250 [May, 1845. 



and posterior to them, are a number of polygonal scales varying in size ; 

 the posterior are the largest ; the body and tail are covered with smooth 

 quadrangular scales. 



Colour. — Head brownish above and upon the sides ; a yellow band extends 

 from the snout to the posterior extremity of the upper jaw, passing imme- 

 diately over the orbit ; this is continuous with one which passes across the 

 angle of the mouth and terminates in front of the orbit ; the body is brown- 

 ish, variegated with yellow ; these markings form a beautiful robe, but have 

 no determinate forms ; upon the sides of the body is a series of dark colored 

 blotches margined posteriorly with yellow ; under surface of abdomen and 

 tail straw colour, clouded with numerous dark coloured spots, larger upon 

 the tail. 



Dimensions. 



Length of head 



Greatest breadth, ... 



Length of body, ... 



Length of tail, 



For the opportunity of describing this and the preceding species, I am in- 

 debted to the kindness of my friend Dr. Blanding, whose services in the 

 illustration of the Zoology of this country and of Africa are well known. 

 The specimens were preserved in spirits, and the colours have no doubt 

 more or less changed. Among them was a horned snake, which appears to 

 be the Coluber nasicornis of Shaw, but his description is imperfect, and his 

 figures incorrect ; I would propose for it the name of Arastes nasicornis. 



The Monthly Report of the Corresponding Secretary was 

 read and adopted. 



ELECTION. 



William Rich, Esq., Botanist to the U. S. Exploring Ex- 

 pedition, was elected a Correspondent of the Academy. 



