332 CLASS REPTILIA. 



at will. The scales Avliich cover it, usually nine in number, 

 are disposed, two bj two, on the point of the muzzle, and 

 on the occiput. 



The tympanic bone is mobile, and almost always suspended 

 to another bone analogous to the mastoidean, and fixed to the 

 cranium by muscles and ligaments. The branches of the 

 lower jaw are not united together, and those of the upper 

 hold to the intermaxillary bones only by ligaments, so that 

 they may be considerably separated. Accordingly they are 

 among the number of serpents which have the power of 

 swallowing bodies larger than themselves. 



The palatine arches participate in this mobility, and are 

 armed with sharp teeth, curved backwards, fixed, and not 

 pierced. The branches of the two jaws are furnished with 

 similar teeth, so thnt there are four ranges above, and two 

 only below. These teeth would appear to be replaced when- 

 ever they are removed, but there are no fangs. 



The tongue is forked, and very extensible. It is concealed, 

 when in a state of repose, under a gross fleshy mass, 

 situated at the bottom of the mouth. The oesophagus is, in 

 general, capable of great dilatation. 



These snakes are oviparous, and lay twice every year, viz- 

 in the early days of spring, and towards the end of svimmer. 

 Their eggs are oblong, and membranaceous, and are hatched 

 by the heat of the sun. 



The nature of the aliment of these reptiles varies according 

 to the species ; but they constantly seek out living animals, 

 insects, worms, batracians, moUusca, small fish, birds, qua- 

 drupeds, &c. They never eat fruits in gardens, nor suck 

 the milk of cows, in the fields, or stalls, as some visionary 

 shepherds or impostors have pretended, whose tales have 

 nevertheless spread this absurd prejudice throughout Europe. 



It is probable that they live a long time ; but we have no 

 certain data on this subject. 



