THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 



43 



It struck at him, and scratched his thumb, but no ill-effects, local oi 

 constitutional, supervened. 



4 



ififf- 



R 



Fig. 24. — Ancistrodoa himalayanns (X 2). 



Dimensions. — Boulenger gives 2 feet 10 inches. Its usual adult 

 length is about 2 feet. 



Colour. — Brovpn of various hues, sometimes nearly uniform, especi- 

 ally in light specimens, but more often mottled or variegated so as to 

 form bars, or a nondescript carpet-like pattern. Belly peppered 

 blackish and red, on a whitish ground. 



AXTOZSTHODOIT SYPITALE-Tlie Ei;imp-2iosed Viper. 



Identification. — Like the last this species has large shields on the 

 front of the head, but differs in the scales, numbering J 7, in the middle 



