£ 
SNAKES. 251 
Z. constrictor has one prve-ocular, under which there is a small 
sub-ocular, two post-oculars, seven upper labials (of which the 
third and fourth usually touch the eye), four lower labials, 
smooth lustrous scales, placed in nineteen rows, ventrals number- 
ing 160 to 180, sub-caudals in from 74 to 104 pairs, and an anal 
scale, which is divided. 
As its common name implies, it is often of a black colour, both 
above and below, with lips and throat which are whitish or 
yellowish. The young are olive, marked with oval spots of a 
darker colour. <A variety (C. flaviventris) is olive or brown 
above, and yellow below. 
This Snake reaches a length of 5ft., of which the tail measures 
about a quarter. It is a native of North America, and may be 
kept in this country without artificial heat, and allowed, if in 
good condition, to hibernate at the proper season. 
Dahl’s Snake (Zamenis dahli, Fig. 70) is one of the most 
beautiful and graceful of European Snakes. Unfortunately it is 
rather rare, but I have been able to buy it sometimes in this 
country for so low a sum as 8s. It is generally ready to bite ; 
its teeth, however, hardly pierce the skin. In captivity it will 
feed upon small lizards and young mice. Z. dahlii has a very 
slender body and tail, one prze-ocular (under which there is a sub- 
ocular), two post-oculars, eight or nine upper labials, four or five 
lower ones, smooth, narrow, pitted scales, arranged in nineteen 
rows, and an anal scale, which is divided. The upper parts 
of this reptile’s body are generally of a pale uniform green. On 
each side of the neck there are some large brown spots, with 
white or yellow edges; the lower parts are a yellowish white. 
The eye is large. 
Dahl’s Snake is a native of Southern Europe, Asia Minor, 
West Persia, Syria, and Egypt. As it is fairly hardy it needs 
very little, if any, artificial heat during the summer, and may be 
allowed, if fat, to hibernate. 
- The Horseshoe Snake (Zamenis hippocrepis) has received its 
name from a mark very like a horse’s shoe on the back of its 
neck. This marking, however, is not constant. 
The following is a short description of the reptile: The head is 
fairly distinct from the neck, and rather broad behind ; there 
