THE PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF POISONOUS SNAKES 77 
himself to destroy an Hfa, of which he has the greatest dread. 
If, as often occurs, he finds one of these reptiles in his house, he 
addresses himself to the Hani or juggler, in order that, by his 
magic art, he may expel the dangerous visitor. From this custom 
the juggler evidently derives no small advantage, for, as is only 
right, he does not ply his craft for nothing. In many cases, 
indeed, the juggler releases a snake in a house, and then goes and 
informs the owner that he knows that a reptile is concealed in his 
dwelling, and that, in consideration of a stipulated reward, he will 
rid him of it (Brehm). 
ee maes 
Ces: cri) ” LT? 
nu 
Fic. 41.—Æchis coloratus. (After G. A. Boulenger, op cit.) 
(2) H. coloratus (fig. 41).—Scales on the snout and vertex 
convex, smooth or bluntly keeled, 13—15 from eye to eye; no 
supraocular shield; 17—22 scales round the eye; 12—15 supra- 
labials; scales on the body in 31—85 rows; 174—205 ventrals; 
42—52 subcaudals. No cruciform mark on the head. 
Total length, 750 millimetres ; tail 80. 
Habitat: Palestine, Arabia, Socotra. 
