Py 
SNAKES. 287 
(3.) a greenish-brown, having many of the scales on the sides 
marked with yellow at their centres. The scales, which are 
placed in twenty-one rows, are very strongly keeled. . The Cape 
Bucephalus feeds upon frogs. It should be kept under the 
influence of artificial heat except during the hottest months of 
the year. It attains a length of more than 4ft. 
The Ornamented Tree-Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) isvery common 
in the Indian Archipelago, and in some parts of Asia, and is 
perhaps one of the most beautiful of all Snakes. Its coloration is 
variable. The following descriptions are given by Dr. Giinther 
in his ‘‘ Reptiles of British India.” 
‘* Head, black above, with yellow cross-bands ; body beautifully 
ornamented with regular yellow or black markings, the arrange- 
ment of which is subject to great variation. 
A. The black colour is predominant, each scale having a 
yellow central spot. The yellow bands on the head are 
numerous, and frequently broken up into spots. 
B. The yellow colour is predominant, each scale being yellow, 
with a narrow black edge, and with a medium black streak, 
the streaks forming longitudinal lines. 
C. The black colour is predominant, each scale having a yellow 
central spot. These spots are larger on the back, forming 
a series of tetrapetalous flowers. Five or six yellow cross- 
bands on the head, some of which are broken up into spots. 
D. Much like B, but back with pairs of black cross-bars. 
Abdomen yellow ; each ventral shield with a black lateral 
spot. 
E. Back red, with pairs of black cross-bars, the bands of each 
pair being separated from each other by a narrow yellowish 
interval. Sides brown, with irregularly-seattered black 
dots. Belly dark green, the outer portion of each ventral 
shield being yellow, with a blackish spot.” 
The body and tail of C. ornatais very elongated, slender, and 
compressed. The eye is large and has a round pupil. The scales, 
which are smooth and grooved, are arranged in nineteen rows; 
the ventrals, which number from 180 to 236, are keeled laterally. 
This Snake should be kept in an artificially-heated Vivarium 
which is furnished with some suitable plant. Its food ought to 
consist of lizards and frogs. It sometimes reaches a length of 
