THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 



GROUP 1.— SEA SNAKES. 



Identification. — Tail compressed^ (i.e., Jlattened like an eeVs — see 

 fig. lA). Snout and croion covered icith large plate-like shields (fee 



fig. 6). 



l-'Ki. ij. — Platiirus laticaudatus ( X 4 ). 



The sea snakes (Hydrophiince] are all reputed Inglily venomous. 

 Recent investigation by Rogersf shows that the venom of our commonest 

 species {E7ih>/driiia valakadr/en) is eight times more potent than that of 

 the binocellate cobra ! There are many published records of fatalities 

 owing to bites from sea snakes, but the name of the offender is rarely, 

 if ever, given, so that our knowledge of the venoms of this family of 

 snakes is extremely meagre, — in fact, we have no certain knowledge of 

 any one of them with the exception quoted above. The recognition of 

 many of the species is extremely perplexing, and in consequence the 

 confusioji in terminology is great. Even our best books are very 

 disappointing, and fail to make the recognition of many of them 

 ])ossible. 



* Only one harmless snake has a compressed tail, viz., Chcisyilni!! g ra uulatus, an aquatic 

 species found in rivers and sea*. In this the snout and crown are covered with small scales 

 oxily. 



t •' The Lancet," February <;th, l'.i04. 



