SNAKES FROM THE KHAS1 HILLS, ASSAM. 319 



Anomalies. — In one example the anal shield was entire, and in 

 another there were three internasals, 1+2. It is to be noted that in 

 all these specimens the carination of the scales is rather feebler than 

 that usually met with, so that it is possible they might be referred by 

 some to the species sanctijohannis of Boulenger's Catalogue (Vol. I., 

 p. 230). 



These specimens, however, conform so completely with my con- 

 ception of the species piscator that I do not hesitate to pronounce 

 them as such, especially as I find that the degree of keeling in this as 

 in all other keeled snakes with which I am familiar is subject to 

 considerable variation. 



I'ropidonotus Mmalayanus. 



Six specimens, 2 $ , 3 9 , 1 ? all adults, varying from 1 foot 

 11± to 2 feet 8 inches. Ventrals, $ 157 to 162, 9 164 to 165. 

 Subcaudals, $ 79 to 82, 9 82 to 85. Scales, anteriorly 19, (except 

 in one where they counted 17), midbody 19, posteriorly 17. The 

 reduction from 19 to 17 is caused by the confluence of the 3rd and 

 4th rows above the ventrals. Labials, 8, the 4th and 5th touching 

 the eye in all. 



Anomaly. — One specimen has 4 postoculars on one side. 



All the specimens were remakable for the brilliancy of their adorn- 

 ment — a feature to which Boulenger makes no reference. (Catalogue, 

 Vol. I., p. 251.) Besides the more or less conspicuous yellow or orange 

 collar with its broader black posterior border mentioned by Boulen- 

 ger, these specimens were ornamented behind the yellow with an 

 intensely brilliant chequering of vermilion, more or less apparent in the 

 anterior half of the body, but reducing in brilliancy from before back- 

 wards. These specimens constitute a very distinct colour variety, to 

 which ornatus would be appropriate. I am familiar with the species, 

 as I have obtained several specimens this year in Dibrugarh. None 

 of these, however, are ornamented with red, though the orange 

 collar is as conspicuous as in the Hill form. One specimen I caught 

 alive just below Shillong. It moved as expeditiously as others of this 

 genus, but made no attempt to bite me, confining its efforts to violent 

 struggles for liberty. When grasped by the tail, it immediately 

 described a rapid corkscrew movement of the body, which caused 

 this appendage to snap off in my hands, and restored a liberty of 

 brief duration. This is a common manoeuvre with snakes, and 



