SNAKES. 283 
Reptile, which are very strongly keeled and pitted in the middle, 
are arranged in from twenty-three to twenty-seven rows ; the 
ventrals number from 185 to 263; the sub-caudals are in from 
forty-one to ninety-four pairs, and the anal scute is entire. 
The following is a description of the colouring (which varies a 
great deal) of D. scabra, as given by Mr. Boulenger in his 
“Catalogue of Snakes” : “Pale olive or pale brown above, 
uniform or with dark brown spots, usually disposed in three 
longitudinal series ; a V-shaped dark marking on the nape, pre- 
ceded by one or two on the head ; the latter may be broken up into 
spots ; upper labials with brown vertical bars; belly yellowish, 
uniform or dotted or spotted with brown or blackish. 
A. Vertebral spots elongate, and more or less confluent into a 
zig-zag vertebral band ; a black stripe along upper surface 
of tail ; belly spotted with blackish, 
B. A dorsal series of large squarish or rhomboidal dark spots, 
separated by light intervals, alternating with a lateral 
series of spots or crossbars ; belly spotted or dotted only at 
the sides (C. seaber). 
Pale reddish-brown above, with the markings very much 
effaced. Intermediate between B. and F. 
. Dorsal markings as in B., but ventrals edged with black. 
. Dorsal spots confluent with lateral ones, forming cross-bands ; 
belly unspotted (D. medici, Biare. ; D. fasciolata, Peters). 
No spots or markings of any kind (C. palmarum, Leach ; 
D. inornata, Smith).”’ 
ao ae oe 
The Egg-eating Snake or Eyervreter (a local name) is hardy 
when in confinement. As food, it should be provided with the 
eggs of pigeons, bantams, and small barn-door fowls. It must 
always be kept, while in this country, under the influence of 
artificial heat. Anyone who is lucky enough to own one of these 
Snakes will be sure, if he cares for these creatures at all, to 
acknowledge that he has a most interesting possession. It is 
such an ordinary-looking little creature that a dealer, ignorant of 
its habits, might be willing to part with it for a few shillings. 
Its real value I do not know. 
D. scabra, which is a native of Tropical and South Africa, 
grows to a length of about 30in., of which the tail measures 
nearly one-seventh. 
