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 resume upon 

 their characteristics as observed in captivity. Combined with 

 this collection of notes, we ofifer 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 lliat a venomous snake 

 mav be distinguished by its thick l)ody 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 Coluhridae, embracing the 

 majority of the harmless snakes. From the harmless snakes the 

 Cobras differ not in form, but simply in the ])()Ssession of short, 

 permanentlv 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 ilie Indigo 

 or Ciopher Snake (Spilotcs corals caiipcri). a ciminKm siT])cnt 

 of our southern states. 



To illustrate the relationshij) of the Cobras and their allies to 

 the harmless snakes, it is necessary to present a tabulated classifi- 

 cation of the Familv Coluhridae and its divisions. This I'amily 

 is divided according to the structure and arrangement of the teeth 

 of its members. 



