogue Serp., Smithson. Inst. p. 10. A very 
distinct species. 
C. or n at us Hallowell, Pacific Rail Road Report, x., Parke's Explorations 
p. 24. 
C. t i g r i s Kennicott, U. S. and Mex. Boundary Survey Reptiles, p. 12, pi. 4. 
C. 1 u g u b ri s Jan, Rev. et. Magasin de Zoologie, 1859, p. 156. This seems 
to be most nearly related to C. lucifer B. & G. 
Teleukaspis nobis. 
Head triangular, depressed, covered above with small scales. Muzzle prom- 
inent, bordered by a series of small scales ; a large superciliary plate on each 
side as in Bothrops. Urosteges one-rowed ; tail without rattle. 
The absence of a rattle distinguishes this genus from Crotalus, and the en- 
tire urosteges from Bothrops. Its natural situation appears to be between 
them. The two species which we have seen are both small and widely differ- 
ent from each other. 
18. T. Schlegeli nob. Trigonocephaly Schlegeli Berthold, Abhand- 
lungen der Koniglichen Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften zu Gottingen, iii. 
p. 13, 1847. Jan, Rev. et Mag. de Zoologie, 1859, p. 155. 
Two Spec. Cocuyas de Veraguas, N. Granada. Mr. R. W. Mitchell. 
Since the time of its description in 1847, this rare and curious serpent has been, 
as far as we are aware, unnoticed by authors. As Berthold's description is brief, 
we subjoin the following : 
Snout rounded, depressed, its plane forming an acute angle with that of the 
rostral, which is slightly concave. Scales on the head tuberculous or carin- 
ate, as are also the supralabials and temporals, the latter excessively. A series 
of small tuberculous scales between the superciliary and orbit, two of which 
are prolonged into compressed horn-like appendages, which are erect and flexi- 
ble. Scales bordering the muzzle with their outer borders free and recurved. 
Nasal plate large, the nostril pierced in the centre. Lachrymal fossa large. A 
slender undivided subocular. Superior labials nine, the third longest ; eye 
over third and fourth. Inferior labials thirteen. Geneial scales imbricate, 
acute, some of them carinate. Scales of the body thin, acute, much imbricate, 
in 24 or 25 longitudinal rows, all carinate except those next the gastrosteges. 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 339 
No. 99. Bright green with a few dark brown rhombs on the back. On the pos- 
terior part of the body, narrow pinkish grey bands, alternate on opposite sides 
of the median line. The whole upper surface sparsely dotted with brown 
punctulations. Upper surface of head with two deep brown spots on the 
muzzle ; one on the inner border of each superciliary ; a large one on the 
vertex, with a smaller confluent with it on each side, and two occipital spots. 
A dark band passes from the orbit beyond the angle of the mouth. Inferior 
and superior labials white, punctulated and spotted with brown. Beneath, 
white, shaded with cream color, (in spirits) ; posteriorly green ; the whole 
punctulated with brown. A series of brown spots on the flanks, which shade 
the extremities of the gastrosteges. 
No. 98 differs in having fewer brown rhombs on the back ; and the light 
transverse vittse extend to the anterior part of the body. The top of the head 
is uniform brown, without spots, except the occipital pair. Gastrosteges 151 ; 
anal 1, entire ; urosteges 52. Length 1 ft. 3 in. 
19. T. Castelnaui nob. Bothrops Castelnaudi D. & B. vii. p. 1511. 
Three spec. South America. Mr. Cuming. 
This species has two nasal plates, with the nostril between them. The 
superciliary plate rests immediately upon the orbit. 
Var. br achy stoma nob. In this variety the breadth of the head at the 
angle of the jaws is only two-fifths its length, which is perhaps the result of 
accident. The labials are 8 above and below, instead of 10 superior and 9 
inferior. The brown spot on the head is quadrangular, not cordate ; and the 
labials above and below, and the geneials, are brownish black. In other respects 
it is exactly similar to the true Castelnaui. Longitudinal rows of scales 23. 
Scuta 154xlX33. 
One spec. Habitat ? Mr. Cuming. 
T. L an s b erg i i is a third species of this genus. We have not been able 
to find the' original description, but its prominent characters have been pointed 
out by Prof. Jan, loc. cit. p. 155. T. nummifer, {Trig, nummifer Kiippel) 
is probably a fourth species. There is a possibility, but we have not the means 
at hand for arriving at a decision, that this is identical with Atropos mexi- 
canus Dam. and Bibr. Vol. vii. p. 521, which has the urosteges entire, and, 
according to the plate 83, bis. Erp. generale, a small superciliary shield. The 
latter at least can hardly be considered as congeneric with the Atropos D a r w i n i 
and puniceus . 
Laches is Daud. 
Hist. Rept. 1803. Copkias Merrem, 1820. 
20. L. mutus Daud. Two spec. Surinam, Dr. Hering. 
Bothrops Wagler. 
In Spix. Rept. Brazil, 1824, p. 50. Craspedocephalus Kuhl (IS ?) Fitzinger 
(1843), Gray (1849.) 
21. B. lanceolatus Wagl. Two spec. S. America. 
22. B. atrox Wagl. B. leucurus and taniatus Wagl. Trigonocephalus 
colombiensis Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. ii. p. 246. 
Eight spec. S. America, Mr. Cuming. 
Two ' ' Cocuyas de Veraguas, New Granada. Dr. Mitchell. 
Five " Caraccas, Dr. S. Ashmead. 
One " " Dr. Morris. 
One " Para, Col. Abert. 
Two " loc. ignot. Prof. Bache. 
23. B. a 1 1 e r n a t u s D. & B. 
One spec. Buenos Ayres, Mr. Kennedy. 
One " loc. ignot. ? 
1859.] 
340 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
B. v i r i d i s connects the South America and East Indian species insepar- 
ably ; and to ns it appears questionable whether B. sumatranus and 
Hombronii are generically distinct. 
Cryftelytrops nobis. 
Head very distinct, depressed anteriorly, covered with small smooth scales. 
Superciliary region covered with small scales, not thickened as in 'Atropos. 
Superciliary plate narrow, rudimentary, resting on the preoculars. Pupil 
elliptical. Urosteges two-rowed. 
24. C. c arin at u s nob. Trimesurus carinatusGray, Zoological Miscellany, 
p. 48. 
One spec. Hab. ? (Probably India) ? 
To Dr. Gray's very brief description we add the following : Body rather 
slender, tail moderate. Scales in 25 longitudinal rows, lanceolate, strongly 
carinate, except a row on each side adjacent to the scuta. Temporals small, 
keeled. Superior labials small posteriorly, the third largest ; eye over the 
fourth and fifth, from which it is separated by three rows of scales. Gastro- 
steges 157. One entire anal. 77 Urosteges. Above, dark olive brown ; beneath 
blackish green; a greenish white oval apical spot upon each scale of the 
smooth series next the scuta on each side. 
Trimesurus albolabris Gray, loc. cit., may be a second species of ibis 
genus, which intervenes between Bothrops and Atropos. 
Atropos Wagler. 
Nat. Syst. der Amphib. p. 175. 
25. A. D a r w i n i D. & B. Two spec. Hab. ? Dr. Wilson. 
In this very vicious looking species all the scales are smooth except a few 
dorsal rows. No. 100 ; gastrosteges 165 ; anal 1, entire ; urosteges 51. No. 101 : 
163x1^53. Prof. Jan (Rev. et Mag. Zoologie, 1859, p. 157,) has described a 
third Atropos, which has a long horn-like appendage over each eye. This 
peculiarity, formerly known only in the Cerastes and Clothos of the old world, 
characterizes three species of American Crotalidse, viz : Crotalus cerastes 
Hallow, Atropos u n d u 1 a t u s Jan, and Teleiiraspis Schlegeli nob. 
2. VIPERINJZ. 
Cerastes Wagler. 
L. c. p. 178. 
25. C. Hasselquistii Gray, Zool. Misc. 1832. Coluber cerastes L. Syst. 
Nat. 1766. Cerastes cegyptiacus D. & B. vii. p. 1440, 1854.* 
Two spec. North Africa, Dr. Wilson. 
Clotho Wagler. 
Gray Zool. Misc. 69, 1842. Echidna et Cerastes pars Wagler, Amphib. 177, 
'78, 1830. t Echidna Dura, and Bibr. (not of Merrem,) vii. 1420, 1854. 
27. C. rhino c ero s . Cerastes nasicornis Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. 
Phila. iii. p. 319. Vipera rhinoceros Schlegel, Verslageh en mededeelingen der 
Koniglijke Akadamie von Wettenshappen ; Amsterdam, iii. p. 316. 
Three spec. Gaboon, Dr. Henry A. Ford. 
In No. 154 (large specimen), there is on the muzzle, below and in front of each 
horn-like supranasal, an oval scale, directed outward and upward, and free for 
the greater part of its length. In No. 155, (still larger specimen,) this scale is 
produced into a horn, four lines in length. The scales of the head are more 
strongly carinate and spinous in this than in' the last. InC. nasicornis 
Gray, the horns are all developed from the supranasal plate, which is the 
character by which Schlegel distinguishes it. 
* Aspis Cleopatrae Laurenti, Specimen p. 105, cannot be this species. He says, ' sguanjj* 
planis appressis nee carinatis." 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
341 
28. C. arietans Gray. 
One spec. Senegambia, John Cassia, Esq. 
One " Cape of Good Hope, Garden of Plants. 
One " " " U. S. Exp. Expedition. 
This is the type of Bitis Gray, in which the supranasal is not developed into 
a horn. Corneous and squamous appendages are, however, common among the 
vipers, and occur independently of generic characters. The position of the 
nostrils and the number of nasal plates are the same in this and the last 
species. 
Echidna (Merrem, 1820) is employed by some authors to designate this 
genus, but as its type, E. cobra, (Merrem, Systema Amphib. p. 150), cannot 
be identiiied,* Dr. Gray adopts Clotho (Wagler.) 
Toxicoa Gray. 
Cat. Brit. Mus. 1849. (Type Echis arenicola Boie.) 
29. T. s qu a m ig e r a nob. Echis squamigera Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. 
Phila. vii. p. 193. 
One sp. Gaboon. M. Duchaillu. 
Tox. chloroechis ( Viper a chloroechis Schlegel, Verslag. der Koniglije 
Akad. Amsterdam, iii., p. 317, 1855) is allied to this species, bat differs in 
having 23 rows of scales instead of 18 ; 13 inferior labials instead of 10; and 
in having "on each side of the back one row of small spots of a light yellow 
color," instead of irregular transverse fascia? of the same. 
Vipera Laurenti. 
Specimen Synopsis Rept. 99. 
3.0. V. ammodytes Daudin. 
One spec. Italy. Dr. Wilson. 
Si. V. as pi s Merr. 
Thirteen spec. 
Var. oeellata Bp. 
Five spec. 
.Var. r u f a Bp. 
Three spec. 
Var. f u s c a Bp. 
Three spec. 
Var. nigra Bp. 
Two spec. 
Syst. Rept. 148. 
32. P. b e r u s Merr. 
One specimen. 
Italy. 
Italy. 
Dr. Wilson. 
Pklias Merr. 
Four 
Three 
Two 
Garden of Plants. 
Dr. Wilson. 
J. & H. Rinberg. 
Dr. Wilson. 
Loc. ignot. 
Italy. 
Lund, Sweden, 
(young.) Italy. 
A half grown specimen, from Italy, has the short muzzle of the variety 
Ursinii Bp., with the ordinary dark coloring, 
Var. n i ger Bell. {(J 1 ) 
Two spec. Lund, Sweden. J. & H. Kfnberg. 
Var. dorsal is. (P. dorsalis, Gray. Zool. Misc.. p. 71.) 
One spec. Lund, Sweden. J. & H. Rinberg. 
Our specimen is not typical of the variety, as the dorsal band which is 
mght scales wide is undulate on the margin, thus approaching the ordinary 
variety. The muzzle and gape is shorter than usual, thus resembling Ursinii. 
* His description, " Squamis maioribvs in carina dorxi," iv, at least, not applicable to 
any of the true vipers. 
342 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
Var. Ursinii Bp. Pelias chersea vel Ursinii Bp. Fauna Italica. 
One spec. Italy. Dr. Wilson. 
The gape and muzzle are shorter, and the latter more sloping than usual. 
In its light colors, our specimen partakes of the character of a young animal. 
Many specimens of this strongly-marked variety, and much observation on it 
in a state of nature are needed to settle satisfactorily its true zoological value. 
Until proof to the contrary can be adduced, we cannot consider it as more 
than a variety. How far it coincides with the Coluber chersea of Linnseus 
is a question. 
3. ATRAC TASPIDINjE. 
Bkachychranion Hallowell. 
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., vii. p. 99. 
Differs from Atractaspis (Smith, Zool. S. Africa, facing pi. 71) in possessing 
one pair of frontal plates instead of two. 
In this genus the tympanic bone is short ; but in other respects the me- 
chanism of the bones of the mouth is similar to that of the vipers and rattle- 
snakes. The superior maxillary bone is very short and vertical, articulating 
with the lachrymal by a ginglymoid joint at its superior extremity. Its whole 
lower surface is occupied by the anchylosed bases of the fangs. The ecto- 
pterygoid articulates with it moveably, and at a right angle, but is rather 
short, and incurved posteriorly. While this structure gives its possessor the 
power of erecting or depressing the fangs, weakness is indicated by the pro- 
portions and form of the ectopterygoid and tympanic bones, and by the small 
size of the spheno- and external pterygoid muscles. The former is hot larger 
than in an adult Tropidonotus sirtalis. Though the gape of the mouth in 
Dr. Hallowell's species is small, the fangs are probably as efficient as in some 
species of Elaps, which, it has been shown by the experiments of Dr. Cantor, 
are unable to inflict a wound on any but very small objects. 
33. B. corpulentum Hallowell. Atractaspis corpulentus Hallow. Proc. 
Acad. Nat. Sci. 1857, p. 70. Giinther, Cat. Colnbr. Brit. Mus. p. 239. 
One spec. Gaboon. Dr. H. Ford. 
4. CAUSING. . 
Causus Wagler. 
Natur. Syst. Amphib. 172. 
While this genus exhibits a close conformity to the succeeding group in ex- 
ternal characters, it maintains that modification of the cephalic vertebrae which 
we deem characteristic of the highest family of Ophidians, the' 'true venomous 
serpents. 
Thus it is that, while this group (Viperidas) may be distinctly defined by 
that modification of the ideal by which the neuro-skeletal structure is adapted 
to an end in the economy of the animal, those external peculiarities which are 
of no obvious value to their possessors connect it inseparably with that suc- 
ceeding, and add another to the many proofs that the works of Creation form 
a graduated and connected whole. 
34. C. rhombeatus Licht. 
One spec. Cape of Good Hope. Garden of Plants. 
Four. Liberia. Dr. Goheen. 
II. NAJID^E. 
1. NAJIN^E. 
Fangs with an external groove, extending from the basal to the terminal 
orifice. 
Acanthophis Daudin. 
Hist. Rept. v. p. 289, 1803. 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 343 
35. A. antarctica Wagler. Boa antarctica Shaw. Acanthophis cerasti- 
nus, Daud. Hist. Rept. 1803. 
Superior maxillary bone elongated posteriorly, not compressed, rounded oa 
its outer face ; the ectopterygoid curves inward and articulates with it ob- 
liquely. The'fang is long, with a delicate groove on its anterior face, extend- 
ing from the basal to the terminal orifice. Behind it there are two small 
greatly recurved solid teeth, the last upon the very edge of the articulation 
with the ectopterygoid, and both' are concealed by the integuments. 
In an undoubted and beautiful specimen of this snake, received from the 
Garden of Plants, Paris, these characters are distinct. Hence we feel assured 
that its true position is in the family Najidse, and that Pseudechis and Hoplo- 
cephalus are its natural allies. Thus, while so large a proportion of Austra- 
lia's mammals are Marsupials her birds, Raptores, Psittaci and Cursores ; 
her mollusca, Braehiopods ; her lizards, Scinks* etc. her venomous serpents 
are all Najida? ; nor has she a solitary example of the higher Viperidaa. 
Hoplocephalps, Cuvier. 
Regne Animal, ii. p. 95. Alecto, Dum. & Bibr. 1854. (Not of Wagler, 
1830, the type of whose genus is Trimeresurus leptocephalus, Lacep.) 
36. H. pallidiceps Gray (?) var. 
Scales in fifteen longitudinal rows. Superior labials six, second and third 
truncated above. Two inferior labials in contact with the inframaxillaries, 
(three in curtus.) Row of scales next the scuta yellow at their bases, moie 
conspicuous anteriorly. Beneath, yellowish olive, more yellow anteriorly. 
Head above, uniform deep olive brown ; the vertical plate is nearly as broad 
as long, and much depressed. The muzzle is broad and rounded. Body 
above deep olive brown. Where the epidermis is lost, olive-yellow transverse 
bands, about two half scales in Width, alternating with the darker, which 
occupies a width of one scale and a half, appear, but they are very indistinct ; 
obsolete anteriorly. 
One spec. Australia. Gard. of Plants. (As Alecto cu ta.) 
Our specimen approaches very near to the pallidiceps Gray, but its identity 
cannot be established without additional examples. 
Sepedon Cuvier. 
E. An. ii., 86. 
37. S. hsra achates Merrem. 
One sp. Cape of Good Hope. Garden of Plants. 
One sp. " " Dr. Wilson. 
Naja Laurenti. 
Specimen, p. 90. 
38. N. h aj e Merr. One sp. Garden of Plants. 
Var. melanoleuca Halloicett. Four sp. Gaboon. Dr. H. A. Ford. 
39. N. tripudians Merr. Var. with the spectacle-like marks. 
One sp. Bengal. W. Jones. 
Three sp. ? ? 
Var. uniform brown, without the spectacle-like marks. 
One sp. Java. Dr. Ruscbenberger. 
Var. scopinucba nob. Light brown, annulated with narrow white rings, 
which are not continued upon the pale brown belly. Throat nearly white, with 
a black annulation covering from the fourteenth to the seventeenth gastros'eges. 
The back of the neck black, with a white circle, emarginate in front, and having 
a central black spot, with a small dot on each side of it. 
One sp. Canton River. Dr. W. S. W. Ruschenberger. 
A specimen nearly similar to this singular variety, brought from China by 
Mr. Gernaert, came under the notice of the authors of the Erpetologie Geuerait. 
and is described vii., p. 1297. 
1859.] 25 
344 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
Bungarus Daudin. 
Hist. Rept. v., 263. 
40. B. semifasciatus Kuhl. 
One sp. Java. Dr. Ruschenberger- 
One sp. 
41. B. fas ci at us Cantor. Var. B. (Brit. Mus. Catalogue.) 
Three sp. Ceylon. Mr. Cuming. 
One (young) sp. " 
Elaps Schneider. 
Hist. Amphib. ii., p. 289. 
a. Asiatic. 
42. E. calligaster Weigmann. 
One sp. Philippine Is. Mr. Cuming. 
b. African. 
43. E. lacteus Schn. {Coluber lacleus L. 1754. Col. Hygice Shaw, 1792. 
Elaps ffygicE, Merr. 1821.) 
One sp. Cape of Good Hope. Garden of Plants. 
c. American. 
*Body with complete isolated rings, with spots between them. 
44. E. fulvius Cuv. 
One sp. ^ r - Baxne. 
One sp". Charleston, S. C. Smithsonian Inst, 
Four sp. ? 
One sp. South Carolina. Jas. Reade. 
One sp. " Dr - Blanding. 
One sp. Texas. Dr. Heermann. 
45. E. ag 1 ee o p e nobis. Head slightly distinct from the body, oval, muz- 
zle elliptically rounded. Not a slender species. Tail long, one-seventh of the 
total length. 
Rostral plate small. Anterior frontals very small; posterior frontals nearly 
as broad as the length of the vertical, and a little longer than the superciliaries. 
Vertical small, two-fifths of its length between the occipitals. Scales in fifteen 
longitudinal rows. Rings black, three scales (in a straight line,) and three or 
four gastrosteges in width. Spaces between, five or five and a half scales wide, 
with a delicate light brown ground color, but divided by a vermillion ring, three 
scales wide. This is wider on the belly and adjacent to the black, except when 
occasionally separated by a yellow gastrostege. In the middle of the vermillion 
is a series of elongate black spots one scale wide, sometimes confluent into a 
band, not reaching the gastrosteges. A black collar involves the tips of the 
occipitals, half the last superior and inferior labial, and the first three gastros- 
teges. In front of this a baud of delicate brown includes the occipitals and 
extends to the labials ; the latter are yellow. The inferior labials (except a 
black spot on the second and third,) and the inframaxillaries, are also yellow. 
The rostral, and anterior frontals are brownish yellow, (perhaps shaded with 
red in life). The rest of the head, extending backward from the first and second 
superior labials, to the postoculars, and anterior edge of occipitals, is black. 
There is a spot of the same color on the line between the occipital plate3. 
Gastrosteges 207, anal one, urosteges 52, first seven undivided. 
Total length 31 inches. Tail 4 inches, 6 lines. 
One specimen, brought by Dr. Jno. L. Le Conte from Honduras. 
A beautiful species, related to fulvius, apiatus, tener, etc, 
**Body with rings at equal distances, without spots between. 
46. E. c i r c i n a 1 i s D. $ B. 
One sp. West Indies. Mr. Engstrom. 
Two sp. ? ? rr . 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 845 
In one of our specimens all the rings are complete, in another several are 
incomplete, appearing as elongate oval spots bordered with yellow, and in the 
third, as many as five successive rings are wanting on the gastrosteges. This 
appears to be a smaller and darker colored species than corallinus, of which 
some consider it a variety. 
47. E. corallinus Neuwied. 
Two sp. South America. ? 
48. E. nigrocinctus Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., vii., p. 226, 1854??? 
U. S.' Astronomical Exped. ii., p. 210. Aug. 1855. E. divaricatus, Hallow. Jour 
Acad. Nat. Sci. iii., p. 36, May, 1855. 
Three sp. Honduras. Dr. J. L. Le Conte. 
Two sp. Panama. " 
One sp. Nicaragua. Mr. Amory Edwards. 
The coloring of the body of this species is that of corallinus, while the 
head has that of f u 1 v i u s. 
***Rings complete, arranged three and three. 
49. E. altirostris, nobis. Head scarcely distinct, lanceolate, compressed, 
its height and breadth at the eye equal. Muzzle rounded, narrow, high, pro- 
minent. Cephalic shields large ; superior labials seven, high ; the eye resting 
on the division line of the third and fourth. Tail short, (possibly mutilated,) 
one eighteenth of the whole length. 
Scales in fifteen rows. 
Colors in spirits. Body with fourteen triads of complete rings of a deep 
chocolate brown, sometimes confluent on the belly. Spaces between these four 
or five scales wide, of a pale yellow brown shade, each scale tipped with darker. 
Spaces between outer and central rings of the triads covering two scales, which 
are broadly tipped with chocolate. The color of the head is a continuation of that 
of the anterior outer ring of the first triad. The following, however, are the mark- 
ings of white : The occipitals (except the outer borders) and plate3 surround- 
ing them ; the anterior borders of the inframaxillaries and inferior labials ; a 
line bordering the fifth superior labial above, and reaching to the occiput. 
Gastrosteges 194; anal 1, divided; urosteges 15. Length 29 inches, 6 lines; 
tail 1 inch, 5 lines. 
One sp. ? ? 
A robust species, resembling E. lemniscatus, except in the color and form 
of the head. In respect to the latter, it differs from any other species which we 
have seen, but resembles the figure of E. Bertholdi, Jan. loc. cit., except in 
the absence of the preocular. 
50. E. dissoleucus nobis. Head slightly distinct, muzzle acutely 
rounded and projecting. Body not slender, not stout. Tail distinct, tapering, 
short, one-eighteenth of the total length. 
Vertical plate small, elongate, obtuse behind ; superciliaries broad; occipitals 
very elongate ; eyes very small. Scales fifteen rows. Body red, with seven sets 
of three black rings together ; the central ring not twice as wide as the exterior 
ones, and separated from them on each side by ring of white, four scales wide ; 
each white scale bordered with black. Viewed from above the head, and for 
four scales behind the occipital plates is black, except a band of red, which 
includes the fifth, sixth, and most of seventh superior labials, nearly all the 
postoculars, anterior part of the occipitals, but not extending across the median 
line, which is black. On the throat and chin the black only appears on three 
gastrosteges, and the front inferior labials. 
Gastrosteges 200; anal 1, divided; urosteges 19. Length 22 inches, 6 lines; 
of tail 1 inch, 4 lines. 
One sp. Venezuela. Dr. Chas. D. Meigs. 
One of the most elegant species of the genus, and having some similarity to 
E. e 1 e g a n s Jan, Rev. et Mag. Zool., 1858, p. 524. The rings which are white 
1859.1 
346 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
in diss ol eu cus, are yellow, and much narrower in elegans; the latter 
has a yellow ring round the neck, and the black does not extend upon the throat. 
51. E. Mar cgravii? Neuioeid. Two sp. Dr. Wilson. 
52. E. lemniscatus Schneider. 
One sp. Surinam. Dr. Hering. 
One sp. 
53. E frontalis D. $ B. 
One sp. South America. Dr. Wilson, 
Two sp. " ? 
54. E. baliocoryphus nobis. Body rather stout. Head broad, depressed, 
but still distinct. Tail short, one-fourteenth of total length. Scales in fifteen 
rows. 
Fifteen triads of black rings four scales apart posteriorly, increasing in dis- 
tance anteriorly to eight. Scales in these intervals broadly tipped with brown- 
ish black. Exterior ring of the three, two and two and a half scales wide, 
separated by a space of equal width from the central, which is three and four 
scales wide. The first ring is four scales back of the occipital plates. The 
scales in this interval, and the temporals are broadly tipped with black. Occi- 
pitals black, anteriorly and posteriorly edged with the light color, perhaps red 
in life. A spot below and in front of the eye, the superciliaries and vertical 
black, the last pale-edged anteriorly. Fost-frontals immaculate, pre-frontals 
black, anteriorly light-edged ; apex of rostral black. Except three black blotches 
on the chin, the other plates of the head are of the light color. 
Gastrosteges 226 ; anal one, divided ; urosteges 26 pairs. 
Length 2 feet, 8 inches. The tail 1 inch, 9 lines. 
One sp. Buenos Ayres. Dr. Kennedy. 
This species resembles E. lemniscatus somewhat: it is peculiar for the 
shortness of the head. 
55. E. surjn amen sis Cuv. 
One sp. Surinam. Dr. Colhoun. 
2. BENDRASPIDINJE. 
Fangs without external trace of the canal. 
Dendraspis Schlegel. 
Verslag. Zool. geuootsch. Amsterd., 1848. Dinopkis Hallow., Proc. Acad. 
Nat. Sci., 1852, p. 203. 
56. D. Jamesoni Schlegel. Maps Jamesoni Traill, Trans. Schlegel's Essai, 
p. 179, 1843. Dinophis Hammondii Hallow., loc. cit. 
Two sp. Liberia. Dr. Goheen. 
In this species the superior maxillary bone is elongate, and much compressed, 
not offering any plane surface for the attachment of solid teeth. There is a 
malar process of considerable length, which is connected by ligament with the 
posterior frontal bone. 
III. HYDROPHID.E.* 
Platdrus Latr. 
Kept. Tome iv., p. 185. 
57. P. fascial us Daudin. 
One sp. East Indian Ocean. C. Guillou. 
Disteira Lacep. 
Ann. Mus. Fr., iv., p. 199. 
*Swainson, Fishes Amphibia, etc. Lardner'sCab. Cyc, 1839. Hydridae, Gray, 
Zooleg. Miscell., 1842. 
[Dec. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 
347 
We suspect that the true ground of separation of this genus from Hydrophis 
will be found to be the separation of the frontals from the superior labials by 
the intervention of the fronto-nasals and preocular, and not the presence of 
rudimentary gastrosteges. The latter peculiarity is possessed in a less degree 
by Hydrophia striata, H. nigrocincta, and others. The genus thus 
defined would include H. p achy c e r c u s, Fischer, loc. cit, pi. 2. Should it, 
however, be the opinion of herpetologists that the genus be referred to Hydro- 
phis, as has been done by Dr. J. G. Fischer, the species which we possess must 
Still continue distinct, as observed by Prof. Jan, its describer. 
58. D. Dumerilii Jan, Rev. et Mag. de Zoologie, 1859, p. 149. Aline 
from the nostril to the posterior border of the frouto-nasal separates a part of 
it, which is analogous to the nasal. One postocular. Except two on the neck 
the slate-black rings are complete, and occupy three gastrosteges. The back 
between the rings is light slate-color. Tail slate black. 
One sp. ? ? 
Hydbophis Daud. 
Hist. Rept. vii. 
59. H. Schlegeli Fischer. Abhandl. der Naturwissenschaftlichen Ham- 
burg, iii., p. 50, 1856. Thalassopkis Schlegeli Schmidt, ibid, ii., p. 83, 1848. ? 
Chitidia inornata G-ray, Cat. Brit. Mas., p. 56, 1849. 
One sp. Manilla. Dr. Burroughs. 
60. H. gracilis Schlegel. 
Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus. 
One sp. Gulf of Siam. 
61. H. striatus Schlegel. 
One sp. ? 
Microcejphalophis gracilis Lesson, Voy. Belauger. 
A. A. Henderson. 
Lapemis Hard- 
62. H. p e 1 a m i d o i d e s Schlegel. Fauna Japonica, 1838 
wickii, Gray, Zool. Misc., 1842. 
Four sp. Gulf of Siam. 
One sp. " " 
One sp. Java. 
Five sp. ? 
Two of our specimens have two postoculars on each side. 
a large loral on each side. 
the other. 
Var. annulata Fischer 
One sp. Manilla. Dr. Burroughs 
While our specimen coincides in all important particulars with Dr. Fischer's 
plate cited, it differs in having the bands of a chocolate color, each dark scale 
with a light shade in the middle. The body is rather more compressed than in 
the ordinary pel am idoides , and there are no traces of carination. Nam 
Lapemis curtus, Gray, loc. cit ? 
Pelamis Daud. 
A. A. Henderson. 
Dr. Burroughs. 
Capt. Harwick. 
? 
One of these has 
Another has two postoculars on one side, one on 
loc. cit., pi. 3.