33« •' SNAXES. 



moment the slough is discarded. They then appear to 

 rejoice in a new existence, their functions are in fullest 

 activity, their appetite keen. At this time the poisonous 

 kinds are most to be dreaded, probably from the venom 

 having accumulated during the quiescent condition. 



At this time, too, their colours show to the greatest 

 advantage, their eyes are brightest, and their personal 

 comfort no doubt is enhanced in every way. 

 f, Before taking leave of the integument, a few words about 

 the markings or patterns and colouring of serpents may 

 not come amiss. Mr. Ruskin, in his celebrated lecture on 

 Snakes, exhibited to his delighted audience a fine anaconda 

 skin, and drew attention to the ' disorderly spots, without 

 system,' with which this snake is marked. TacJies a tortiie, 

 as it was at first described ; and by Dumeril as marked 

 ' avec de grandes taches senices sans ordfe.' Notwithstanding 

 the irregularity the skin is handsome. The oval spots 

 of various sizes and at unequal distances have still a cha- 

 racter of their own, as much as the spots of the leopard 

 or the stripes of the zebra, no two of which are placed with 

 mathematical precision. Mr. Ruskin had but few kind 

 words to bestow on ophidian reptiles, but the disorderly 

 patterns of their coats he greatly disapproved. Moreover, 

 the great artist was inclined to pronounce a sweeping verdict 

 on the conspicuous ' ugliness of the whole poisonous families ' 

 without exception. 



Now unfortunately we have had occasion to lament the 

 good looks of many venomous kinds which are easily mis- 

 taken for harmless snakes. Some of the American elapidce 

 are amongst the most beautiful, with their black, white, and 



