lO A. H. McMahon — Notes on Fauna of Dir and Swat. [No. 1, 



tract appears to be the Zamenis which is therein represented by the 

 following species. 



Zamenis diudema. — This is very common, and the specimens 

 obtained average between 5 to 6 it. in length. One specimen killed 

 had just swallowed a large rat. The peculiarity about most specimens 

 is the bright red colour of their heads. I have noticed tliis elsewhere 

 on the N.-W. frontier. 



Zatnenis mucosus. — Also common. Several very large specimens 

 were sent me from Mardan. This snake, both in Mardan and here, is 

 very dark coloured, and curiously resembles the black form of cobra. 

 I have been more than once taken in by this resemblance* It is very 

 common in the Gruides' grass farm at Mardan, where it is the terror of 

 the grass cutters. It adds to its similarity to a cobra by inflating out 

 its neck into some resemblance to a cobra's hood — and assuming a 

 most threatening aspect. 



Zamenis ladacensis. — Very common. I also obtained specimens of 

 this snake with a bright vermilion line down the centre of its back. 

 I understand that this variety used to be considered a separate one 

 under the name Zamenis rhodorachis. This peculiar and very con- 

 spicuous colouring would almost appear to entitle it to retain a separate 

 name. 



Zamenis ventrimaculatus. — Not so common as the preceding species. 



Next to the Zamenis comes in point of numbers of specimens 

 obtained, the Echis carinatus, which is plentiful everywhere. It is 

 possible that it is in reality far more numerous than the Zamenis, but 

 escapes detection by its protective colouring and smaller size. This is 

 the only species of the Viper idse that has come to my notice in this 

 country. 



Naja tripudians. — I have only obtained a few specimens of the 

 cobra in this country. It does not appear to be numerous. Those 

 obtained have all been of the black variety. 



Bungarus cseruleus. — Only one specimen of the karait obtained, and 

 that in Malakand itself. 



Tropidonotus piscator, — Common in the Swat valley ; one large speci- 

 men was found to have 18 large developed eggs inside it. 



Tropidonatus stolatus. — One specimen. 



I have subsequently obtained another specimen, which I sent alive 

 to the Indian Museum, where I called Major Alcock's attention to its 

 colouring. The vivid light yellow colour of the centre portion of each 

 cross band down the length of its back has not been brought to notice 

 before. 



Lycodon striatus. — One specimen which I sent to the Indian Museum, 

 Calcutta, where it was identified by Major Alcock. 



