SNAKES OF CEYLON. L13 



proportions considerably in excess of the male, as will be 

 mentioned under "maximum length" (page 120). 



The relative proportions of the body and tail are subject to 

 slight variation in individuals of both sexes, but I can discover 

 no disproportion of sexual import. 



The anal glands in both sexes furnish a greenish -yellow 

 secretion of the consistency of custard. 



The male claspers are beset with numerous horny, claw-like, 

 curved processes, which must function as anchors. The 

 nearly allied species, the " grass snake," so common in 

 England (T. natrix), I have more than once encountered in 

 copula. When disturbed, instead of detaching themselves, 

 the larger and more powerful female made for the nearest 

 cover, dragging her partner unceremoniously behind. 



It seems as if these processes, which are re -curved so as to 

 oppose any traction efforts, serve to maintain attachment 

 during such an emergency. Their development is such and 

 they are so numerous, that they must provide a very firm grip 

 during the turgid state of the organ, and I can well imagine 

 that if under inordinate strain the parties were pulled asunder, 

 the female parts would sustain severe laceration. 



(b) Method of Reproduction : Stolata is oviparous in habit. 

 I have had specimens in captivity that have discharged eggs. 



(c) Season : It is a curious fact that though this snake gees 

 into retirement during the hot months in the plains, this 

 appears to be the season when matrimonial intercourse is for 

 the most part indulged in. This is evidently so in many cases, 

 judging from what we know of the period elapsing between 

 coitus and the deposition of eggs. The sexes must, therefore, 

 in many instances retire in pairs, for when the rains burst, and 

 the species re -appear, many, if not most of the females, are 

 already impregnated, and often to an advanced degree. 



In Cannanore in 1904 a few showers at intervals of several 

 days fell between March 18 and May 18, and frequent showers 

 between May 20 and June 4. On June 5 the monsoon burst, 

 and stolatus, up to this time a rarity, became abundant. I 

 obtained a gravid female in May and four in June. In 

 Fyzabad in 1906 the rains broke on June 18, when stolatus, up 

 to this date hardly in evidence, became numerous. I got one 



20 6(6)20 



