178 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
ing matter, but might fall far short of representing actual con- 
ditions. In order to write a life history of value, the student must 
possess a series of specimens. He must note the actions of indi- 
viduals, and compare one with another, and at the same time he 
must appreciate certain conditions appealing to the life of the 
creature in a wild state. Once again the writer must repeat his 
assertion that the observer must be sympathetically interested, for 
otherwise his notes trend toward a mere recital of actions that 
possess no especial significance or value. 
The Cobras.—The reptile department takes especial pride in 
what is probably the most thoroughly representative collection of 
living Cobras ever exhibited in the New World. The majority 
of these specimens have been in the Park for several years, dur- 
ing which time continuous observations have been made. Thus, 
in conformity with the object already explained, the Cobras, which 
have been provided with descriptive labels, and constitute a feature 
of great interest to visitors, are now in line for a resumé upon 
their characteristics as observed in captivity. Combined with 
this collection of notes, we offer an account of the Coral Snakes. 
The appropriateness of this description will be appreciated by the 
explanation that the Coral Snakes (Genus Elaps) are the only 
serpents inhabiting the New World which represent the Subfamily 
to which the Cobras belong. As some species of the former occur 
in the United States, notes on their habits are interesting as illus- 
trating the diversity of life evinced by creatures structurally 
related. 
It is a popular, though incorrect, idea that a venomous snake 
may be distinguished by its thick body and wide, triangular head, 
the latter very distinct from the neck. Such is not the case with 
the Cobras and their numerous and formidable allies. They 
are included in the large Family Colubridae, embracing the 
majority of the harmless snakes. From the harmless snakes the 
Cobras differ not in form, but simply in the possession of short, 
permanently erect fangs on the forward part of the upper jaw. 
In general outline they appear to be typical harmless snakes, 
most of the species closely resembling in a general way the Indigo 
or Gopher Snake (Spilotes corais couperi), a common serpent 
of our southern states. 
To illustrate the relationship of the Cobras and their allies to 
the harmless snakes, it is necessary to present a tabulated classifi- 
cation of the Family Colubridae and its divisions. This Family 
is divided according to the structure and arrangement of the teeth 
of its members. 
