6o 



INTRODUCTION 



In counting the teeth for the purpose of using this 

 key, care must be taken to ascertain the full number, 

 as it frequently happens that one or more are miss- 

 ing ; but their place is indicated by the shallow 

 pits in which their base was implanted, the over- 



a 



*mmm*^^ 



Fig. 12 — Maxillary and Mandible of — (a) Tarbophis fall ax ; 

 (b) Ccelopeltis monspessulana ; (c) Macroprotodon cucullatus. (From 

 British Museum Catalogue of Snakes) 



looking of which might convey the impression of a 

 hiatus such as is characteristic of certain genera — 

 Macroprotodon, for instance. Needless to say, the loose 

 teeth which are in reserve on the inner side of the 

 jaws or behind the tubular fangs are not taken into 

 consideration, the numbers given being those of 



