S78 CLASS REPTILIA. 



EcHis, Merr.j or Scytale, Daud., 



Have the head covered with small scales, and all 

 the subcaudal plates simple.* 

 We may also place here, 



The Langaha, Bruguieres, 



Which have the head covered with plates, the muz- 

 zle projecting and pointed, the anterior part of the 

 tail enveloped with entire rings which completely 

 surround it, and the posterior furnished below as 

 well as above with small imbricated scales. t 



Besides these two tribes, anciently observed, of 

 serpents properly so called, a third has been recog- 

 nized in these latter times, in which the jaws are 

 organized, and armed pretty nearly as in the non- 

 venomous serpents, but which have the first of 

 their maxillary teeth larger than the others, and 

 pierced for the purpose of conducting the poison, 

 as in the venomous serpents with isolated fangs, 

 of which we have just spoken. 



These serpents form two genera, distinguished, 

 like those of the two neighbouring families, by the 

 vesture of their belly and of the under part of their 

 tail. 



* Horatta, Pam. Russel, II. pi. 2, or Boa Horatta, Sh,, or Pseudoboa, 

 Carinata, Schn., or Scytale Lizonata, Daud. V. Ixx. ; Pseudoboa Krait, 

 Schn., or Scytale Krait, Daud. 



f The Langaha of Madagascar, Lacep, I. xxii., a serpent which is only 

 known by the figure given by Brugnieres. 



