144 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



planted. In all probability, the Scolopendne found in the stomach 

 of Echis carinata can be accounted for in a similar manner ; and 

 in any case a decided negative may be given to the hypothesis of 

 Aristotle, mentioned in conjunction therewith (p. 579). 



The illustrations, by Mr. A. T. Elwes, add much to the value 

 of this work, and are original, both in conception and design. 

 Especially to be commended are those which represent various 

 anatomical details, either of the natural size or indefinitely -stated 

 relative dimensions, and aid greatly in the study of the physiology 

 of the different organs. 



Since without a grumble or two criticism would be uncritical, 

 one may take exception to certain curious plural forms of generic 

 titles, as used to denote individuals, — Bungari, Tropidonoti, 

 Trigonocephali, Buccphali, &c. The name of the genus is the 

 standard of a regiment : there is but one, and it cannot be 

 multiplied as a designation for Privates Brown, Jones, and 

 Robinson. Again, it is somewhat surprising to find in a book on 

 "Snakes" two whole chapters (by no means uninteresting in their 

 way) devoted to slow-worms. True, they are brought in as a sort 

 of theatrical contrast to the Anaconda, by virtue of their diminu- 

 tive size; but seeing that Anguis fragilis sometimes attains a 

 length of twenty-two inches, and is really a rather thick and 

 bulky little reptile in proportion, it may be doubted whether some 

 of the excessively lithe and slender whip- or tree-snakes would 

 not have served the purpose better, preserving the ophiological 

 unities at the same time. Some kinds of Oxyrhopus and Liophis 

 are very small also, not to mention the rare Stenorhina fremin- 

 villci (Micropliis quinquclincatus of Hallowell). 



Lastly, in her desire to be strictly impartial and unbiassed, 

 Miss Hopley occasionally admits evidence which appears to be 

 insufficiently supported : — "A farmer," " a clergyman," and 

 sundry anonymous " gentlemen" are quoted ; and one "Charles 

 Smith, who was ploughing near Chicago," also contributes his 

 testimony. The species Smith is familiar to most of us, but the 

 soul athirst after knowledge yearns for some further identification 

 of the particular specimen. And the name of the gentleman, 

 clergyman, ploughman, or whoever he was that furnished the tale 

 of a tame boa-constrictor dying of grief because its master was 

 unwell, ought surely to be handed down to posterity ! 



