94 - JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST.. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I. 
mistake, as the characteristic feature of the Cobra, its hood, is by no 
means always apparent, whilst in point of size and in general colora- 
tion, there is a considerable superficial resemblance between them. 
After the python, the Common Rat Snake grows to a greater 
size than any other species found here, frequently attaining a length of 
seven or eight feet. The largest specimen that I have seen was killed 
one afternoon on the lawn of the Sports Club, where it had taken up 
its position beneath a chair, in broad daylight and with people about. 
It measured 2110 mm. (6.11 in.), and had just eaten three large toads, 
a fact which probably accounted for its incautious behaviour on this 
occasion. Another has been recorded ( Journ. B. N. H. S.) measuring 
11.6 in., but such a length is quite unusual. 
In dispositon I have found it a wild and excitable creature, 
seeking refuge in rapid flight when encountered, but defending itself 
vigorously if attacked. Although named the Rat Snake, its diet con- 
sists chiefly of frogs and toads. It is one of the few snakes which is 
eaten by the country people. 
Color (in life). Above, from light or dark clive-brown to olive- ° 
green, with well defined but irregular black cross-bars on the posterior 
half of the body and tail. The young have, in addition, a series of 
light, dark-edged bars across the anterior part of the body. These 
disappear with age and after adult life are confined to the interstitial 
skin. Below, pale yellowish, the posterior ventral and sub-caudal 
shields edged with black. Labials yellow, edged with black. 
Distribution. From India to 8S. China and the Malay 
Archipelago. 
16. Zamenis koryros. 
Siamese, 31Y  AQIW (nyu hao talan). 
|) 
It is strange that Flower did not meet with this snake in 
Bangkok and only records two specimens from the country during his 
stay. I have found it quite as common as the preceding species, but 
not so universally distributed, confining itself chiefly to the patches of 
open brush-wood about the edges of the padi-fields. It has strong 
arboreal tendencies and is far more often to be seen coiled on a branch 
in some high bush, than on the ground. At the “ Ditches” it is quite 
common, where it keeps company with Psammophis condanarus (already 
described ), and on one particular afternoon, after heavy rain, I caught 
