SNAKES OF CEYLON. 97 



(/) The Eggs : Those I obtained in Cannanore were all 

 much alike in size, shape, and tension, but those I acquired 

 in Rangoon varied considerably. Some were tense, others 

 flaccid, and they varied much in size, as may be inferred 

 from their weights, which ranged from 1 drachm 28 grains 

 to 2 drachms 37 grains. These variations were probably the 

 result of impoverished health. Normally they are soft and 

 white without gloss. When voided they are evidently 

 surrounded with a glutinous pellicle, for they adhere firmly 

 at any points where chance has placed them in apposition. 

 The poles are isomorphous, the shape elliptical, and tension 

 much like that of a ripe grape. In length they vary from 

 27 to 40 mm. (1 1/12 to 1 11/20 inches), and in breadth from 

 18 to 25 mm. (15/20 to 1 inch). They vary in number from 

 8 to 87. I know of seven instances where they exceeded 50. 

 The greatest number I have had was 75, but Blanford records 

 85, and Mr. D'Abreu has informed me of a specimen with 87. 

 With the exception of the Python and Russell's viper, this 

 is the most prolific snake I know. 



Growth. — (a) Intraoval Life : From eggs I hatched out in 

 Shillong (Assam) I ascertained that the young grew at the 

 rate of about 75 mm. (3 inches) in twenty-four days. 



(b) The Hatchling : The young snake effects its own liberty 

 by cutting the egg investment by means of the fcetal tooth. 

 The exit apertures are variable in number and extent. In 

 one egg there were six cuts, more or less parallel in direction, 

 the longest over half an inch long. In another there was 

 but one cut, and this only a quarter of an inch in length. 



The fcetal tooth is not apparent when the little snake is 

 viewed in profile, as it does not project beyond the rostral, 

 in fact, this shield must be flattened to permit this structure 

 being brought into use. The cutting edge which is horizontal 

 and directed forwards is seen to be bidentate, owing to 

 a shallow, but broad, median emargination. 



The eggs I had in Shillong did not all hatch out at once, 

 but one hatched on September 8, three on the 14th, two on 

 the 16th, one on the 17th, and one on the 18th. 



The length of the hatchling varies from 170 to 215 mm. 

 (6| to 8J inches). 



18 6(6)20 



