SNAKES. 237 
generally two in number, and the post-oculars three. There are 
eight upper labials, as a rule, and five lower ones. The scales, 
which are strongly keeled, are placed in nineteen rows; the ven- 
trals number 160 to 197; the sub-caudals, 48 to 86; the anal 
plate is double. This Snake is olive, bluish-grey, or yellow 
(rarely) above, sometimes uniform, but more often marked with 
dark spots arranged quincuncially, or in a series of inverted V’s. 
There is generally an inverted V-like marking on the back of the 
neck. The labials are of a dusky orange colour, apparently 
divided by darker markings. The lower parts of this creature’s 
body are variously coloured, such as with yellow or red marbled 
with black, or nearly black; or slaty-blue edged with salmon- 
pink, finely speckled with black or brown; or black broadly 
bordered with orange, sprinkled with black spots. 
The Viperine Snake (7Z’ropidonotus viperinus), though perfectly 
harmless, is even more like a viper in appearance than the Dice 
Snake—hence its specific name; but a glance at the size and 
arrangement of the head-shields would show it to be no Viper. 
Like its near relative 7’. tessellatus, it is very suitable for confine- 
ment, for it is also a good feeder and a non-biter. This Snake 
often has back-markings almost identical with those of the 
Common Viper (Vipera berus), and, no doubt, has been frequently 
mistaken for a viper. I remember how very cautiously I used to 
handle the first Snake of this species which I possessed, for though 
I had been told by a great authority that it was quite harmless, I 
could scarcely believe it to be so, for its appearance was so 
against it. However, the creature’s habits were much in its 
favour, and it quickly became much liked. 
In some parts of the Continent this reptileis verycommon. It 
is a native of France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and 
Barbary. When imported into this country it may generally be 
bought, according to size, for from 2s. to 4s. It is slightly 
cheaper than the Dice Snake. 
For a long time this Snake was confounded with that just 
mentioned. Perhaps the chief difference between the two 
reptiles, not considering their coloration, is that the Viperine 
Snake’s scales are placed in from twenty-one to twenty-three 
rows, whereas those of the Dice Snake ys arranged in nimeteen 
