THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 53 



With reference to midbody the point indicated is midway between 

 the snout and the anus or vent (a transverse slit in the hinder part 

 of the belly). Anterior with reference to scales indicates a point 2 head 

 lengths bshind the head ; posterior similarly implies a point 2 head 

 lengths in front of vent. 



The conception of a poisonous snake, as alluded to hereafter, demands 

 some remarks on the classification of these reptiles. 



Boulenger considers the Ophidia (snakes) a suborder of the Order 

 Squamata (which includes lizards and chameleons). He divides snakes 

 into nine families based on osteological peculiarities which can only be 

 made apparent by the minutest and most careful dissection or dis- 

 integration of the soft tissues, and hence are of far too complicated a 

 character for the general enquirer to readily investigate or comprehend. 

 I venture to think the same end may be equally well attained by 

 attention to external characters alone. The recommendation for such 

 a method is obvious, since it enables the enquirer to ascertain at a 

 glance the requisite points by an examination of the creature as it lies 

 dead before him. I divide them, therefore, as follows: — 



TAILS NOT MARKEDLY COMPRESSED. 



(i.e., not flattened like an eel's— see fig. 1 B and C.) 



Fig. 1. 



o 



8 



A — Highly compressed tail typical of the seasnakes (Hydrophiidae). Poisonous. 

 B and C— Slightly compressed and round tails of landsnakes (including fresh water 

 forms) seen io both harmless and poisonous specieB. 



A — VENTRALS Family. Small blind snakes 



ABSENT. worm-like, and living 



Snakes in which the belly beneath the ground. 



and back are clothed with 1 Typhlopidae. HARMLESS. 



identical scales (see fig. 2). 2 Glauconiidae. 



