234 THE VIVARIUM. 
number, and the lower ones always seven. The scales are 
arranged in nineteen rows; the ventrals number from 144 to 
178; the sub-caudals are placed in from 86 to 127 pairs, and the 
anal scute is entire. The colour above is dark olive or dark 
brown, marked with three yellow, orange, or light green longitu- 
dinal stripes ; and the lower parts are greenish-white. Its slender 
and graceful form, large eye, and pleasing colouring altogether 
make it a very beautiful reptile. 
The Ribbon Snake attains a length of at least 2ft. 6in., of 
which the tail measures 9in. It will feed upon frogs, newts, and 
small fish. 
This and all other Snakes of the genus Z'ropidonotus may (and 
should, I think) be kept in Vivaria arranged similarly to that 
suggested for 7’. natrix; the larger they are, of course, the better. 
The Dice Snake (T'ropidonotus tessellatus, Fig. 68) is so like a 
Viper in appearance that most people would hesitate a long while 
before they touched it, even though they have been told of its 
perfect harmlessness. Not only is it quite innocuous, but, like its 
near relative 7. natrix, it is most unwilling to use its teeth in self- 
defence. This Snake is a very suitable inmate of a Vivarium, as 
it is easily tamed and a good feeder. I have known it to take 
food readily on the day following its purchase and a long journey ; 
indeed, it seems incapable of fasting nearly so long as most 
Ophidians. The Dice Snake should be kept in a case arranged 
as already suggested, and fed upon small fish, frogs, newts, and 
tadpoles, after which animals it will dive very cleverly and grace- 
fully. Like 7. natrixv, it is quite ready to eat dead minnows 
when they are placed in its bath. 
This reptile while at liberty is generally found in or near either 
running or stagnant water. It is able to swim very quickly and 
easily. It is a native of France, Spain, Hungary, Germany, 
Switzerland, and South Western and Central Asia. As 7’. 
tessellatus is often imported into England during spring and 
summer, it may generally be bought at prices which range from 
2s. to 4s., according to size and condition. It sometimes exceeds 
a length of 3ft., of which its tail equals one-fifth. 
The eye of the Dice Snake, which is rather small, has a dark 
yellow iris. The muzzle is thick. The pre-ocular shields are 
