6 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXI. 



above the soil which has been provided for them to conceal them- 

 selves beneath, and in some cases where no earth was given it 

 appeared to thrive just as well without it, and for long periods. 

 The only specimen I remember not having seen for many days 

 was missing when I came to investigate ! It had evidently con- 

 trived to reach the top of the sides of the box in which I had 

 placed it and so effected its escape. A large number of those 

 brought in to me were reported above the gimmd, and many of 

 those were discovered in broad daylight. It is also evident that it 

 must have been above ground, and in daylight in the instances 

 where it had managed to capture squirrels. On the other hand 

 I have frequently had specimens brought in that were found be- 

 neath the soil, their refuge being disturbed by human earth oper- 

 ations. In these cases it appeared to have retired from active 

 life. In Cannanore it was in the hot and dry weather that it 

 was most often abroad, being as common in that season, as it was 

 scarce in the monsoon. 



Disposition. — Russell's Earth Snake is a dull, phlegmatic creature, 

 and a most uninteresting occupant of the vivarium. The ones I 

 had in captivity were generally to be seen lying above the earth, 

 or only partially buried, and remained motionless for hours to- 

 gether. They were not easily roused, except when the food was 

 offered them, and then they showed an interest in life not seen 

 at other times. I have played with many specimens, but it has 

 a nasty uncertain temper, and one has to handle it with caution 

 to avoid being bitten. It will lie on the ground motionless, take 

 little notice of teasing, and just when one begins to think the 

 reptile has no vice in its composition, and will submit to a touch, 

 it suddenly springs forward, and implants its teeth into one's hand, 

 and it can bite with considerable force Although careful in my 

 dealings with it, I have been bitten several times, the suddenness 

 of the assault giving me no chance to withdraw my hand, as one 

 can do with so many other snakes, when familiar with their ways. 

 Russell remarks of one he had sent him that it bit ferociously. M r. 

 Botdenger* says the one he kept had a fierce temper, and Father 



" Faun. Brit. Ind. Kept., ]>. lM7. 



