230 



OPHIDIA. HYDROPHID^. 



ing these Serpents, many of which were captured 

 in the nets employed for fishing. His observa- 

 tions are principally directed to the anatomical 

 characters which distinguish the marine from the 



CHITTUL. 



terrestrial Serpents, and to the modifications of 

 structure by which the former are adapted to the 

 elements in which they exist. With respect to 

 their physiology, the principal point of interest 

 he establishes is, the circumstance of all the spe- 

 cies, without exception, being highly venomous, 

 — a fact which has been denied by Schlegel, who 

 states that the Marine Snakes are harmless ; and 

 the same erroneous idea is very current with the 

 natives. Dr. Cantor in proof of the contrary 

 refers to the recent death of an officer in Her 



