THE SMOOTH SNAKE. 65 



pairs. The upper maxillary teeth are on the same 

 line with the others, and longer. The upper parts 

 are greenish-brown, with two parallel rows of black 

 markings along the back, more distinct towards the 

 head than in the hinder portion ; sometimes the 

 spots on the back are small and few in number. The 

 lower parts have a lighter ground-colour, but are 

 often much darkened by black markings."* We 

 have been more prolix in this description than other- 

 wise we should have been ; but it is desirable that a 

 minute detail of the chief features of this snake 

 should be disseminated in order that it may be re- 

 cognised and recorded, so as more fully to establish 

 it as a truly indigenous species. 



Of its disposition we at present know but little from 

 experience. Mr. Bartlett says: — "I could not help 

 observing that it is much more fierce than the 

 common snake ; it bit me several times, but without 

 any injury to the skin, in consequence of the short- 

 ness of its teeth." And this is confirmed by Dr. 

 Opel, who says that, as a rule, it is irascible and ever 

 ready to bite. In this, however, individuals vary. 

 While the two he procured from Silesia never at- 

 tempted to use their teeth, were particularly gentle, 

 and suffered themselves to be taken up without 

 making any effort to escape, others would bite at the 



* The Zoologist, p. 6731. 



