REVISION OF THE KING SNAKES. 227 



little in pattern — a reverse of the normal situation. It is difficult 

 for the writer to conceive these forms as directly related. 



Besides pyrrhomelaena we have to consider gentilis. The range 

 of the latter broadly overlaps that of the former. We do not know 

 how far west it extends, as it is a secretive species, and very little 

 careful collecting has been done in Utah and Nevada. In the western 

 portion of its range gentilis certainly takes on a striking resemblance 

 to multicincta. It must be noted, however, that it appears to undergo 

 a decided reduction in number of ventrals. It is perhaps not impos- 

 sible that on reaching California it could become modified into 

 multicincta, but it seems unlikely. 



This would leave multicincta quite isolated, were it not for the 

 single specimen found by E. W. Nelson at Patzcuaro, Michoacan, 

 Mexico, and named by the writer, ruthveni. This specimen appears 

 to be very closely allied to multicincta, yet distinct from it. The 

 discovery of confirmatory specimens would be gratifying. 



