INNOCUOUS SEKPENTS. 131 



very variable disposition of the colours in different indivi- 

 duals. Rows of scales, 1?. S. 150 + 20 to 184 + 44. 



8. Calamaria arctiventris comes from the Cape of 

 Good Hope, and resembles in form a small Coluber ; the 

 head and the plates with v. hicli it is covered are more de- 

 veloped than usual ; the body is very thick for the size of 

 the animal, and the tail is pointed. It is distinguished 

 from the other species by its belly being strongly angular, 

 and by its colours ; above a chestnut-brown, below yellow ; 

 the flanks gi'eyish-blue, dotted with close-set black points. 

 Rows of scales, 15. S. 130 + 30. 



9. Calamaria melanocephala is found in both Ame- 

 ricas, and approaches in form to an Elaps. Its body is of 

 equal thickness, the tail more slender than in the preceding 

 snakes ; the head truncated at the snout, and hardly dis- 

 tinguished from the neck. The system of colours presents 

 distinctive marks ; below yellowish, above of a pale brown, 

 with three longitudinal black rays ; head adorned with 

 black spots. Rows of scales, 15. S. 155 -f- 60. 



10. Calamaria punctata is a native of the southern 

 parts of North America ; resembles the last, but differs by 

 a less cylindric body, a head more distinct from the neck, 

 smaller scales, and a different system of colours. Above 

 is of a deep brown-grey, with a white collar ; below of a 

 yellowish-wiiite. A series of black points extend along 

 the middle line of the abdomen. Rows of scales, 15. S. 

 170 + 60. 



11. Calamaria Oligodon, the eleventh species of the 

 genus is remarkable, as it is the sole example of a serpent 

 without palatal teeth ; but otherwise, in mould and appear- 

 ance, analogous to the Calamars. Its head is rather thick, 

 obtuse, and inflated at the cheeks. This species is also 

 distinguishable by its colours : the inferior parts, as in the 

 Cal. Linnagi, are of vermilion-red, with square spots ; the 

 upper parts of a deep bronze, with large white spots distri- 

 buted at regular distances on the back ; on the head are 

 several black bands. This Calamar is rare in Java, and 

 forms in Sumatra, Ceylon, and the Philippines, beautiful 

 varieties, from the effect of climate, distinguished by the 

 distribution of their tints ; the abdominal spots are red, 



