502 APPENDIX. 



" It measured 6 feet 1 inch (its tail short and blunt), 

 and 10^^ inches round the body. It was very inactive, 

 lying all day in a corner of its cage, or coiling in graceful 

 folds about the perches. 



" On the morning of the 19th of October, I was sur- 

 prised to find my captive had produced twenty-three 

 young ones ; they were all perfectly formed and of much 

 the same size. I measured six of those that died first, and 

 found them 16 inches long and U inch in circumference. 

 The last of the young ones died on the 24th, and the 

 mother on the 28th, of the same month. Since that time 

 I have only caught two or three more, and they have 

 always got away by some accident or other ; but I hope 

 soon to find more, as I am anxious to try them again, for 

 I had always supposed they laid eggs like other snakes, 

 though this one certainly brought forth her young alive. 

 " I am, my dear Sir, 



" Yours very truly, 



" F. R. Griffith." 



