OPHIDIAN A CR OB A TS. 209 



been the one to carry off the palm in this discovery. Home 

 had already described the peculiarity of the cobra's anterior 

 ribs (chap, xviii.), and, as already suggested, it is scarcely 

 possible to watch one of those larger constrictors zvitJwut 

 perceiving the mode of progression. We shall see in the 

 course of this book that snake observers have arrived at the 

 same conclusions on several points, while wholly ignorant 

 of what others had said or decided regarding the same. 



In the previous chapter the number of vertebrae forming 

 the spinal column of three or four snakes was given, but 

 this number varies greatly, not only in snakes but in species. 

 In some species there are above 400 vertebrae or joints in a 

 snake's spine. But here is a puzzle that baffles the student. 



* Every one knows,' says Schlegel, * that their number differs ' 

 (speaking of the vertebrae), * not only according to the species, 

 but also in individuals, so that sometimes we find in serpents 

 of the same species a difference of thirty or forty vertebrae 

 more or less.' 1 



Taking this literally according to the text, one might 

 expect to find one ring-snake in a family often measuring two 

 feet, while his brother measured two yards, and a third four 

 feet, and so on, as if each had a different number of vertebrae. 



* The same species,' that is, two anacondas or two cobras ! 



* A mistranslation,' one naturally decided, and proceeded to 

 consult the original. But no. The translator had faithfully 

 and unquestioningly followed the original French ; but the 

 fact was so irreconcilable that I sought Dr. Giinther's kind 

 assistance in comprehending the passage. 



^ Essay on the Physiology of Serpents. Translated from the original by Thomas 

 Stewart Trail, M.D., F.R.S.E., etc. Edin. 1843. 



