212 OPHIDIA. 



the body are in from 37 to 51 longitudinal rows, and foim 

 from 238 to 298 transverse rows ; on the tail the scales 

 are in 23 to 31 longitudinal, and in 23 to 33 transverse 

 rows. The upper parts are dull yellow, ^Wth numerous 

 brown spots of various shades and forms, being sometimes 

 round or oval, but generally angular ; in some cases much 

 larger than in others, and in many specimens replaced by 

 transverse bars, or zigzag lines ; beneath, the colour is yel- 

 lowish white, either uniform or with numerous black specks 

 or smaU spots, especially along the sides of the belly; from 

 the gape to behiud the eye is a dark brown band. 



Entire length, 21 inches ; tail, 1 inch. 



Brings forth its young alive. Peeds on lizards and other 

 small animals. In Egypt this snake is often exhibited as 

 a Cerastes by persons who imitate the horns by inserting a 

 bird's claw over each of its eyes. 



Inhabits Greece, Turkey, the Islands of N'axos and 

 Tenos, but chiefly Egypt, and other parts of Northern 

 Africa; also Tartary. 



Family COLUBRIDiE. 



Non- venomous Snakes. Teeth without tubes, and but 

 seldom grooved; the head covered by broad plates; the 

 scales on the under side of the tail divided into pairs along 

 its whole length. 



Genus COLUBER. 



Head covered by plates of different sizes; mouth with 

 three rows of teeth which are curved backwards, namely, 

 two rows on the jaws and one on the palate. 



