48 REPTILIA. 



vertebra} ; they become broader towards the abdomen, on the scuta 

 of which they extend a short way, terminating in broad rounded 

 ends ; the abdominal scuta are dull brownish green ; some of these 

 scuta just below the head are yellow, margined with black ; the 

 labial plates are also yellow, transversely banded with black, in a 

 vandyk pattern. 



Rows of scales, 21. 



Abdominal scuta, 236. 



Subcaudal scuta, Gl. 



Leno'th from muzzle to vent, 4 feet 5 inches ] r c , ^ , • , 

 „ of tail, 8i inches } 5 feet 1± inch. 



This specimen was obtained in Labuan, and was knocked 

 down from the branches of a tree overhanging the sea-beach, 

 amonsf which it was coiled. 



o 

 Dipsas fusca. 



Colour — above ; light brown, mottled and speckled with black or 

 deep brown ; these markings are for the most part arranged so as to 

 form indistinct transverse rib-like bands along each side ; below 

 — buff, speckled with deep brown; a series of patches of the same 

 colour occurs along each side of the abdominal scuta, very distinct 

 towards the head, but indistinct towards the tail ; the upper surface 

 of the head is brown, richly marked with ocellated spots of diflferent 

 shades of the same colour ; labial plates ochre yellow, the upper ones 

 transversely marked with deep brown or black. 



Body, elongated and much compressed at the sides, so as to be al- 

 most riband-shaped ; tail long, rounded, slender, and taperino' • the 

 transition from the compressed form of the body to the rounded tail 

 is very sudden and marked ; eyes large, circular, prominent ; nostrils 

 large, open in front. 



Itows of scales, 21. 



Abdominal scuta, 240. 



Subcaudal scuta, 140. 



Length of muzzle to vent, 2 feet G inches ] o c j^ , • ^ 

 „ of tail, 10 inches / ^ ^^^^ * ^"^^^s. 



Found in Labuan, where it was killed in the junale. It 

 somewhat resembles the description given of Dipsas monticola 

 by Dr. Cantor, but differs in some respects, especially in the 

 number of abdominal and subcaudal scuta. We have not, 

 however, had an opportunity of inspecting the D. monticola, 

 nor have we been able to find any other description of a simi- 

 lar serpent. We have, therefore, given the present species 

 the provisional name of Dipsas fusca. 



