NAIA HAJE. 



lateral scales, and the internal angle between two of the subcaudal scales 

 of the other side. The number of abdominal plates varies from 200 to 227, 

 and the number of subcaudal scales from 53 to 67. The eyes are rather 

 large, and though not sunk in the orbit, appear rather deep from the sides 

 of the upper lip, and the supraorbital scales being very protuberant. 



Variety A. (Plate XVIII.) 



Ground colour either a pure or a reddish yellow, the depth of the tint 

 different in different individuals, but always lightest on the under parts. 

 The variegations, which consist of narrow longitudinal spots, or streaks, are 

 of an umber-brown or reddish brown colour, and vary in respect of number 

 in every individual specimen ; in some examples they are numerous, and on 

 some places confluent ; in others they are few, and hardly to be perceived, 

 those snakes being just in the stage which precedes their becoming what 

 would be regarded as specimens of yellow Copells, already described. 

 The abdominal plates, and in some individuals the subcaudal scales also, are 

 more or less mottled with umber-brown, or reddish brown variegations, which 

 always extend transversely, instead of longitudinally, and sometimes pass 

 from one extremity of the plate to the other. Eyes chesnut brown. 



Variety B. (Plate XIX.) 



Ground colour a rich umber-brown, more or less freely mottled with stripes, 

 spots, or blotches of gamboge-yellow and bright chesnut-brown. The 

 abdominal plates are generally a dull brownish purple-red, and towards the 

 head, generally tinted here and there with yellowish brown, and spotted with 

 yellowish white. The tail, both above and below, generally livid blackish 

 brown. Eyes deep chesnut brown. 



Variety C. (Plate XX.) 



Colour an uniform livid blackish brown, the livid tinge strongest on the 

 under parts, forming almost a sort of purplish slate-colour, which is 

 very dark and shining towards the head. The abdominal plates posteriorly 

 have each a light semipellucid margin, and the base of each plate, which is 

 covered by the plate in front of it, and also the portions of the scales of the 

 back and sides, which are generally covered by the adjoining scales, are of a 

 bright chesnut colour, best seen in dried skins. Eyes bright chesnut-brown. 



