CONTENTS. 



fage. 



Table of contents 339 



Prefatory note 345 



The so-called " liarmless " poisonous snakes 345 



Detinition of poisonous snakes 346 



"Suspected " snakes 34(j 



Opistlioo;lyi>bs 347 



Experiments by Peracca and Dereyibus 347 



By Duges 348 



By Eitfe 349 



By Vaillant 349 



Niemann's investigation of the glands 319 



Quelch's experience 350 



Is it essential for a venomous snake to possess (jrooved fangs 350 



Synopsis of the Opisthoglypb snakes occurring in tbe United States 351 



Tbe Coral Snakes — family Elaplda' 351 



Are the coral snakes poisonous 351 



Mimicry and confusion with other snakes . 352 



Proteroglypbs 352 



Mr. F. W. True's account of a celebrated case of coral snake bite 353 



Other cases 354 



Bite of coral snake is dangerous 355 



Alleged smallness of mouth erroneous 355 



Affinity of the Elaps to the Cobra 355 



Comparison between the Elaps and its Jiarmless imitators 356 



Natural history of the PLlapida' occurring in the United States 358 



Genus Elaps 358 



Poison apparatus 358 



Synopsis of species in the United States 359 



Harlequin Snake — Elaps fiilriiis 359 



Synonymy 359 



Figures 360 



Descrii)tion 360 



Variation 360 



Geographical distribution 361 



Habits 362 



Souorau Coral Snake — Elaps eitriixaiithiis 362 



Synonymy 362 



Description 362 



Geographical distribution 363 



The Pit Vipers-family Croialhhv 363 



The "pit" 364 



Organ of a si xth sense 364 



339 



