324 Zoological Society : — 



Of P. Olfersii I have seen about half-a-dozen specimens. One 

 was sent to me lately from Rio de Janeiro, the rest were from this 

 province. 



Of the family Dendrophidse a single species, Ahcetulla liocerca, 

 has come to my notice, but in few specimens. One was sent to 

 me from Rio de Janeiro ; when alive, it is a very beautiful animal. 



The family of Dryiophidse is represented in this province by two 

 species of the genus Dryiophis — 2), argentea and D. acuminata, of 

 which the former seems to be very scarce, whereas the latter is ex- 

 ceedingly common. I have nothing to add to what is already known 

 of these animals. I have repeatedly tried to keep live specimens in 

 confinement, but they all soon perished, after incessant disquietude, 

 without ever taking food of any kind. 



The Brazilian Dipsadidse are all, as far as I have been able to 

 ascertain, of nocturnal habits. During the day, specimens are found 

 only in dark, sheltered places ; at night they are frequently met with 

 abroad. A specimen of Leptodeira annulata, which I kept for a 

 long time in confinement, was never visible during the day, being 

 hid in a crevice of its cage, but soon after sunset it became very 

 lively. I never saw it take any food ; and it died after several 

 months' confinement, probably from inanition. This species is very 

 frequently found close to dwellings and in the thatch of houses. 



Of Thamnodynastes Nattereri I have obtained a great many spe- 

 cimens ; but of T. punctatissimus only a few from Cafiavieras. 



My statement to Dr. Giinther, that I had seen a specimen of Eu- 

 dipsas leucocephalus, was founded on a mistake ; no specimen of this 

 species has yet come to my notice. 



Leptognathus Catesbyi is not very scarce. Of L. Mikanii I have 

 only lately received specimens from Caravellas. 



The Brazilian species belonging to the family Scytalidae are nu- 

 merous. Of ScytaJe coronata I have seen only the variety B. 

 of Dr. Gilnther's Catalogue. It is exceedingly common, and very 

 remarkable for the different changes of coloration it undergoes by 

 age. Young specimens are of a pale pink colour ; adults are of an 

 almost uniform black colour above, and white beneath. It lives, like 

 all the members of this family, on lizards, chiefly on our most com- 

 mon species, Trachycyclus marmoratus. I have frequently had 

 specimens of Scytale and Oxyrhopus alive for months ; they are all 

 of seminocturnal habits, and pursue their prey, not during the night, 

 but at beginning of dusk, or a short time before sunset. On seizing 

 they seldom crush their victims, unless these offer strong resistance ; 

 and considering how vigorous and tenacious of life lizards are, I have 

 often been surprised at the little resistance they offer when caught 

 even only by a leg. They seem paralyzed. If they struggle, the 

 snake quickly throws a coil or two over them ; if not, they allow 

 their pursuer, after a little while, to relinquish its hold and to seize 

 them deliberately by the head. Is it that the Snakes with grooved 

 teeth are, after all, not quite innocuous, at least for cold-blooded 

 animals 1 I was once severely bitten by a Philodryas Reinhardtii 

 without feeling the slightest subsequent inconvenience. 



